Witches Broom Pu erh/New Mexico Tea. . . #spookyseason

Photo Credit: New Mexico Tea Company

Generally not much of a pu er drinker but every once in a while I stumble across an interesting name like this one and find it difficult to not want to try.

This one definitely looks interesting, bundled as it is. But once taken out of the bundle it just becomes another large leaf tea. Kinda.  Unlike some other teas this one has the longest stems I have ever seen.

The initial aroma is very woodsy (when the hot water first hits the leaves).

10 second rinse. Now the wet leaf aroma is medicinal with a touch of…. vaseline.

After the first steep the aroma changes to hay and barn. The flavor begins with bits of stone fruit but then changes to hay.

On my fourth steeping here I am starting to find more wet woods flavors. Cedar.


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Leaf Type:  Puerh

Where to Buy:  New Mexico Tea Company

Description

A bizarre and wonderful tea. This aged green puerh tea is made up of extraordinarily large tea leaves that have been gathered into small bundles that resemble traditional brooms, hence the name. It has a marvelous flavor and delivers a light, woodsy aftertaste. We recommend six to eight leaves per cup with multiple steepings.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Wild Monsoon/teakruthi

Photo Credit: teakruthi

In one year you probably couldn’t taste all of the different types of tea. I would be highly impressed and maybe a little worried if you did.

The differences that one can find from one plant is astounding.

Even the region of Ceylon, which is generally known for its black teas, has a variety of different types. Take a Ceylon green, a Japanese green, and a Chinese green and you will get many different flavor profiles! It’s amazing!

So far in all of the Teakruthi samples I’ve tried I have discovered most to have astringency but this one doesn’t have a bit. There is a bit on the second, though I am also using a smaller steeping vestibule.

A unique mix of woodsy and earthy notes. Some nutty notes here and there. Wet forest floor in the wet leaf aroma after steeping but the most amazing smell as soon as the water touched the leaves. (There needs to be a term for this)

Instantly my nostrils were filled with wet warm jungle. Like I wasn’t standing in my kitchen anymore. What an amazing feeling that was.


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Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  teakruthi

Description

We harvested our Wild Monsoon tea from the Southern province of Sri Lanka in the Ruhuna tea district. This tea grows in an area nourished by high humidity and monsoon season, and surrounded by diverse wildlife. The forests of Ruhuna are home to elephants, leopards, bears, wild boar, deer, giant flamingos, and of course, the finest teas. The area is teeming with life; it is never dull. Dark gold in colour, this tea is mild, malty, and fine, and delivers to your pallet a lively flavour that tastes like adventure.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

2017 Wild Arbor Bai Mu Dan/Verdant – Skysamurai

The best part about a portable gaiwan is that you can bring it places that would be too awkward for other tea accessories.

Nothing quite like a good session on the beach. Though our MN sand is kinda rough. 1st steeping. Couple of minutes.

Light yellow liquid. Mellow with no astringency.

Beautiful fuzzy leaves and gorgeous pale green leaves. Velvety and oddly floral in aroma. Or maybe more akin to a very dark chocolate?

Flavor is earthy. Slightly rough on the tongue with the third steeping.


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Leaf Type: White Tea

Where to Buy: Verdant Tea

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Golden Dawn Oolong/TeaSource -Skysamurai

Photo Credit: Teasource

Busting out the aroma cup set for this session.

The only steeping guidelines on the bag are for western-style but I prefer my oolongs gong fu style. Experimenting with tea gives you a better sense of what parameters the tea is best suited to.

It’s harder to do that with western style unless you have a cupping set made for tasting. The inital smell is full of lilacs and orchids. While the wet leaf is reminiscent of a rainforest after a light rain with slight butter.

My first steeping wasn’t long enough. Only did about 30 seconds, which usually is enough to decipher something but the hot tea didn’t give me much. Ah, now that is has cooled it begins to shine.

Vegetal and little butter slight mineral in the aftertaste. The second steep is better and ripe with heavy orchid aroma from the aroma cup.


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Leaf Type:  Oolong

Where to Buy: Teasource

Description

An everyday tea you can soak up like rain. Clean aromatics, a light-bodied cup, and a bright, mineral character. More traditionally known as Huang Jin Gui.

This tea was made by Mr. Lin Rui Fu of Huqiu town in Anxi County, Fujian, China. Huang Jin Gui style oolongs are known for producing wonderfully fragrant teas, but sometimes with lighter body.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Ceylon Emerald/Teakruthi – Skysamurai

Photo Credit: Teakruthi

Close Facebook.

Put on music with erhu in it.

Deeply inhale. Exhale. Fruits. Strawberry. Peach. Do it again. Pineapple and mango.

Drink in a double-walled glass cup in order to fully enjoy the gorgeousness of this tea. Though don’t try to sip it grandpa style. The rose petals will try to choke you.

Tiny pink ninjas they are. This tea is better brewed cold. The fruity flavors come out better without the astringency taking over.

Personally, I wasn’t really a fan of it when it hot because I thought it was a bit too tannic, even with the fruity flavor.


Want to Know More About This Tea?

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  Teakruthi

Description

Light, almost golden, yellow when perfectly brewed, this distinctive green tea begins its journey growing on the picturesque Radella Estate. Like only the finest Ceylon gems can do, this tea sparkles brilliantly, bewitching your taste buds with its flavour. To this unique, high grown green tea base we have added the makings of a tropical vacation. Tangy pineapple and tropical fruits including strawberry, mango, and peach compliment the Green tea base, teasing out its hidden flavours. Each sip is a moment of pure ecstasy, transporting you from your daily life to a world of the seaside relaxation that you truly deserve.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!