dizzo wrote:
On the fourth steep of "Drawer" that I received from Ethan. This is heavier roast for me. I am having trouble tasting through it, but the aroma is wonderful. I did 5 grams in 100 ml gaiwan. Perhaps a few more steeps will take away some of the charcoal.
I am using about 3 grams for 100 ml. Lately I have been happiest w/ rather quick steeping, about 20 seconds in water at 95C for 1st & second infusions & about 30 seconds for 3rd & 4th. The unglazed insides of my new pot definitely makes the charcoal taste smoother & more enjoyable but does not bring out the other flavors. Sometimes these other flavors can be somewhat distinct but usually sort of bind to the roast. I feel them more in the aftertaste.
This Drawer 2 & 2 other teas from Dr. Chen are said to be a 40% roast which I take to mean medium-roasted but seem heavier in the roasting than that to me. I've come around to liking the Drawer 2 a lot more lately as I've abandoned thinking about flavors I tasted before or expect to taste & just enjoy what comes--which I can do w/ the quicker steeping & the right teaware keeping the char mellow enough.
I've flash-brewed w/ 6 grams per 100ml & concluded I was wasting tea, since it did not taste much different than flash-brewing 3 grams per 100ml. I do like the result but prefer the slightly longer steeping times.
All 3 of the 40% roasted & the heavier roasted High Roller & Father's Love oolongs from Dr. Chen have presented a few distinct, enjoyable flavors for some rounds & at other times give a more blended yet dynamic session. Before I found a better pot for them, I was happiest using celadon at lower temperature, but sometimes the taste of roast was much too dominant. It's a bit of a mystery, but teaches me to vary temperature & time & teaware until I find my way.
