OK, don't panic, remember this is making 12 ounces and I can re-steep just as many times as I do in the little gaiwan. Am I wrong? (That is one of my common daily quotes from The Big Lebowski. Walter Sobchak constantly asking that question. Just FYI.)
I heat the water at a higher temperature than I usually do for Oolong, again following the printed instructions that came with the brewer so I am brewing the water to 205f. For me that is Puerh temp, I usually brew Oolongs at 190f tops. But I am following instructions. It's nice to have instructions actually, especially using a new tool at 6am.
First I warm the vessels, then add 7.38 grams of rolled Oolong, (I couldn't get myself to do 8!) and when the vessel is warmed and the tea is waiting I fill it to the brim, cover and wait.
Two minutes they say. I am hovering, as you can imagine, over the infuser and about ten seconds into my two minute wait I wonder, 'What is that gorgeous smell?' I can smell the Amber Oolong brewing! Even with the lid on and the infuser sitting snug on the pitcher, the amount of tea and the temperature, and the way it is steeping is giving my keen nose a hint that I am about to see and taste my Amber Oolong in a wholly new way.
And yes! Look at the color! And, oh god, the first sip is heaven. I wasn't supposed to rinse this, right?
Hope not, we are in a drought here, and this is 12 ounces of liquid and it looks and smells divine. Not too light at all, rich, honey-hued deliciousness.
This tea, and I have had it for 5 months, has never tasted better. Not in the gaiwan, not in the celadon, not in the Jian Shui. In all my experimentation with this tea, which I consider to be a safe, solid-tasting and reliable daily drinker, never has it reached a flavor profile this distinct. Wow, 7.38 grams, huh? I never, ever would have used that much in a gaiwan or one of my little pots. My largest vessel for Oolongs is a 'huge' Jian Shui holding 7 ounces, even then I might have used 6 grams at the most.
Who do I thank for this discovery? It feels like I should be thanking god, but that's really not my style and I doubt she was involved so obviously I thank Jason Chen, and perhaps even more so I thank Andrew Goodman who is helping this newbie discover new ways of hedonistic yet appreciative Teaism that is forming the basis of the rest of my day. I am now off to pee a bunch and then take an early morning walk where I will undoubtedly smile and hail each passer-by in a blindingly happy fashion.
(Buddha-mom big time happy. Peace OUT!)
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| (The Tea-pet gang wondering where the hell I think I am going as I walk past them with that big white pitcher and mug in my hand headed for my desk to write about this!) |