Certain humans will pay an immoderate sum of money to be put into an underwater steel cage to look at great white sharks in their natural habitat. In the Bay Area- the stiff premium is $875 per person for the privilege of spending twenty minutes dunked in the frigid waters surrounding the Farallon Islands. Whilst people like me won't spend money that way (that's a lot of tea!), my husband and I found ourselves as volunteer galley slaves on a shark boat through a friend.
I had confidently packed the roasted oolong Su had sent me as my official shark boat tea but alas nothing was meant to be either for the tea or for the thrill seekers. The seas tossed our tiny boat about in 8 to 10 foot swells. I had to hold on with both hands for dear life while trying to keep my breakfast down. The idea of boiling water was simply out of the question. The crew decided to turn back as the risk of capsizing had become not impossible. Even the crabbers did not take out their boats today even though the price of Dungeness crabs are at an all time high. When the crabbers refuse to make money- you know you're a fool to be in the water at all.
When we returned home, I just wanted deep warming tea. I read Jakub's post on Lapsang Souchong and immediately wanted some. I had received Jakub's box of teas last week which included many interesting puerhs but no LS. So I brought out the only Lapsang Souchong in the house- novel looking pressed coins that Emmet sent me from Tea Habitat. This tea while composed of powdered tea holds it's shape during brewing. With a smoky savoury flavor which is subtle for an LS with an underying sweetness, this tea has restorative powers after a harrowing day at sea. I'm grateful to be drinking hot tea on stable ground.
I actually thought the icy waters would be therapeutic for my ailing arm and legs so I have to find another opportunity to get wet.
I actually thought the icy waters would be therapeutic for my ailing arm and legs so I have to find another opportunity to get wet.
What an adventure and yes, Lapsang Souchong is just the think you need. Add some Earl Grey in there and you're in for a real treat! :)
ReplyDeletePity I did not have that Lapsang when I sent you the package for I'd certainly add it. It's quite a lovely tea.
ReplyDeleteHave you got to any of the puerhs I sent you? If so, how do you like them?
All the best!
Jakub
Jakub-
DeleteI almost hit the "buy" button on Chawang Shop the other night. The tea is reasonable- the shipping is not. But don't worry- I know it's there and I'll get my grubby hands on it sooner or later- I need to really curate my shopping cart carefully.
I've only had 2 of your teas as the winter weather makes me want to avoid sheng. I had the 2005 Menghai gucha today. That is a knock out lovely tea that actually made me quite happy today as it sparkled in my mouth! Thank you. I've been drinking mostly ceylon/assam this week to rest my palate and this tea has really made me feel excited about getting back into sheng drinking. But then I got deflated again as it's all sold out... I'm going to comb your archives before I finalize my Chawangshop order.
H
Hello,
Deleteglad you liked the Gu Cha - I was a bit surprised how strongly did Hobbes dislike it so I'm glad that there is someone else outside the CR who likes it as well.
Indeed, it appears to be sold out. I'll ask Honza, the owner, whether he'll manage to get some more, if not, I can send you one, I have still a couple of tongs.
All the best,
Jakub
Ah- that tea! Can anyone really dislike such a pretty tea? Hmmm. I think oolong drinkers definitely will be so happy to taste this Gu Cha.
DeleteWell- that tea is not like any sheng I've had. The Gu Cha tastes as if sheng and an older oolong got together and had a love child. It has a lovely aged peach/fruit taste that I wonder how it will age. But the fact that it's such a tasty eight year old now makes me want even a whole tong to myself!
H
Yes, it's quite a good fun one may have with the tea. And for $14 per cake it's (was) really cheap.
DeleteI think that the unusual taste will be mostly to the Jingmai part which gives it some wulong/hongcha characteristics; nevertheless, I think the tea is a "proper" sheng, without any improper processing or anything.
Jakub