I decided since I have not committed my 110ml 'Dragon Egg' Yixing pot to a particular tea yet, to brew up 5 grams in 'the egg' and 5 grams in my 120ml gaiwan. Temperature at 195f.
I cannot tell if they both tasted the same or if the steeps in the Yixing have a slight mineral taste, but I was not unpleased with how it tasted in my Dragon-Egg and until now nothing has tasted good in that pot, to the point I've regretted buying it just a bit! So this is a nice pairing perhaps.
Compared the colors of the rinse and two steeps and it seemed equally pleasing to my eye.
Mountain Tea is new to me and because of their generosity I will have a chance to try this Amber Oolong for many weeks to come. I can imagine this being a tea I depend upon this coming fall.
Their description of it is lovely to read, so I will share that now...
'Why roast tea? A masterful roast imparts complexity to already quality leaf. The general rule of thumb is that firing enhances taste rather than adding it. Amber Oolong is a friendly introduction into the world of roasted oolong. It is fired using charcoal made from the wood of the Longan tree, translated as “Dragon’s Eye fruit” to English because of its distinct shape and texture. This choice of wood is comparable to a barbeque enthusiast selecting fruit tree wood—apple, peach, cherry wood—for cuts. The smoke imparts a mild-mannered sweetness that never overpowers. The dry leaf scent is reminiscent of bananas. The color of the liquor is pitch perfect amber red in color. Aroma is spicy and exciting, with a fragment of woodsy toastiness. Depending on the brewing temperature, expect smells of cloves, nutmeg, and toasted grains. The flavors are deep in the mouth, surprisingly full-bodied and creamy, with most notes tending toward fruitiness. If the goal of roasting tea is adding complexity, consider our Amber Oolong a qualified success; expect to be surprised.'
I personally did not get a hint of banana, but of sunflowers! Maybe it was the color that brought sunflowers to mind, the color is indeed a gorgeous rich amber hue. This is a very kind and gentle and easy-to-like tea, and an exceptionally good one for a beginner like myself.
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| Mountain Tea Amber Oolong brewed identically in a gaiwan and a dragon-egg! |