My Overall Impression (Score of 88 %)

At the moment, this is the highest rated tea that I’ve reviewed for two reasons.  First , this is a quality cup of tea.  I wish when I first started drinking green tea that I was exposed to this particular blend.  I tried a few others and was not happy (flavor and astringency).  This blend has amazing characteristics from the flavors, aromas, and beautiful mouthfeel. 

Second, I have to tell you that I purchased this on a whim.  Teasource was having a sale and wanted to try a green tea to start to train my palate.  I’m ecstatic that I purchased this!!  This changed my viewpoint on green teas and I will be sharing more green tea reviews.  This is a great tea for the price structure, especially for starting your journey into greens.

As of 3/29/2023, here is the cost breakdown for 4 oz (w) at $9.00.

Broken down:

• 113 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 37 cups
• 113 gm cost $9.00 or 24 cents per cup

Typically, I double steep all my teas (use the tea twice) so I can get 74 cups or approximately 12 cents per cup.  I do not believe that you will find another loose tea of this quality anywhere near this price.  Exceptional value!!!

BTW, this is one of their regular offerings.  They are having a sale as of the day I’m writing this.  The price as of this morning for 4oz is selling for $4.50!!

Quick note:  Temperature is exceptionally important as it will change your perception.  For this review, I brewed it at 195 F following the website info.  This produced bold aromas and flavors.  However, my bag listed the brewing temperature at 175 F. 

I decided to brew a fresh cup at 175 F.  Everything I listed regarding the aromas and flavors were the same but muted or toned down on intensity by half.  The mouthfeel, sweetness levels and astringency did not change.  Therefore, you can brew this tea at different temperatures to get different results. 

Aromas

• In the bag, intense aromas of seaweed and green vegetable tones with hints of hops, dried apples/pears, and floral tones (jasmine, geraniums).
• Also hints of dried parsley, sage, and thyme.
• After brewing huge intense seaweed and green leaf vegetables .
• Hints of green bell pepper, fennel / anise, and green grapes.
• Remind me a bit of walking in wet fall leaves (hint of musty).

Flavors

• Exceptionally smooth mouthfeel with an off dry sweetness level. It’s so easy drinking as it flows over your palate with very low astringency.
• Flavors of seaweed mixed with fresh picked snow peas and nasturtium flowers dominate.
• These are followed by hints of dry parsley, mint, sage, and fennel bulb.
• The mouthfeel reminded me of consuming cilantro as it had the same texture.

Scores

• Aromas (4.5/5)
• Flavors (8.6/10)
• Overall impression (4.5/5)
  • Total score = 88.0 percent (17.6/20)

Foods to Pair

• Fresh roasted vegetables dusted with Herbs De Provence to match the flavors, mouthfeel, contrast the sweetness.
• Asian lettuce wraps to match the flavors and sweetness.
• Watercress sandwiches with bacon to match with the flavors, mouthfeel, sweetness, and contrast with peppery tones.
• Green curried shrimp over rice to match with the flavors, and mouthfeel.
• Peaches poached in a very light mint syrup to match with the green tones, sweetness levels and mouthfeel.