Thanks to Cameron B for the sample!
This is my first H&S tea, and I’m a little sad because I don’t love it. I use one sachet in 208 degree water for 4 minutes. The instructions said boiling for 5, but I always get a little nervous about long steeps at high temps, so I bumped it down a bit.
This one has some pleasant flavors, but it’s rather bitter on the finish. So the sip starts nicely, but then I go BLARGH! at the end.
I have one more sachet, so maybe I will try a low temp, short steep, for the heck of it!
Edit: So, I lied. I did this for 5.5 min at 200 degrees using Cam’s suggestion and it IS less bitter. Mind=blown. How does that happen? I still wouldn’t call it a fave, but it’s definitely better, so I am bumping up the score a bit. TEA TWILIGHT ZONE!!!!!
Preparation
Comments
I have the same issue with Tower of London, which is a very similar tea. It’s the weirdest thing ever.
(I don’t like this one either – ewww blerg, but I too like H&S flavored blacks, Florance, Soho, Boston, etc at 95C for 5 minutes… if that helps at all)
It’s ok Sars you don’t have to love them all. In fact your wallet will probably be happy that you can rule a few out from swaps. :))
You used one sachet for 8oz of water? I’m not sure why they don’t publicize this more, but the sachets are really designed for 12oz of water. They contain 2tsp of tea, not one.
With this tea, I find it bitter if I steep for less than 5 minutes. Weird, right?
But I never use boiling water for anything but herbal, I generally do 200 for black teas.
Wow that’s so strange. I’ll try 200 for 5+ minutes next time! Thanks for the info!
I have the same issue with Tower of London, which is a very similar tea. It’s the weirdest thing ever.
I don’t love it either Sars
Yeah, this was really crazy. I’m glad I got to try it, though!!!!
(I don’t like this one either – ewww blerg, but I too like H&S flavored blacks, Florance, Soho, Boston, etc at 95C for 5 minutes… if that helps at all)
It’s ok Sars you don’t have to love them all. In fact your wallet will probably be happy that you can rule a few out from swaps. :))
Well that is true, Dex. I did love the other tea Cam sent. And I still have one more to try!!!
Haha! This also work way better for me with longer steep!
You used one sachet for 8oz of water? I’m not sure why they don’t publicize this more, but the sachets are really designed for 12oz of water. They contain 2tsp of tea, not one.
Ah, I too will try it at a lower temp for longer. Didn’t entirely love it at boiling for five minutes. Thanks guys