(Cf., 31 December, 2008)
To celebrate the coming of spring, I dipped into a Douji cake that I've had since last autumn. I like Douji, very much. The 2006 Daye Qingbing [big-leaf sheng-cake] is one of my favourites, and though they've been more variable lately, the inexpensive Dadou and Shengdou bricks were not too bad (primarily because they reminded me of that 2006 Daye Qingbing).
Whereas the 2006 Daye Qingbing cost £12, when it was in stock, this sister cake from 2006 costs £15. Is it worth the extra £3? Frankly, even if it's only slightly similar to my dear old Daye Qingbing, I'd be happy to buy some.
Whereas the 2006 Daye Qingbing cost £12, when it was in stock, this sister cake from 2006 costs £15. Is it worth the extra £3? Frankly, even if it's only slightly similar to my dear old Daye Qingbing, I'd be happy to buy some.
Out of the wrapper, and the game is definitely still on: it looks decent, as shown below, with white furry tips, and some yellow leaves. I have no problem with eclectic blends, and tend to believe that they add complexity.
The scent of the dry leaves is that of soft, rich tobacco. I spend a great deal of time dwelling on it. This surely must be a good cake!
Thankfully, the soup (pictured below) turns out a fine yellow hue, which is sugary and fresh in aroma, with good duration.
What a shame that I went on and tasted it. While my first impression is positive, given that it is highly energetic and active around the mouth, it is lacking real flavour. It has a decent honeyed sweetness, and a mouth-watering finish - yet it's all empty, one-dimensional, and a bit of a disappointment. Plenty of high sweetness... but not much else.
Clearly, it has been produced from leaves of decent quality, as may be seen above - they are healthy and strong. I wonder if it simply requires a stronger hand, yet pushing the tea brings out only roughness and green acidity, rather than anything complex or otherwise pleasing.
It promised so much, yet delivered so little, and thus this cake is consigned to sit on my shelves to be revisited in a year or so. Little miracles can happen!
If this is "qiaomu", then I'm a monkey's uncle.
Ook ook.
It promised so much, yet delivered so little, and thus this cake is consigned to sit on my shelves to be revisited in a year or so. Little miracles can happen!
If this is "qiaomu", then I'm a monkey's uncle.
Ook ook.
8 comments:
"What a shame that I went on and tasted it."
The dryness of British humor is only exceeded by its bite. Brilliant as usual, David.
In this world of finite resources and limited time, a recommendation to avoid is every bit as useful as a recommendation to try.
Too kind as always - it was a pity, because up to the flavour... so very pleasant. You can't win 'em all, though!
Toodlepip,
Hobbes
P.s. I totally agree that a warning is so very important. Without warnings, I would probably be drinking my Yuan Nian samples right now!
Perhaps you can use all of your failed bings for skeet shooting.
Beermats. They smell great.
It might very much have to do with your storage facility.
A year or so might be a bit optimistic.
Mark it “ Open in 2015”. Methinks the games afoot then
My current storage facility is a big pile of boxes in the lounge, evacuated from their home upstairs while we redecorate - poor things :(
2015... I've set the clock running!
Toodlepip,
Hobbes
P.s. Kudos for the reference to Sherlock Holmes.
Post a Comment