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5g/100ml @ 190F, first steep 15 seconds, +10 seconds each additional steep.
From Jade's notes: "Anxi Oolongs - Currently the Anxi oolongs from the Fujian province are known for a very green, floral Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess). They have a slew of other, lesser known oolongs that are somewhat floral in nature....This is a decent "greener" TGY, it's very sweet and floral." She suggested the spent leaves could be used in an overnight cold brew, so I may try that.
These tea leaves were rolled into little balls. On the first steep, they did not unroll much, I detected a sweet, spinachy aroma and flavor. The tea looked pale green and delicate in the cup, but very different from Japanese greens, not nearly as astringent.
On the second steep (25 seconds), the leaves unfurled all the way and the aroma got much more floral, with the vegetal spinach stepping courteously towards the rear. Glad I like this because I ordered something very similar from Yunnan Sourcing. And images of Uncle Iroh from "Avatar" sipping this and smiling beatifically. (Second steep has gone cold in my cup, still nice.)
Third steep, 35 seconds, leaves now fill the gaiwan, taste and aroma about the same as the second steep. Why am I not swanning about in silk right now?
Speaking of which, the shipment from Yunnan Sourcing arrived today. Since I promised to share samples with Mary (an SCA friend up in Sacramento who expressed interest and she and her husband are always sending me things), I took five grams from each 25 gram bag, put them in ziplock sandwich bags and tagged each with name, description and brewing suggestions. I will add samples of the sencha and houjicha when the teas from Ippodo arrive next week, then send them off to her. I need to find a nice little something to send Jade as a thank you.
Edit: Drained the leaves on a paper towel, then put them in my iced tea pitcher with a quart of water to steep overnight. Still smells heavenly and makes a delicious cold brew.
