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SimplyJenW drank organic keemun by CAM (Cleveland Asia Market)

985 tasting notes

So I took a little adventure yesterday to seek out our local Asian market. I have to say it is the largest one I have ever seen. When we lived near Chicago, there was one I used to go to in the suburbs, and it was not nearly this big. I guess you could say I was curious, and I knew I could find a few of the Korean packaged noodles my college roomies introduced me to. I found the noodles (Neoguri and Chapagetti), and checked out the the bulk tea, and the packaged tea (I am sure I looked like I was lost!). In bulk, I bought this organic Keemun, a tin of Keemun for cold brewing (it was $3.69 for half a pound in a tin!), some Dragon Pearl Jasmine bulk, and Wild Mountain Green bulk. They did also have some packaged Russian teas, and a large selection of packaged tea. Most of the tea was in bags which kind of surprised me.

This tea is a fine basic Keemun. I am not sure I will buy it again as it seems kind of pricey for what it is. Good body, slightly smokey, and very smooth. (Knowing that it cost roughly the same per ounce as Golden Snail gives me pause, though.) I need to try a pot of the Keemun from the tin to see how it compares. I guess being organic is a plus. The leaves do look slightly longer than the Keemun in the tin, and I do see a little more dust in the tin, so they are probably different grades.

24 oz pot, 4 actual tsp tea, freshly boiled water, 3 minutes.

Preparation

Boiling 3 min, 0 sec

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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.)