the_skua steeps

The fact that it’s been nearly a month since I reviewed a tea is testament to the fact of how poorly I’ve done at allotting time in my life for detailed study. Many times, it just wasn’t possible. Regardless, I’m so happy to be getting back to it. Unfortunately, my re-entry is marked with a tea of sub-par quality.

The needles of this tea were incredibly varied. A large portion were broken significantly and the color spectrum ranged from punishingly pale to a deeply hued golden to a near black. This was even more evident in the cup after a few steeps. The variance in processing showed through in the flavor and texture of the tea. The brief glimmering moments of delight came in the first wetting of the leaves, as they breathed out some apricot, muscatel, and white fig jam. After that it was all down hill, with an over-oxidized, weak black tea, and papery character. No pale fruits, little straw, and vanishing to non-existent sweetness.

I am honestly excited that regions are exploring tea styles that they have not historically produced, but as this example shows, some refinement is needed in the production process before these style-newcomers can create tea in the style that comes even close to holding a candle to the traditional producers. I look forward to that day, it will be a new dawn of tea terroir.

On a more pleasant note, I suggest reading this article by Dr. Andrew Weil (of whom I am a big fan) on his life with tea. A must read.

REFERENCES

Teaviews – Review: Green Tea Lovers Adam’s Peak White

Tags: silver needle, white

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 at 3:03 PM and is filed under group tastings, silver needle, white. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.