Tasting time…

Just opening the packet and breathing in the dry leaves, the aroma was WOW! Not to be too melodramatic, but the scent was enough to knock your socks off – an intense floral sweetness, combined with a slight grassy element and a soft, faint earthiness. The dry leaves were a deep, dark green and in the shape of very thin, long, wiry “needles”.

Adding water…

The infused leaves seemed almost luminescent – bright and shiny with a multi – toned “radiant greenness”. The liquor itself was clear, and very light green jade tones in color, with a hint of yellow.   Interesting that sometimes this tea is referred to as “jade dew” – aptly named for the color of the infusion was the color of jade, that highly prized beautiful translucent to opaque green stone. The aroma was pleasant, light, with a mild mix of floral and perhaps sweet spring peas.

Steeping…

This tea should be brewed at a lower water temperature; 75 – 85 C/170-185 F. When higher water temperatures are used and then steeped for an extended time, the tea can quickly become bitter. I got three delicious infusions – each steeping for a longer period – the 1st was about 1 ½ minutes, the 2^nd was for 2 minutes and the 3^rd was about 2 ½ minutes.  The flavor of En Shi Yu Lu is both floral and herbaceous in the cup. Drinking the tea brings forth a complex set of flavors. Patience and attentiveness will reward you with many nuances in the multiple infusions. Remember bitterness only occurs if you let the leaves steep too long.

Once again, I am surprised by a green tea.  In the end, overall, I must say, En Shi Yu Lu had a rich body and mouth feel.  It was very refreshing with a clean and smooth taste. On the rating scale it was a 4.

Rating Scale

All teas will be rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 for dislike and 5 as love:

1. Dislike (I didn’t like the tea and would not repurchase)
2. Passable (I didn’t dislike the tea, but I didn’t think it was very good)
3. Average (I didn’t find it good or bad and would drink it again)
4. Good (I liked it but it and may repurchase)
5. Love (I enjoyed it lot and would repurchase)

Next… F is for Flush