95

I pulled out a couple of untried Butiki’s to being to work with me today – this and White Rhino. I’m trying to resist the urge to hoard them, knowing that I can’t get anymore, but at the same time I don’t want them to get old and lose their flavour. I used 1 tsp of leaf for this cup, and gave it 2.5 minutes in water cooled to around 180 degrees. The resulting liquor is a pale yellow-gold, and the scent is lightly floral.

The flavour is another matter entirely. There is a hint of floral, yes, but mostly this is pure tropical fruit amazingness. I always knew Butiki’s banana was good (Hello Sweetie, anyone?), but it’s especially clear here. It’s tastes almost a little under ripe; not hopelessly so, but slightly green and still firm. It’s perfectly complemented by the coconut, which adds a sweeter overtone and a mild milky creaminess. There’s a hint of floral in the background, but it’s almost like breathing the air on a caribbean island. Beach flowers, local fauna and flora, caught on a passing breeze. The white base is perfect here. I think it enhances the floral flavour a little, contributing something all its own. To me, it’s almost peony or orchid-like, a gentle tasting but highly fragrant floral.

I’m not typically a fan of floral teas, but this is one I can get behind. It’s not too perfumey or overdone (even though the inspiration behind it was a perfume!), and the floral is an integral part of the experience, rather than an end in itself. The banana/coconut combination is stunningly delicious, and when combined with the other notes it’s just like a summer holiday in a cup! Beautiful and evocative. I’ll definitely be sad when this one is gone from my life.

Preparation
180 °F / 82 °C 2 min, 30 sec 1 tsp

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Bio

Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.

Location

Norfolk, UK

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