September Taste of Hawaii - Tasting Notes

[Victoria]

The Hawaii teas have all been shipped. Some yesterday, the rest today. International all shipped today.

I wanted to say something here – the fact that I feel a little disappointed in the amount I am sending to each of you. I want you to understand. I really wanted to send a fairly nice amount. But, I ended up settling on 10g x two samples per person, then quickly realized I didn’t even have enough for that and had to go down to 9g per packet. I thought that the packages were 30 grams each or more, but I realize now they were about an ounce each and some a bit less. I bought 12 packages most ranging $20- $30 per package (ounce!) The total being $240 and I was lucky to have that much with me in travel money, as he only took cash. So in answer to devites what is the most expensive tea – well actually this is it.

And is it worth it? Well to me for the experience and the adventure, yes. And for you, yes, to taste something rare and new. But to repurchase? No way. The Oolong, which of course I was most interested in – was average at best. I will be interested in the comments of those of you who have it. Unfortunately, I sent out all I have, so all I really got to taste of it was the gongfu session there in Hawaii. But being 60% roasted I didn’t expect to love, love it.

Actually this Oolong Queen found the Steamed Green to be the best of the four. It seemed much more like a Chinese green than a Japanese green, and looked like one as well. I bought 5 packages of this, because I liked it best, and most of you will get to try it. It was sweet and non-vegetal. The leaf is tippy, twisted and fluffy, not your typical steamed green. The Pan Fried seemed to be a little more astringent.

The Black is very nice too; I liked it second to the Steamed Green. Soft and mellow, I have a small bit of this left, enough for at least one nice session. I’m looking forward to that this weekend.

So in conclusion, I again want to apologize for the small amounts and assure you I had the best of intentions and have sent out virtually all I have. I hope you will enjoy them and I’m anxious to hear your impressions.

Enjoy!
Victoria

[Geekgirl]

My goodness, no apologies necessary, that was quite a whack, and I for one am thankful that you are sharing.

[olivierco]

You don't have to apologize in any way.
It is very kind of you to send us tea.

[chamekke]

Oh my goodness! Where the tea is more expensive, of course I expect to receive a smaller amount. Frankly, considering how expensive this one ended up being, I am impressed and touched that you sent any out at all.

So there is absolutely no need to apologize. I think we are all very grateful for your sharing this hard-to-obtain tea with us.

[Chip]

I received my Hawaiian tea in very good condition. Thanx Victoria. Quite an experience for you and thanx for including us in your adventure. WOW, he seems to lack economies of scale or is just crazy expensive or both.

I had to try the Steamed green first of course. As Victoria mentioned, it truly looks like a fairly typical pan fired Chinese green, not at all like a Japanese steamed green. I possibly went a little too light in leaf. If a high grown leaf has a more concentrated flavor, than I have to now state that a low grown leaf has less concentrated flavor. Thus, next try, a higher leaf to water ratio will be in order.

The flavor profile was clearly more like a Chinese green. I am thinking along the lines of Song Lou green I had in 2006 from TeaSpring, but lighter.

I don't want to say too much for now since I want to give everyone a chance to try this rare offering w/out prejudice.

Happy sipping, aloha!

[scruffmcgruff]

Don't worry about it! Beggars can't be choosers, as they say. Plus, the average Joe (Jane?) would have just settled for something cheaper upon finding him/herself in your position, so your generosity is commendable.

[Pentox]

Oh wow and here I thought my tasting ended up being pricey. My hat is off to miss Victoria. I got mine today and can't wait to find the right time to try it out. It looks to be quite the exciting tasting experience (along with some wonderful packaging. I love the little sticker).

[Victoria]

Awww thanks for being so understanding - I still feel bad!

Anyway I have been meaning to include these links if you want to learn more about the Onomea Tea Co.:

http://onotea.com/index.php?option=com_ ... e&Itemid=1

Website Pictures:
http://onotea.com/index.php?option=com_ ... 4&Itemid=2

[joelbct]

I wanted to say something here – the fact that I feel a little disappointed in the amount I am sending to each of you. I want you to understand. I really wanted to send a fairly nice amount.

Hey no need to apologize, quality over quantity! This was very cool of you, to find such a rare tea for us.

Mine came today, it looks very good, like a lot of care went into the growing and processing. I will post notes when I try one of the two later today!

[scruffmcgruff]

I'll blog about it later, but I thought I'd share a few quick notes about the steamed green tea.

First off, the leaves are gorgeous. Joel is right, it does look like a lot of care went into this tea. It's a lighter brew, and the flavor isn't too strong, but it seems like a pretty solid tea for brand new plants. It's nothing like a Japanese green tea, by the way; it is quite unique, and that is coming from a guy who hates the overuse of the word "unique."

The most interesting thing so far is that I *swear* I can smell and taste pickled ginger in the dry leaf and liquor. I've never found this in a tea before, so that is pretty cool.

Also, my parameters, for those interested:

3g leaf in 100mL gaiwan, ~170F water. Infusion times were 90s, 140s, and 180s. More infusions will be attempted, but that is where I am right now.

Anyway, more later. Thanks for the lovely teas, Victoria!

[joelbct]

OK, tried the steamed green. Very tasty, and fresh. Pleasant surprise. I used the whole bag, with about 12-14 oz water, 180F, for 2.5 minutes, and it came out pretty well.

Yup, the liquor looks and tastes more like a good Chinese Green, yellow color, a bit sweet and nutty, though with just the slightest hint of Japanese-Sencha-ness, if it's not just my imagination. Definitely drinkable and savory, a little like a Long Jing.

I love the fact that it comes from a garden that I've actually seen pictures of and read the blurb of the owner on his website. Would consider ordering this one next year.

Thanks again, I'll post thoughts on the black tomorrow morning.

[fencerdenoctum]

Package received!

I received the steamed green and the black. I'll agree these leaves are wonderful looking. I started with the black tea.

The dry leaf smells very sweet. It brews a very nice amber color. It reminds me of a very rich Ceylon. The liquor has very sweet smell, and I must say I can't think of anything to compare it to but molasses. It has a hint of floral, but more of a fruit taste to the middle note. Sadly, I only got one run out of this, but this would definitely be in my rotation. I'll be trying the green very soon!

Thanks Victoria for such a great find!

Fence

[joelbct]

I liked the Black quite a bit, better than I expected and definitely a high quality item. Big leaf! At room temperature it had notes of a high-end non-smokey Keemun, a bit wine-y, well put-together. Thanks for the treat!!

[scruffmcgruff]

I just added my notes to my blog... linky!

Thanks again, Victoria!

[chamekke]

Hi Victoria - I just received the package yesterday afternoon. Thank you!

Haven't had time to try the tea yet, but will do so soon