I ran across this tea almost by accident. Visiting one of numerous teahouses in
This actual tea is from Jukro Tea Company. I remember drinking one of their teas last year, but it was obviously of lower grade than this one - leaves weren't so alike and smell was more harsh, if my mind isn't lying to me once again. Still, it was a very pleasant tea.
After opening the golden package, I found… another package, this time transparent. Finally, after opening this one, incredibly fresh, green, sweet and deep smell hits my nose and attacks my senses. This is one of those teas smell of which can already persuade you of its wonderful quality.
This tea is prepared in stoneware houbin made by Czech potter Karel Zila and drunk from cup made by Jan Jansky, because it somehow just goes well with it.
First infusion is prepared with quite tepid water, bringing out most satisfying result – creamy sweetness, milky and even with some gentle tones of pears and apples. There is also a very refined spiciness, however not rising above other characteristics of this tea. Everything seems to be well-balanced, just as I would expect of tea of this high quality.
I gradually used hotter and hotter water for further infusions, all of which were similarly satisfying, soft and harmonizing. In the end, this tea gave me six tasty infusions and harmony in mind.
Half an hour after finishing the session, pleasant aftertaste of this tea still lingers on my tongue and reminds me of the wonderful taste itself.
I am not going to eat or drink anything else for a while; just because I don’t want it to vanish so fast.
From dry leaves to aftertaste, this tea is beautiful.
Good thing you have a reliable vendor for korean teas!
ReplyDeleteKorean teas are, if of good quality, excellent. I was fortunate enough to find a few quality vendors when searching through the vast amount of booths at the World Tea Expo.
Michal,
ReplyDeleteJookro is an old staple in the Korean tea world- their teas are always a treat. Your tasting notes and pictures are quite nice.
The bold black print on the tea bag says "jung jak" or third flush. Traditionally it is tea picked after the 5th or 6th of May. This tea probably tastes like a "sae jak" because it is so fresh! Last year you may have had a "dae jak" grade (the summer pick) or perhaps just a not-as-fresh "jung jak" grade.
Thanks for this post.
Peace
William,
ReplyDeleteI envy you the World Tea Expo! We don't have any event like that around here. There is one small tea-related festival in Czech republic close to the border with Slovakia, but it's just a small, almost family-like event.
Matt,
Thank you for correction, I will change it. I was confused by the English language etiquette on the back side which says that it was picked on 1st of May. Seems like the third flush was picked a little bit earlier this year.
Still, the tea is really wonderful (especially for third flush) and I'm glad that I ran across it ;)