Yunnan Gold ~ Light of Day Organics

I was particularly glad to see that Light of Day Organics makes a Yunnan Gold. Over the years I’ve tried a great many different Twiggy and otherwise golden bud Yunnan Black teas. It should be easy for me identify how well Light of Day Organics (hereafter referred to as LODO for brevity)’s version of this tea compares to the last decade or so of Yunnan Gold tea production.

I must say, LODO Yunnan Gold is almost indistinguishable from the “real thing”. A heady plume of rich malt entices the olfactory senses to the cup. I am surprised at how terrifically bold (a golden bud with Nepal-like Tip) this tea smells despite being raised completely organically (but then, that’s part of the magic of biodynamic farming). I am fairly impressed at how full the spent leaves have unfurled to a surprisingly homogenous brown. One slurp of the rich coppery liquor and my shoulders sagged and eyes drooped. The malt and deep-baked smoky tobacco-like flavor just about ruins me for ever drinking other Black teas. After smacking my lips a few times after a sip, I believe there is a discernible amount of Tip, but LODO Yunnan Gold’s other component flavors (especially its tongue-wagging malt that puts some whiskeys to shame) make it hard to pinpoint. In texture, LODO Yunnan Gold doesn’t have grit so much as sawdust. The tea jumps and rolls on the tongue long after I’ve swallowed like the old Looney Toon’s animation of Mexican Jumping Beans. I’m not sure i can actually finish a full cup without nodding off. Swishing the liquor in your mouth will result in such a state of drowsiness, that it could potentially be a dangerous proposition. Justin Case: DO NOT DRINK WHILE OPERATING HEAVY MACHINERY. xD

I brewed this again on a different day and had identical results. Light of Day Organics Yunnan Gold is simply put, ambrosia. Better than chocolate. On par with sex.

1. Aroma – 98
2. Taste – 98
3. Texture – 96
4. Spunk – 100
5. Price – 96 (priced too low!)
6. Availability – 92
7. Appearance – 94

Mean score – 96% 0.0;; Astonishing… Better than any other Tippy Golden Yunnan I’ve yet reviewed. I’m therefore awarding it “Best in its Class.” Angela, please, please enter this tea into competition!