Rose Tuocha from Tao of Tea

Tea Type: Pu-Erh

Where To Buy: Tao of Tea

Product Description:

Origin: Southern Yunnan, China

Introduction: The Tuocha refers to a family of bowl shaped teas, commonly available as Green tea Tuocha, Black tea Tuocha and Puer (aged) Tuocha. More recently, Tuochas have also become commonly available by compressing the tea leaves and flowers together, or by heat infusing them together. In making the Rose Tuocha, more mature leaves of the tea plant are selected in summer, sun-dried, steamed, oxidized to turn dark, then compressed along with rose petals into small bowls. Wrapped with paper, the Rose Tuocha are an ideal size (3 grams) for individual serving.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, smooth, very mild rose flavor with little astringency.

Tasters Review:

I decided to do an infusion test with this tuocha!  Here are my findings:

The 1st infusion was incredibly smooth with slight rose aroma and flavors.  It reminded me of the aroma of Seitan/Vegan Bacon! Before infusing.  The taste is VERY good…VERY smooth and almost sweet!   An awesome Pu-erh!

2nd infusion was completely different from the first…still good tho!
It’s darker in color (I could have over infused) and bolder taste-wise.
Not as sweet….more woodsy…I can also taste more of a floral rose too.  It’s Malty yet smooth!

3rd infusion was still dark in color a little more wormy/woodsy and less sweet but more floral. There is a hint of something fruity…perhaps plum?
Not as malty – not as smooth but still strong!

4th infusion smells more like a plain black tea now…still dark in color…about the same darkness as before.  There is a stronger fruit-like flavor…I’m thinking raisin, plum, maybe a berry of some sort…OH! Maybe Strawberry…yeah!  It’s like if you were to take plums, strawberry, and raisins and create a hybrid fruit! This is very interesting and the sweetness has come back in full force!

I was going to stop with this infusion and switch teas but not I am wondering what the next infusion will bring! 🙂

5th infusion is much lighter in color.  It has a Hay-Like Aroma.  The taste is a paler strawberry and plum combo but a little bit of the sweetness returned!

I really like this infusion for the smoother and sweeter yet fruity notes! Still a good cuppa!