Tea

5 g in 400 mL 90 C Steep 1: 4.5 min Steep 2: 12 min Strong characteristic fresh grape aroma (muscatel) Taste notes of dessert wine (dried tropical fruits, dried red fruits), honey, slight wood character (gentle astringency), honey suckle.

single-estate tea grown in the Sabaragamuwa region of Sri Lanka 2 tea spoons 380 mL water 90 C Steep 1: 5.5 minutes Steep 2: 15 minutes Very large distinctive leaves. Liquor turns coppery red within seconds Light honeyed and tobacco aroma Distinctive buttery mouthfeel Gentle notes of honey and tobacco Slightly malty. Slightly flowery Lingering astringency Experience dominated by  very smooth mouthfeel Reminiscent of Lipton, but much higher quality. Likely very good for ice tea Have also tried Gongfu brewing with 8 grams per 100 mL: early steeps are strong with dried fruit, honey and some floweriness reminiscent of Yunnan black. Honey notes carry throughout brew. There is less smoothness until later steeps as expected for larger base leaves taking time to unfurl and release starchiness. This is in contrast with the company’s high mountain brew, which is more filled with buds, and therefore more flowery and Less smooth. To experience full smoothness and flavor, w...

Leaves are small and bud like. There are many broken leaves as well and leaves with holes indicating insect bite. This could explain some of the Muscatel. 1.8 teaspoon 350 mL water 90 C water Steep 1: 4 min Steep 2: 8 min Steep 3: indefinite time Light, flowery, herbal Some muscatel in nose Muscatel, herb, flowery hops, light wood notes in taste Lingering herbal, fresh hop and cooling mint I am told mint is often a sign of Assamica tea but these are supposed to be chinary.