Rishi Tea

I’m performing a test. Today, I had some of CTG’s super-awesome Keemun at work and it was just okay. Not the stellar-ness that I love so. What’s up with that? So I looked around a bit and noticed that CTG suggests using 200° water. Well, at home I use my Zojirushi set on 208°. But at work I use an electric kettle and, in my impatience, usually end up using water that has just finished boiling. Could that perhaps be the difference?

The logical next step would be to try the CTG Keemun again at home with the Zojirushi but otherwise using the same parameters. So naturally, I pulled out Rishi’s Keemun. Okay, not so logical but in my defense, I’ve had horrible luck with this Keemun. Though I keep it at work so perhaps it really isn’t the tea’s fault but rather my work tea-making set up. Maybe if I try this at home with the Zojirushi, it will be awesome. (Afterwards, I’ll try out the CTG Keemun again. It’s Friday. It’s not like I actually need sleep.)

You know what? It really is better. The smell is very malty. Strong. Faintly sweet. Tea-like (go figure). Not overly complex, but not as flat as I recall from the last time I had it. The taste, though, that’s the big difference. The flat, cardboard-ness is missing from it, giving it more depth. Oh, it’s still not as complex as CTG’s version but it’s not bad. There’s a little malt, a little sweetness, no real toasty but there is a bit of an acrid ending that I think is the Keemun smoke coming through. That ending does edge unfortunately close to unpleasant but all in all, a much rounder flavor that what I was getting it work with boiling water from an electric kettle.

I’m still not in love with it, but I no longer feel like it is torture drinking it. I’m adjusting up the rating on this one a bit to reflect the better result from Zojirushi-dispensed water.

This tea just doesn’t get a lot of attention from me. Mostly because it is my emergency backup tea that I keep at work. It’s good enough to have when I need tea but not good enough that I crave it enough when I’m at home. This is also a tea that, for me, benefits from a longer steep time. It keeps the note (of what I think would be the pine) smooth and not as tart tasting (though if I let it cool too much, there can get to be a little mouth-pucker taste going on). I think this would qualify as a medium bodied tea, though probably edging a bit towards thin. A bit earthy but more tree than dirt tasting earthy (and I think I’d go for more dirt because I think that’s a bit of what I taste with cocoa-tasting teas… maybe). Anyway, a good enough tea to have when I need something, but there are happier Keemuns out there for me.

I love the taste of spring.

Delightful floral smell. The taste isn’t quite what I expected based on the smell. Still nice but not as sweet maybe?

Reminds me of a tropical vacation. Today I was in the mood for Japanese teas and this hit the spot. I would love this with Sushi!

I needed the savory today! Satisfied. Now onto something a little more vegetal.

Boy am I really milking this one! I have enough for one more serving, and I’m going to be resteeping the leaves I’m sipping up now. I have completely and utterly fallen in love with you, Peppermint Rooibos. I love everything about you! You are so versatile. You love cold and hot. You are still great room temperature. I changed my rating from 92 to 100!

I bought some Peppermint from Adagio in the hopes of recreating this in some way.

This blend, however, has “natural essential oils of bergamot and peppermint” so I’m assuming that enhances the flavors. Anyhow, I have this strange idea about trying to add a dash of MILK to this! I’ll try it on my second steep! >_<

I mixed about 1/2 teaspoon of this with 1 teaspoon of Adagio’s Lemon Grass. Soothes my sore throat and leaves a nice cool effect in my throat. Gotta load up on the fluids!

I cold brewed this herbal. It is so delicious and refreshing!

This is probably my favorite peppermint tea. It is really refreshing… feels like I just brushed my teeth or something!

I tried this out yesterday for the first time, and it was really good! The mint flavor was great and didn’t taste artificial to me.

Steeped 3 tbs in 8 oz for 4 min in french press. Added 1 tbs local honey. Thoughts: creamy, rich, strong. Will try 2 tbs 4 min next time.

I would have to say this is in my top 3 favorite teas. I think it has great qi and makes my cheeks pink when I have it first thing in the morning. It is probably my favorite tea to have first thing in the morning. When I taste it I can see the leaf bud on the plant taking in the dew of spring. I really like the sweetness this tea offers. It is high in amino acids and low in catechins which is why it has such nice sweetness. The sweetness of amino acids to me in synonymous with the fresh taste of spring.

I use more than the recommended amount and higher temperature. I like to get a rich mouthfeel and extract all of the goodness from the leaf. I let it infuse until I have a deep yellow infusion. (Over night cold brew is also delicious!)

Just opened a new bag, so smooth.

I just made it and it is super fruity!

Steeped 2 tbs in 8 oz for 6 minutes in french press. Added 1 tbs local honey.

Gosh this tea packs a lot of taste and fragrance. Nearly knocked me over, in a good way! Strong and warming tea. Hope to get more!!

very good. no aftertaste.

A spot of honey goes well in this great morning tea.

Prepared at 195 degrees for 3:30 minutes. This tea produces a nice brown clear liquor. Very fruity and smooth.