Sunday, December 2, 2012

Tea Review: Pu-erh Tuocha (Tazo)

Pu-erh Tuocha
Tazo
Type:  Puerh
Origin:  China, Yunnan Province
Product Description:  This Chinese specialty is sun dried and rolled so that the pu-erh leaves can undergo a fermentation process unlike any other tea. The result is just as unique—aromas of wood, earth and leather, the dark amber color of tea is rich with flavor and sweet earthiness.

Temperature: 202° F
Amount: 1 piece (5 grams)
Steeping Time: 2 minutes

The dry tea has a salty, marine aroma similar to nori.  

The infusion is reddish-copper with a salty marine aroma and a touch of earthiness, reminding me of a rich boullion.  The flavor is robust, earthy with a hint of ginger and wood.

This tea has a full flavor and complexity that I find desirable.  After a third steeping, it became less complex as the hints of wood and ginger are lost, but still provides a satisfying flavor and would stand up well to multiple steepings.  I would serve this to guests, perhaps after a short, first-steeping and following a heavy meal.

This tea was purchased from the flagship Tazo store in Seattle.  Unfortunately, it has since closed and Tazo no longer appears to offer teas other than their signature boxed blends.

This tea was purchased by me.




No comments:

Post a Comment