Oh lordy lordy, this is delicious! I only bought a tiny sample of this (as always, thanks bulk jars at Central Market!), but I already know I’m going to be buying more.
Dry, the leaves trigger a strong smell-related memory of Filipino cooking. I say this because my neighbors growing up were Filipino, and for all the parties they held (which was a lot) they always cooked a spread of different rice, noodle, and fish dishes that filled the house with this rich, welcoming, savory aroma. If I had to narrow it down, I would say it smells like white rice with a freshly fried eggroll.
Brewed, it smells like warm broth, very similar to the dry smell. Upon sipping, I taste a familiar greenness, but a rich creamy mouthfeel that reminds me of my beloved kukicha by Rishi. There is no bitterness or vegetableness (not that I don’t love those things too!) at all. I taste butter and fluffy white rice. I can see how others describe fresh moss, as there is a little aged depth to the flavor. I can smell a little floral edge to it, but I’m definitely not getting anything I would describe as ‘fruity’.
Absolutely yum. I think savory, buttery, creamy, greenness is my favorite tea flavor profile. Jade oolong has just rocketed to the top of my favorites! :O
