Tea outdoors and 1999 Tie Kuan Yin Oolong

So I have been reading a lot of the Tea Outside post from The Association of Tea Bloggers, and even though I am not a member I love the idea of posting about tea outside. And since Brett from Black Dragon Tea Bar prompted this topic I thought it would be appropriate to discuss the tea I bought from him. Thanks again for the wonderful tea!

Cup resting on top of cut bamboo

I decided to go hiking to find the only bamboo forest I know of in my area. It only was about a three mile hike but it was totally worth it to sit next to the bamboo and drink tea.

This Tie Kuan Yin is 11 years old and has been baked once that I know of. It is a very impressive tea I must say. It is a lovely balance of fruity and a sort of nutty bitterness.
I only had enough water for three infusions, but they were wonderful! Next time I will be sure to take more water.
The first infusion was a mix of softer fruits like banana and maybe a hint of peach. If you let it sit in your mouth a think sweetness took over. The aftertaste was a bit nutty, not peanut but walnut?
Second and third infusions led to more of the nutty taste and a pine like aftertaste. I can't wait to see what all this tea has in store!

I try to have tea outside as much as I can. It is hard in the summer, but for some reason tea and nature just go together. Just sit and meditate listening to nature all around you with a nice cup of tea, it is an awe inspiring experience. That's what I did in this little bamboo forest. I encourage you to try it sometime.