This tea is very mild and slight astringent. It's similar to indian tea. But gamma of taste-aroma is wider with subtle hints of dried fruits or something.
This tea is quite boring for me and for everyone who likes vivid, expressive hongcha.
Positive sides: It can't be overbrewed, and the huge leaves are very beautiful and great.
(Posted on 27/08/2013)
Great hongcha with plenty of character. Brews pretty strong but with enough subtleties to keep it interesting and lasts long in the back of the throat. Recommended.
(Posted on 27/11/2011)
This was my first hongcha from Taiwan, and I noticed the difference in comparison with the Chinese red teas. The tea has unique character which makes it interesting, but on the other hand I was expecting more malty notes and “bottom of the cup" sweetness. As it was already mentioned this hongcha works nicely as a morning tea with its fresh and wild character. A curiosity is that every time I drink this tea I somehow associate it with the dark blue color :).
(Posted on 26/10/2011)
When i first smelled this tea as it was brewing in the gaiwan I got that lipton teabag aroma and was preparing myself for boredom. But in the cup it transformed to something more interesting with some nice mushroomy forest notes. The tea itself has enough bite to keep you interested. While red tea is not my normal choice for my cup, I found enough in this tea to keep me interested.
(Posted on 14/10/2011)
I have had several Taiwan black teas. Most of them are somewhat sweet, perhaps a bit akin to an oolong.
This one however is stronger, with a touch of tannic flavor or astringency. I believe it is an Assam. This is what I drink when I want a strong black tea, particularly if I want to drink tea while eating breakfast or another meal. I find that most other teas are difficult to appreciate when eating but this one can hold it's own.
I also appreciate the natural / organic way in which it is produced.
(Posted on 11/09/2011)