In Pursuit of Tea

Probably one of the best teas I’ve ever had! Its good with a lot of tea ( like a heaping tablespoon for 6 oz steeps) and long steeps with low temp (170ish). Tastes like toasted pines needles and chocolate when steeped right!

It took me about 5 minutes just to break apart the cake – it felt like I was chiseling away at a rock. The dry leaf aroma is almost a lack thereof. What I can find is a subtle, earthy, almost sweet aroma.

I gave it a quick rinse and the water instantly turned a reddish brown. Then, I steeped the leaves for 30 seconds. The liquor is the color of black coffee – a very deep brown.

The aroma of the tea is very earthy. Kind of smells like wet dirt. It reminds me of walking around a campsite after all of the fires have gone out.

The taste is very, very strong. The first tiny sip took my breath away. It is very bitter and has a strong smoky, earthy taste. The after taste stays in the back of my throat for quite some time… and I’m not extremely pleased by that. I still have two other tiny cups to drink (they only hold 20ml each), but I am looking at them in spite… no thanks.

Not sure why I am doing this, but I am going to try a second steep. I tried to steep it for 30 seconds, but I got nervous and pulled it at 20 seconds. The liquor is still as dark as the first steep. There is still the same aroma, except I can detect some slight floral notes. (wait, what?!)

This time the taste didn’t kick me in the butt as much as the first. It is a nice, sweet, earthy taste in the beginning, but I can feel the bitterness on the back of my tongue and throat.

I made it through the first cup, onto the second… and now the third. Ok, this is drinkable, but I still have to brace myself before each sip. Those who love Irish Breakfast tea or take their coffee black would adore this stuff. As for myself, it’s an exotic experience, but I couldn’t do this everyday.

Here are some informal pictures of my tasting: http://www.flickr.com/photos/17428844@N07/sets/72157623321744964/

First Impressions, As good as any Second flush Darjeeling, Maybe even better. Taste, Muscatel grape up front, Peach pit middle, and to end it off freshly cut Oak and that sticks with you for about ten min after your sip. Smell, Muscatel then Oak, Really Really nice!!! This is definitely a killer! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I was a little disappointed. I was hoping with something with a nice strong flavor that would ice down well in the summer. It’s rather dry and weak, but I paid so much for it I hate to pitch it. Hoping to find something it will combine with.

Very aromatic without being overpowering. Drunk simply or with the barest hint of sugar, it is nicely balanced.

One of my favorites, very lightly chocolate-y with a distinctive aroma. Must go buy more now!

Second steep.

In Pursuit of Tea wasn’t lying when they said “be sure to use enough” (they suggest two tablespoons per 6 oz.). This is a very, very light tea whose correct brewing can bring out some nice subtleties.

This is one of my ultimate favorites!!!