This is my second session with it, the last time was my first time. I know I loved it, but it tastes better now and I am trying to figure out why. Today is a far and away different day than we have had in many months, it's our first overcast, rainy day in god-only-know how long, so that must be part of it. The windows are open, the parrots in the trees have moved on, September Eleventh has come and past, which always leaves me feeling like I can let go of my breath, as if I had been holding it all week long. I am feeling very clean, having started this session right after a shower, there is no scent of the day on me, nothing but clean skin and soap. And the Dong Ding is so insanely floral in my mouth. The smell of the hot leaves gives no indication that the broth will taste like flowers, it is sweet smelling for sure but smells green and vegetal, and the mouth-feel is pure perfume. Not cloying, not too sweet, but perfect. Smooth, light, leaving a silkiness behind.
As I said, this is my first Dong Ding, I haven't tried anyone else's yet but I am certainly going to have a high bar for those when I do for I shan't forget the way I feel right now, not anytime soon. I wonder how many times I can steep this before the magic goes away? I'm at five or six right now while I pause to let the leaves rest, and hopefully refresh themselves while they prepare to dazzle me a little more! One can only hope.
