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Chip
I recently took the advantage of a big sale on very high grade teas on apollo-tea. I am not sure if they have it or not. Normally, I wouldn't spent that much on tea but I couldn't resist the offer.
I ordered the set of 4oz each:
Lumbini FBOPFEXS
Lingia STGFOP
Temi FTGFOP
Keemun Hoa Ya A
The order came on the next day (I am in the same state as they are). The tea was in nice black square tins. Here are my impressions:
Lumbini: The color is amber-orange, closer to Darjeeling teas, than to Ceylons. The taste - quite rich, slightly sweet, with a light finish of .. something. The site says it is a plum finish. Perhaps, they are right. The bouquet was very nice.
Lingia: It is really expensive and without this sale I would have never tried it. But since I decided to try the very best teas and beacuse I got other teas, I decided not to exclude it. I have to admit, it deserves its price. I am not sure how to describe its taste. It is a Darjeeling with it golden color and characteristic muscatel taste but it is an extremely good Darjeeling. I was enjoying every sip.
Keemun Hoa Ya A: Here the price was a major factor. Normally, it is difficult to buy even fresh Keemun Hoa Ya B at this price, as their site correctly states. The tea was good, even very good, but my palate couldn't tell the difference between this tea and lower grade of Keemun Hoa Ya B that I have in the house. Perhaps, I simply lack enough experience to fully appreciate all nuances? I don't know. Anyway, for as long as it is on sale, why not go for a higher grade, right?
I haven't tried Temi yet. Probably, I will try it on the weekend and will write my thoughts.
Thanks for these reviews. Very interesting... please continue
It might be interesting (if you have enough quantity) to try to brew your Keemun Hao Ya A in different ways: gaiwan, pot, etc and vary leaf amounts and steeping times. See if you can bring out different subtleties in different ways for yourself and your palate. Perhaps using small batches, small gaiwans and pots so you don't have to use too much leaf?
It might be interesting (if you have enough quantity) to try to brew your Keemun Hao Ya A in different ways: gaiwan, pot, etc and vary leaf amounts and steeping times. See if you can bring out different subtleties in different ways for yourself and your palate. Perhaps using small batches, small gaiwans and pots so you don't have to use too much leaf?