Based on the dry-bag aroma (or complete lack thereof), I began thinking: "If this is a legend of China, it's a story with no plot." I could not smell either rose nor the base tea at that point, and only in-cup did the rose aroma (but not the tea) finally peek out from behind some hidden curtain.

Given that, I thought this tea would taste nearly flavorless and watery, so I let it steep 8-10 minutes. Even though the bag and amount of tea are small (like other Uncle Lee's teas I've tried, about 1/2–2/3 the volume of a normal bag like Celestial), it punches above its weight when oversteeped. That makes it rather like normal tea strength. The good news is that the flavor was nice, balancing rose with (by then) detectable and distinctive green tea. Both lingered well in aftertaste, too.

What saves this product from a slow-speed (sub-55) rating is the inexpensive price, like other teas by this brand, at anywhere from $8 to $14 for a 100-ct box. One can double up on this tea for a faster infusion and/or stronger flavor, and still have a decent deal. Just don't panic if you sniff the dry bag and think at first that you have acquired post-COVID anosmia. Also, strangely, I found this tea on a couple of retail sites, but not Uncle Lee's, so it may be a limited run or specialty/seasonal item.

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