Doulton’s Shakespeare: A Tasting Note in 5 Acts
Act II scene 4
But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief
That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she.
Romeo and Juliet, Act II scene 2
Envision this scene: this tea steps out onto a balcony (go with me here), and I’m on stage looking up at it. Just substitute the word “Rose Keemun” with “Juliet” in the above famous speech and that sums up how I feel about this tea. This tea is my Juliet.
I had pretty much given up on rose teas; they have never lived up to my expectations. Oh, but this tea was a revelation! I am utterly besotted with this drink and how it makes me feel. I’ve had lovelier teas out of the Shakespeare box, but most of them are out of my reach for now (i.e. from France) so I have resigned myself that it’ll be awhile before I can get more. This, on the other hand is just a click away and I very much want more and anon.
This tea is absolutely lovely. It’s the most subtle rose tea that I’ve yet to have. While drinking it it’s a subtle floral Keemun, but then it’s in the aroma where the magic happens — right after the swallow. It’s like a lightly scented rose is just floating through the back of my throat and up into my nasal passages. Well, that doesn’t sound very pretty, but it’s a wonderful sensation. I wish that I could describe it better. It’s very smooth without even a hint of astringency. All other roses that I’ve experienced have been almost harlotesque in comparison to this lady. It’s what I’ve been looking for in a rose tea. TG
