My Overall Impression (Score of 89.25%)

First of all, WOW!!!  I love drinking this cup and get super excited when I pull it out to brew.  This 2021 tea is unreal and the highest rated tea so far.  The aroma felt a touch muted in the bag so I’m wondering if it’s lost a bit of its potency.  However, what it showed was amazing in complexity and depth. 

The flavor profile is so unique like nothing I have ever tried to this point.  I equate this to drinking a Gran Reserva Rioja wine.  It has so much complexity that you have to look for because its subtle.  It’s exceptionally smooth on the palate but just shows beautiful flavor notes.

Please note that this rating is for the Spring 2021 blend that I’ve kept sealed well to maintain its quality.  The pricing below reflects what you can purchase this tea for presently but it’s for the 2022 blend.

As of 4/25/23, the price for the 2022 offering is 50 gm for $9.00.

Broken down:

• 50 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 16 cups
• 16 cups from package = 56 cents per cup

Typically, I double steep all my teas (use the tea twice) so I can get 32 cups or approximately 28 cents per cup.  This is an incredible value and worth trying out the 2022 blend (which I’m ordering soon).

Aromas

• Opening the package shows high malt / alfalfa aromas with hints of brown sugar, caramel and dried grass.
• In the cup, it shows intense dried malt tones with hints of hay, leather, green beans, grass, bean sprouts, parsley and dried herbs.
• In-depth aromas feel like they are ever changing throughout the profile (constantly evolving).

Flavors

• Incredible inviting, smooth and silky mouthfeel that incorporates the moderate tannins exceptionally well.
• Consistent malt tones over the entire curve that never waver.
• Over the core, it shows hints of dried parsley, honey, biscuit, toast and smoke and bosc pear.
• It shows hints of white pepper and cocoa dust at the end.

Scores

• Aromas (4.3/5)
• Flavors (8.8/10)
• Overall impression (4.75/5)
  • Total score = 89.25 percent (17.85/20)

Foods to Pair

• Again, brewing a cup of this and relaxing without pairing anything is a perfect idea.
• Braised beef short ribs will pair with the flavors, mouthfeel, aromas, acid levels, sweetness and body (I tried it for dinner- incredible pairing)
• Smoked focaccia with Rosemary to match the flavors from the malt tones, aromas, mouthfeel and body.
• Migas with chopped smoked beef or pork to match with the body, flavors, aromas, mouthfeel and sweetness.
• Oatmeal currant white chocolate scones to match the flavors, sweetness, body, and mouthfeel.