Tuesday, May 11, 2010

WuYi - Da Hong Pao

This is a yancha from Jing tea shop. I waited a while to try this one because I wanted the flavors to even out.
I figured this would be a good plan.

The dry leaf smells as I expected it to.
Roasted cocoa notes dominate. A dash of cardamom urges for my attention as well.

The first infusion smelled of nutty caramel.
Taste;
A faint astringency is paired with toasted caramel notes.
Not so complex. Straight forward.

The second infusion;
exactly the same.


The third infusion showed some variation;
grainy notes came to mind; barley.
It was sweeter than the previous infusions.

Fourth infusion;
Sweet notes have turned into strawberry flavors.
The astringency remains present on the palate.

Fifth infusion;
Toasty tones linger along side a light mineral aspect.
This is an end to the tea.


Sometimes it is nice to relax with a simple tea.
This was an experience like so.

I enjoyed the session very much, as I was dabbling with my aunt about the tastes and how we perceived them.
It is an interesting thing that one can taste so different from another.

I also managed to chip my pot in the cleaning process.
I figure it adds some character.

I also decided to keep this tea for a while and see what age does to it.
I may roast it once in a while as well.
Future posts most likely are to come.



~billy

3 comments:

  1. No cardamon or cocoa in the flavour when you drink it?

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  2. Da Hong Pao from Wuyi mountains is definitely one of my most favorite amber oolong teas, since I've read one wonderful article on it and Wuyi in general in a local tea magazine few years ago and tried it a while later.

    Nice review!

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  3. Ice,

    Sometimes the aromas found do not transfer to the liquor. Tea is a strange thing.


    Michal,

    I enjoyed this tea very much. I will definitely have to taste a few more WuYi's to really get a feel for them, as I have only had maybe 6 different ones. The astringency of this tea surprised me though. I did not expect it!

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