Finally digging into the samples my sister gave me for my birthday.
I steeped for about 3 minutes, after reading comments here that 4 seemed too long. I tasted the tea plain, and the maple was very subtle, but present. Otherwise, a nice black tea. Added some half&half and a dash of maple syrup from the bottle I had just purchased this morning.
I started as a coffee drinker who appreciated tea. I mainly drank a few flavored bagged teas (and of course, Southern sweet iced tea). I pull out the Throat Coat and Breathe Easy when I’m sick, but aside from that, teas had never been a daily part of my life. However, my sister has exposed me to a broader range of flavors, and to loose teas, which was good when coffee started bothering me and I needed a new source for warm cups of caffeine delivery systems. I mainly drink English breakfast teas these days, but occasionally explore some others. Earthy teas that are low in bitterness are my preference, and I tend to avoid fruity teas in general, with a few exceptions.
Richmond, VA
:)