Satemwa Dark Tea

Sipping this tea while expecting puer prepared me to enjoy it, but had I grabbed Satemwa Dark Tea off my shelf without remembering the word puer in the description I think I might have been startled. The flavor is certainly strong, and I am glad I went with a gonfu style preparation for my first cup.

I will reach for this tea when I want to meditatively focus on a tea-drinking experience, but I will probably stick with less bold black teas for being cozy or sharing with friends.

I had about three sips of this, dumped it down the drain, and composted the rest of the tea leaves. I couldn't wait to cleanse my palette.
Immediately upon opening the bag I was wary of the fungal, earthy aroma, like some moisture got into the bag and the leaves went off. Despite this, I continued to brew it per directions. I found the flavor similar to a rooibos but darker and loam-ier.
I have no doubt that there are people out there who could enjoy this, but it contends well on my list of worst teas. I was hoping for a different take on a puer and it was definitely different.

I do usually drink my tea with a little milk and the taste of this lovely tea shines through a touch of milk. I had a sip before I added milk and it’s dark and earthy and just delicious. I got many infusions out of this delicious tea.