53 Tasting Notes
Tasting # 1 – Steep Time 2 Minutes
Very light, tea is a light yellow color similar to some green teas. I can smell the toasted leaves more than I can taste them.
Tasting #2 – Steep Time 5 Minutes
Good toasted flavor, not at all like any black tea even though the color is more reminiscent of black teas. There is a distinct creamy mouth feel that lingers after the tea is gone.
Tasting #3 – Steep Time 8 Minutes
Strong toasted flavor and aroma. There is a slight astringency, but barely noticeable over the toasty flavor.
COLD BREW
3 Tea Bags, 32oz Water
I’ve cold brewed this several times with 4 tea bags and it has consistently come out as too strong, the only tea I actually have to dilute. But 3 tea bags is just right. Smooth and silky, the roasted quality isn’t too strong. That is usually what gets me, the overwhelming roasted flavor doesn’t taste roasty after a while, just pungent. But when just right it’s delicious and refreshing.
Flavors: Roasted, Walnut
Preparation
Tasting #1 – Steep Time 1 Minute
Very mild flavor, no hint of toasted rice at this point. The color of the tea is just a shade or two different from the original water.
Tasting #2 – Steep Time 4 Minutes
Good flavor from the tea, not too strong. The toasted rice is starting to permeate but the two flavors aren’t quite balanced yet.
Tasting #3 – Steep Time 6 Minutes
Finally, the tea and toasted rice is balanced in flavor. Very smooth and easy to drink.
Tasting #4 – Steep Time 8 Minutes
The tea hasn’t overwhelmed the toasted rice yet, maintaining its smooth flavor. No hint of astringency yet.
Flavors: Sweet, Warm Grass, Toasted Rice
Preparation
I know this tea requires a much lower boiling point, but I prefer to steep all my teas at boiling and to leave the leaves in the pot until I finish drinking. I do multiple tastings to determine my preferred time to taste.
Tasting #1 – Steep Time 1 Minute
The tea has a slightly bitter flavor that I can barely taste over the heat.
Tasting #2 – Steep Time 4 Minutes
The tea has a mild grassy flavor, still a bit over powering but the tea is also just slightly too hot at this point.
Tasting # 3 – Steep Time 8 Minutes
The tea has a light grassy flavor and the temperature is just right. There is a definite sweetness in aroma and almost one in flavor. Easily my favorite steep time for this tea.
I did continue tasting after this point, but the flavors got stronger after this point from sitting in the pot for so long.
Flavors: Cut Grass, Hay, Sweet
