Upon opening the package of tea, I find the smell fresh and rich. Grassiness and nuttiness waft from the leaves. However, the aromas are not overwhelming. Instead, the tea embodies a certain maturity in its richness. Typical Dragon Well-sweetness wreaths it all.
The instructions of the package prompt for a one to six minute steep time. Choosing four minutes for tablespoon and a half of leaves, which I have put into a twelve ounce mug, I heat the water to185℉ and set my timer. As I wait, I contemplate the aroma of the brewing tea.
Different in some ways from the dry leaves, the intensity of aromas has subsided, which is not to say that it is in any way "weak." The nuttiness smells heavier and the edges are buttery. The timer rings - Time for a taste! One sip blows me away. The flavors of this tea are so incredibly thick and bold (yet not strong), and "heavy" might be a better descriptor, though they are not heavy in the same respect that an incredibly-smoky black tea might taste. Filling the mouth with flavor, it seems to saturate the taste buds. Primarily, I taste nuttiness in the green tea with edges of natural sweetness. The grassiness is very subdued, which provides a pleasant, smooth texture. After each drink, I am left with a pleasant aftertaste of nutty Dragon Well.
This tea was superb. On my personal enjoyment scale, I would rate it a 97/100, and I highly urge my readers to give this tea a try. As it is a very high grade, the price is a bit more restrictive than would make for a "daily-drinker," but the tea embodies the essence of a treat. Just be sure to steep it, while it is still fresh!
Photo credit to Teavivre.
Teavivre's Organic Nonpareil Ming Qian Dragon Well Long Jing Green Tea can be purchased from their website, here.
This tea sample was provided by Teavivre for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Text content is copyright 2014, Built from Ink and Tea .
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