This one's a little hard to explain.
I am tasting this tea (2008 Lao Ban Zhang Wild Arbor), and it's like there's a hole where the flavor should be. I feel the warmth, I can taste astringency, and I get an echo of sheng-ness, but I feel like I'm just tasting *around* the tea, and can't directly taste it.
It's like Heisenberg's UncertainTEA.
I thought maybe I had/have a cold coming on, but I can't taste other things just fine. It's really almost like the tea itself has numbed my palette.
Anybody tried this tea? Anybody had an experience like this before? Yeesh... I might have to break out some shu just to do a recalibration...!
Jan 27th, '09, 20:37
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Re: 2008 Lao Ban Zhang -- a hole where the flavor should be?
Could be the weather? Seriously!! My tea/smoke have been missing something since New Year's day!!!Drax wrote:This one's a little hard to explain.
I am tasting this tea (2008 Lao Ban Zhang Wild Arbor), and it's like there's a hole where the flavor should be. I feel the warmth, I can taste astringency, and I get an echo of sheng-ness, but I feel like I'm just tasting *around* the tea, and can't directly taste it.
It's like Heisenberg's UncertainTEA.
I thought maybe I had/have a cold coming on, but I can't taste other things just fine. It's really almost like the tea itself has numbed my palette.
Anybody tried this tea? Anybody had an experience like this before? Yeesh... I might have to break out some shu just to do a recalibration...!
Re: 2008 Lao Ban Zhang -- a hole where the flavor should be?
Outstanding!Drax wrote:It's like Heisenberg's UncertainTEA.
I've not tried that tea (tho' I've tried what may be a relative, the '08 HLH LBZ/Man'E Ancient Arbor), but I'm familiar with the phenomenon.
It's hot. It's wet. Has many attributes of tea, and yet ...
I think it's noteworthy/instructive that nowhere in your description do you mention the word 'flavor'. Or flavour.
Yes, that's the one!Salsero wrote:I have certainly had the "hole in the tea" experience, but haven't come to a conclusion yet about how much is the tea and how much is the context. Is it THIS LBZ?
Hrm, I'll definitely be trying it again. But I guess I'll give it time.
I'd hate to think I've entered a dead-zone when it comes to tea. That's kinda frightening!
Jan 28th, '09, 20:47
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I enjoyed 08 a fair bit. This is certainly one of the better cakes of 08, I thought. The floral note was clearly noticeable. Huigan and aftertaste were complex and enjoyable.
Perhaps because it is 08 fresh tea, it may be lacking some depth and its full complexity hasn't blossom yet. 06 LBZ is thicker, meatier with more backbone. 08 is more on the higher note. I tend to think 08 is a bit better in terms of the tea's aging potential.
With regard to the banzhang power trip I must be really not sensitive. I want to understand/feel the renowned LBZ chachi. Hmm...
I've read about it from Imen's blog and got LBZ teas but I just thought LBZs are just good teas, well made from good solid leaves.
I do wonder though if what we come to know as LBZ is perhaps just really well made tea from somewhere near BZ mt. or something. What is certain is that the LBZs from YNS are of really good quality. If one has the cash for it, it is worth a try. I did and I am happy that I tried. In terms of the quality of the leaves and product quality, I think 08 & 06 LBZ teas are YNS's best available cakes disregarding the price tag.
Perhaps because it is 08 fresh tea, it may be lacking some depth and its full complexity hasn't blossom yet. 06 LBZ is thicker, meatier with more backbone. 08 is more on the higher note. I tend to think 08 is a bit better in terms of the tea's aging potential.
With regard to the banzhang power trip I must be really not sensitive. I want to understand/feel the renowned LBZ chachi. Hmm...
I've read about it from Imen's blog and got LBZ teas but I just thought LBZs are just good teas, well made from good solid leaves.
I do wonder though if what we come to know as LBZ is perhaps just really well made tea from somewhere near BZ mt. or something. What is certain is that the LBZs from YNS are of really good quality. If one has the cash for it, it is worth a try. I did and I am happy that I tried. In terms of the quality of the leaves and product quality, I think 08 & 06 LBZ teas are YNS's best available cakes disregarding the price tag.
Feb 2nd, '09, 23:39
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