2009 Kim Shin Ho Balhyocha

Another sample from Dao Teas. Thanks again Matt and Pedro. Also Kim Shin Ho should be thanked for producing this amazing tea!
I opened the bag of 2009 Balhyocha, I had no idea what to expect, a wave of dark sweetness wafted out. The smell alone made my mouth water.

While brewing I could smell a bit of fruit but was not able to place what kind of fruit.
The first sip I took from this dark amber brew was just astonishing. It was spiced almost. It was not a really spicy just enough for a little kick. The sweetness and the spiciness were perfectly balanced. I got to experience three amazing infusions of this magical tea. The first infusion was very strong, but not overbearing. You could really taste the sweetness, which was a grassy kind of sweetness. The implacable spice was there as well.
The Second and Third infusions were a bit more mild but still fantastic. The Spice changed into a ginger sort of spice.

It is really hard for me to describe this tea. There are just so many tastes in it that I have never had the opportunity to taste. This tea is just so unique and has a kind of magic present in it. Kim Shin Ho is truly a tea master.

2009 Kim Shin Ho Jungjak

First off I would like to thank Pedro of Dao Tea and Matt from MattCha's blog.
This tea is the first Korean tea I have ever gotten the opportunity to drink. So thank you for sharing.

After weeks of anticipation and waiting, mainly because the post office workers lost the package, I finally received the package. I opened it up and this tea was the first one to come out so I decided to try it first.
The smell that came out of the little silver sample package was so sweet and fruity with a hint of fresh cut grass. If only this is what the brew actually tasted like. Even while brewing this smell was all around. I thought I was about to experience a new kind of sweetness.
Needless to say my hypothesis was incorrect. The neon yellow brew was extremely bitter. Not just bitter but oleaginous as well. This is definitely not my cup of tea. The only positive I got out of this tea was the caffeine which I actually could notice unlike most teas I drink.

I can't wait to try the others though! I have already tried the 2010 Sejak and really enjoyed it.