This is the July 26th pressing of a 250g tuo cha.
The appearance of the tuo is good with medium compression and a fair mix of tips and leaves.
The first steep is very smooth with subtle hints of smoke, but nothing overwhelming. Great body is followed by a gentle cooling sensation and leaves a very fruity aftertaste that sits all over the tongue and continues to evolve for several minutes. The infusion leaves a bright chocolatey fragrance in the cup that I can’t help but soak in for several seconds.
A little rougher entry on the second steep, but it does not detract from the pleasantness of the tea, rather it strengthens the fruits and aroma. A little more bitterness and little less body, but again since it has so much else to offer this doesn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Steep three is still strong and pleasant with more fruit and aroma, but also more astringency.
Steep four starts to drop off, but is still uniformly delicious, just more watery than the steeps leading up to it.
The aftertaste continues on for the next 5 steeps and the dryness slowly dissipates. Overall I would give this tea a very high rating. I think it will be excellent aged and a joy to drink as it ages.
