Tea: Sichuan Zao Bei Jian
A Zao Bei Jian from Upton Tea Imports
This tea has been retired/discontinued.
| Brand: | Upton Tea Imports |
| Style: | Zao Bei Jian |
| Region: | Sichuan, China |
| Caffeine: | Caffeinated |
| Loose? | Loose |
| # Ratings: | 1 View All |
Reviewer: Alex Zorach
✓ 1453 teas reviewed
✓ 1 of Zao Bei Jian
✓ 501 of Black Tea
✓ 173 of Upton Tea Imports
✓ 2 from Sichuan, China
✓ 382 from China
Review of Sichuan Zao Bei Jian
July 30th, 2011
| Aroma | Flavor | Value | Total |
| 8 of 10 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 77 of 100 |
| Excellent | Good | Outstanding |
My first tea from Sichuan.
Surprisingly strong aroma like concord grapes, very different from the lighter muscatel aroma of Darjeeling or Bai Hao oolong. Smoky and woody tones in the aroma. Smooth, with a slightly dusty finish, and a hint of some floral nuances.
A very interesting tea and a very smooth tea. Full-bodied. I normally like black teas to have more bite to them, but I found this one pleasing even though it was smoother.
I recommend brewing more strongly than Upton recommends...this tea does not become bitter at all if brewed as instructed; if you use a bit more leaf and a longer brewing period it takes on a pleasing bitterness more typical of a good black tea.
Not the cheapest tea in Upton's catalog but I think exceptional value for a tea of this quality. This tea is interesting to try for something new, but I can see it becoming a regular favorite for many people as well.
