423 Tasting Notes
Had this yesterday, and it is a very good, very fruity Ceylon. The dry leaves smell like dried apricots, and the overall taste is of super sweet stone fruit. It went well with the cold, juicy plums that I brought to work.
This tea has a marked astringency, so if that’s not something that you enjoy, I don’t recommend it. Otherwise – a solid tea, and recommended for Ceylon lovers.
I wasn’t able to post yesterday, due to the site glitch. So expect a flurry of posts today!
I’m running low on this oh so beloved tea, and as I won’t be able to restock it, I’m treating a bit like a precious spice that I rarely sprinkle into my life, rather than a daily staple.
I cold brewed it today, using lots and lots of ice, as today was sweltering hot, and sipped it while packing for my annual London skirmish. Delicious.
Yunnan Sourcing’s black teas are pretty terrific, and this one is no different. Apart from being an exceedingly attractive tea, of the kind you have no problem introducing to your posh great aunt Agatha, this tea is a devilishly nimble fellow. It’s really tough to ruin it by over-leafing or brewing.
I thought I’d put it through the Ice Bucket Challenge, and it took to it like a champ (donate at ALSA.ORG BTW, if you haven’t already. I’ll wait right here until you do). It nominated Fortnum and Mason’s Keemun (‘cause it’s so posh), Verdant’s Laoshan Black (‘cause it’s so popular) and any one of my Ceylons (‘cause nobody likes ’em anymore, and that’s the only thing they’re good for, right?).
They each have 24 hours….
I’d like a cool and posh Auntie. A mystery series I’m reading has elderly, energetic, wealthy, and astute Aunt Vespasia. She or Agatha would do just fine.
Nice to know you are still safe after the site glitch.
Vespasia is such a wonderful name!
mrmopar – thank you :)
I used a little too much leaf and let it brew for a bit too long, so it came out quite aggressive. Regardless, there is a sweet maltiness to this tea even under unfavourable circumstances, so I look forward to brewing it again, properly next time.
I am very, very tired, and on the way to work today a siren blared while I was on a bus. The driver stopped the bus and we all alighted to find shelter nearby. Instead of running off in a “each man to himself” attitude, everyone kept their cool and helped each other find shelter. A nice twist to a very unpleasant experience.
Cold brewed a large helping of this tonight, and it was delicious, as to be expected. Decided that I want to read more and watch less TV, so had this while reading Cuckoo’s Calling (by J.K. Rownling aka Robert Galbraith). Enjoyed the tea, and enjoyed the book.
Had a delicious cup of this this morning. A sweet medium strength black tea, that can tolerate milk (and is recommended with milk), but is certainly in the “light” edge of the breakfast tea scale. Don’t come in expecting a “builder’s brew”, and you will enjoy this tea.
