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SimplyJenW drank Keemun Mao Feng by Harney & Sons

985 tasting notes

I have had this for about a week, but finally opened it today. I saw the recent tasting notes of ashmanra and JacquelineM and could not put it off any longer…..

This is wonderfully smooth….lightly smokey with cocoa notes and a rich taste. Definitely a wonderful tea, and well worth the price. Harney has a way with tea!

Second steep is as good as the first..steeped for 5 minutes. Shall we go for three?

Preparation

Boiling 4 min, 0 sec

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4 comments

Jim Marks
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Have you tried longer steep times with this? I’ve read that mao feng can develop very good flavors up to seven minutes.

SimplyJenW
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I will have to try that! One of the things I really noticed with this tea, is there is absolutely no hint of bitterness. It makes sense that longer steeps would work.

SimplyJenW
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Third steep at 8 minutes was great, too!

ashmanra
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I can’t wait to try a long steep on this one! This should be interesting, and I am in the mood for a really good tea experience after this morning’s disappointing Hao Ya A from Southern Season. Going to boil water now!

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Comments

Jim Marks
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Have you tried longer steep times with this? I’ve read that mao feng can develop very good flavors up to seven minutes.

SimplyJenW
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I will have to try that! One of the things I really noticed with this tea, is there is absolutely no hint of bitterness. It makes sense that longer steeps would work.

SimplyJenW
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Third steep at 8 minutes was great, too!

ashmanra
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Bio

My motto: Drink the good tea!

Tea enthusiast, trying to keep up my cardio for the zombie apocalypse. I have come to accept that I am a western brewing black tea drinker as that is where my ‘tea heart’ lies. I started on loose leaf as a way to have my dessert and not suffer the caloric issues. Once I tried it, I was hooked.

I drink what I like, which is mostly China blacks, a few traditionally scented blacks and Earl Greys, plus a flavored tea here and there. I don’t mind spending a bit on premium varieties on occasion, but an expensive tea has to deliver. My favorite places to order are Harney & Sons and Upton Tea Imports. TeaVivre is great for Chinese tea.

My ratings are pretty subjective. If it falls under 70, I may not take the time to post about it unless I had something specific to say. If it is 70-80 I like it, but I will probably not rebuy. Favorites are over 80 and up, but sometimes the less expensive or more easily obtainable version of a similar taste will win out for my cupboard space.

Usual teapot steeping method: 24 oz teapot, 3 perfect scoops of tea (4 1/2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual mug steeping method: 15 oz mug, 1.5 perfect scoops of tea (just over 2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual pan method: 1 1/2 cups water, 2 perfect tsp chai (3 actual tsp). Simmer for 3 minutes. Add 2/3 cup skim milk. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Strain and sweeten.

Usual pitcher method:
5 or 6 Perfect Spoons of tea (this means about 7-9 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, brewed essentially double-strong in my 24 oz teapot for 4 minutes. Fill my Fiestaware Disc pitcher (about 60 oz.) halfway with ice. Add brewed double-strong tea to the pitcher. Stir it a little and enjoy. No additions.

(*SRP is my Sample/Stash Reduction Plan starting on April 12, 2012. I got so far, but just decided it was too fussy to keep track.)