Its 7 Am and 65 degrees out. I'm staring at the snow capped rocky mountains from the cedar sided porch of this hotel room. Brought this tea along for the ride. Its flavor is something to be desired. So good. So satisfying. Mmmmm. I'm ready to go fishing now. I think I'll bring my thermos and a gaiwan for later. ;)

The aroma of strawberries is uncanny and deceptive. After smelling the bag you almost expect a light and delicate liquor but it's rich and bold on the tongue. The after taste and on lighter sips are where those delicate sweet notes hide. Every stage of drinking this tea you get another facet of complexity.

Wow! Amazing berry and fruit scent as you open the bag. Starting with the Gongfu first steep, strawberries, sun-warmed thimbleberries for those berry foraging people. Flavors. sweetness, slightly oily all hit roof of the mouth and back of the throat, syrupy, sweet but not to sweet. Think strawberries stewed in a bit of honey poured on toasted brioche with butter. Super enjoyable mid-morning or late-tea treat. Wet leaves smell of wild rose. Third steep pops a bit of a high note, lemon or maybe crisp green apple followed by a faint wisp of honey on the exhale. Would be delicious with some cucumber sandwiches and a sponge cake with whipped cream. Fourth steep a tiny hint of sauted greens in butter. Fifth steep balance of berries and other fruit, light, but still very tasty. Alas, a square of deep chocolate with the 6th steep will have to do to finish. Spent leaves are going in a jar with water for a long cool steep for all day tea sipping. Ordering more.

I can only describe this tea as “lovely”. Rose florals, a subtle candy sweetness, and a velvety smooth mouthfeel. It’s like a slightly less intense version of the amazing Chilaishan High Mountain Black that MST carried a while back.