Graphite Blonde: ’06 Xia Guan Dali Tuo 150g

The Graphite Blond never lets you beneath her steely surface.  She wears a classy, inviting perfume that is a mark of style that shies from the garish.

Many Xia Guan productions try to knock you over the head with smoke or flower or rustic huzza, but the ’06 Dali Tuo is the impeccable and experienced secret agent whose poise is lasting and full.

If you last till the 12th infusion, a distinct aroma of spiced pears wafts from her.  The huigan is always fast, as the graphite fades away into a faintly bitter astringency.  Before 12, the bitter is not particularly noteworthy.

by Yang-chu