If you are a fan of scented teas, this should probably be at the top of your list. Personally, apart from standard Earl Grey tea bags, scented teas are not something I have experience with. While I still prefer tea leaves by themselves, with no added flavors, this really blew me away with the controlled development of powerful flavors.
First, I think it is worth noting that the tea itself is a green tea – which I think I could pick up on in the finish – hints of the fruity sweetness you would find in a Xinyang Mao Jian. Definitely a green tea with a nice body and sweet, fresh flavors. Although the tea played a behind-the-scenes role, the flavors were a good vehicle for the strong jasmine and bergamot flavors. Also worth noting that the tea leaf grade was FTGFOP1. Quality stuff.
Second, the jasmine and bergamot flavors were very nice – real stuff used, little bits of bergamot floating around… No fake, chemically flavors at all.
The experience starts with a rush of floral jasmine that blends in a measured development with citrusy bergamot. The citrus flavors finally give way to a sweet, candied orange peel flavor that finally transforms into a bubble-gum sweetness. Really an impressive development from start to finish.
An interesting combination, masterfully blended. Despite my doubts regarding scented teas, this really did impress me.
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Dry leaf – bergamot, candied orange peel, jasmine
Smell – jasmine is first scent that is noticeable. Then, bergamot citrus sweetness. Bubble gum sweetness apparent. Cannot discern any noticeable green tea notes.
Taste – jasmine floral that softens and subsides into bergamot citrus. Citrus notes become softer and sweeter in development. Some brief sweet, grassy green tea notes in finish with bubble-gum sweetness aftertaste.