Upton Tea Imports

Tea #43 from Another Traveling Tea Box

Mmm, muscatel.

Rich, with notes of sweet fruit and (obviously) muscatel grapes at the end of the sip. A really nice Darjeeling. Smooth and satisfying.

Dangit, I oversteeped this one too! I started the cup, and then my mom pointed out that my little girl’s diaper needed changing, so I went to do that, and before I knew it, five minutes had passed. DX I was so looking forward to this one, too! And there isn’t any left… T_T

Well, I added some water, some sugar, and a dash of milk and drank it anyway. It wasn’t bad… but those aromas coming from the dry leaf had promised so much more! The cardamom was the strongest note, with the cinnamon and the orange peel right on its heels. So sad… I’m not even going to rate this one, because I don’t feel I experienced it properly. I will probably have to order this at some point, because I think my husband would really like it (and if he doesn’t, then I will probably like it enough for both of us). :)

Tea #40 from Another Traveling Tea Box

This is another rich, black tea. The cocoa notes in this are the most prominent. It made me realise that the previous cup had some honey notes that this one is lacking. There’s also some slight bitterness going on; it’s the same bitterness that dark baking chocolate has, so it’s not offensive, but I’m wondering if a shorter steep time or a drop in temp would help it.

It’s another really nice black tea, but I’m partial to the Black Monkey.

Tea #39 from Another Traveling Tea Box

This is actually more evocative of Black Dragon Pearls than a Golden Monkey. It has fantastic dark cocoa notes and a warming maltiness.

Definitely a toasty tea and perfect for the weather. I’m definitely taking the last cup of this out of the box.

I think I liked this one better than EGSs I’ve had from Harney and, IIRC, American Tea Room (actually I think I’m remembering ATR Earl Grey Sterling, which was bizarrely gross tasting…not sure if that was a bad sample though or what). It was good! But I’ve never had one I liked markedly more than “normal” ones, so it never seems to merit actually stocking. I liked the Original Whole Leaf EG from Upton I had earlier today about as much, case in point.

Surprised how much I like this one. The last bunch of Earls I’ve tried I haven’t been as into, Upton and other companies included. And I’ve pretty much made my peace with the fact two of the very first I ever tried (Upton Imports Lavender and Creme Vanilla) are just going to be go-to and I probably won’t find others that clear that bar (Teajo Teas Silky Earl Grey also made me go “uh that’s it, shut it down, we have a winner folks” regarding the great Earl Gey Tea-Off I had going on), especially from Upton, that comfort me as much. But this one’s nice and basic, no bells and whistles but it delivers that tea flavor and clean element I want when I reach without thinking for an EG. No distractions or weird “bottled orange blossom essence” funk (and I do love bergamot, just not that specific manifestation of it). I could see picking a bit of this up whenever I’m restocking Lavender and Creme from Upton, as nice “don’t think about it” basic tea padding (you know, for mornings your tastebuds are impaired, or for going out of town and just wanting to bring SOMETHING).

Sometimes I wonder about how much mood/context plays a role in tea experience and appreciation. At times I can sort of tell no tea is going to get through to me because I’m in a foul mood or for some reason nothing, food included, tastes good for a couple days, and other times I feel like I’m so receptive and cheerful anything that isn’t dishwater is going to sit right with me. Hm. Feels like I may be having one of those days of the latter; it is Friday after all, no more trips for a few months so things are back to normal (I’m like an introvert about routine and homey plainness, if that makes sense…when I go too long without a nice stretch of time with that, I get squirrely, no matter how much I love traveling and doing new things), and tonight we’re meeting up with friends for Vietnamese food and then touring one of the haunted houses in the Victorian Village. Fun!

This cold…allergies…bronchitis…thing is really knocking me off my feet. I think I spent the majority of yesterday as an amorphous blob on the sofa trying to play Minecraft. And when it became too hard to focus on Minecraft I downed some PM Cold & Flu medicine and became an amorphous blob in my bed. I think I have spent the past month in one constant state of physical misery and would like to go on the record to say I would like a vacation from my body now. Good news though, we had our first freeze last night so if it is allergies that means they will calm down soon. Today I am reviewing a tea from my notebook because I cannot do a new tea justice with this sore of a throat.

Today’s tea is a Japanese tea from Upton Tea Imports, one Ku-Ki Ho-Ji Cha, a hojicha that is made from kukicha (or as some might know better, twigs) and predictably roasted. I love hojicha (or houjicha) it is probably one of my favorite Japanese teas because it has a huge comforting effect for me. I first discovered it in the form of tea bags when I was recovering from gallbladder surgery and it was so soothing. It has become a go-to tea when I am under the weather or just in need of some liquid comforting. Holy Roasted Sticks, Batman! The aroma of this tea is intense, almost too intense. All I can smell is the intense roast aroma and no real nuances of the leaves (err, actually twigs) it is one of those kick in the face sort of aromas. I should point out it is pleasant, just make sure you sniff it from a distance. Consider yourself warned!

As to be expected introducing the twiglets to some hot water mellowed their aroma out a bit. There is still a strong roasted aroma but it is now joined by notes of earthiness and malt. There is also a very tiny hint of caramelized sugar that sneaks in as an afterthought and following it is a touch of astringency. The stick-less liquid is much the same as the steeped leaves, milder with an added sweetness to the aroma.

Points to Upton for having one of the strongest hojicha I have yet tried! I should point out that the flavor that is so strong is a sweet roast with only a tiny tiny hint of smoke. There is also an underlying taste of pine needles that leaves a lingering sweetness on the tongue. Imagine the distinctive taste of roasted marshmallows with only a quarter of the sweetness and a hint of pine needles and you have this tea. As the tea cools it takes on a slightly vegetal aftertaste similar to green beans. How does this compare to other hojicha? Well for one it is made from roasted twigs which seems to make it a touch sweeter and less vegetal than the typical roasted bancha leaves. I like it, I will keep it on my hojicha arsenal and certainly say it is among my favorites.

For blog and photos: http://ramblingbutterflythoughts.blogspot.com/2013/10/upton-tea-imports-japanese-ku-ki-ho-ji.html

Tea #16 from Another Traveling Tea Box

This one wasn’t what I was expecting, but in a good way.

There’s a very subtle, very slight marine quality to this one. Like breathing ocean air. Otherwise it’s a delicately earthy, slightly mossy cup with an aftertaste of what is basically Riesling wine.

If I didn’t have so much Darjeeling here already, this one would be staying.

Traveling Tea Box C #12
I don’t know what happened with this one. The dry leaf didn’t smell too much like vanilla and the taste was a very very faint vanilla Taste. I love vanilla teas but this one just isn’t for me. On to the next one! I need to get through this box but enjoy it at the same time:)

Thanks, Sil? I think? I mean, you didn’t like it and I certainly am not enjoying it.

I only steeped for 2 minutes and it’s ridiculously overly strong. I do like the cloves, but can’t taste anything over the bitterness of the CTC base tea.

Next time I’ll put some into warm almond milk. If I keep it. I might give it away before I have a chance, though.

(I added 1/3 cup almond milk and almost 1 tbsp sugar to help. Not helping. Still doesn’t taste sweet – just bitter.)

Backlog:

I enjoyed this tea. Lovely notes of fruit … the sweet notes of a plum and of currants, but without the sour tones that usually accompany these fruits. Hints of caramel in the background. Astringency develops as I sip.

The tea is reminiscent of a fine, dry red wine. Robust, full flavored, but also with a mellowness that is quite nice.

I would swear this was a white if I didn’t know better. Incredibly smooth and subtle base with a mild/moderate level of jasmine that wouldn’t stand out quite so much with a heavier base. This is just as pleasant to drink as jasmine silver needle, without the pricetag or heavyhandedness. There’s no aftertaste, which I see as a downside (I like that lingering mouthfeel a good jasmine can give) but this is a strong contender for my go-to jasmine.

This produced a pleasant cup. I didn’t really pay it much attention. it was by no means extraordinary, but very smooth, subtle, and gentle. If you stop to think about it, it’s a nice enough green base, with a moderate level of jasmine aroma, but doesn’t leave you much aftertaste. Very easy to finish a cup, but not exactly eye-popping either.

This has a moderate jasmine scent which fights against a very “green” aroma from the base. It’s a very strong base for a jasmine tea, but has an excellent aftertaste.

Very slight jasmine scent, but none of the lingering jasmine mouth experience I like. Tasted like a faded, bitter green. Not a fan.

Taste was very dull, and there was barely any jasmine aroma. I wonder if maybe the canister this was kept in was left open. Not unpleasant, but also has no real mentionable qualities.

Odd texture, kind of floury. Unpleasant mouthfeel. Very weak on the jasmine. Tasted like a low quality green base. I didn’t finish my cup.

Tea #42 from Another Traveling Tea Box
This darjeeling is much less floral than the 1st flush darjeeling I had last night. The flavor comes across much stronger and it has a subtle sweetness that is somewhat fruity that I notice at the end of each sip.

This was another enjoyable darjeeling, although not one I would likely order for myself.

Tea of the afternoon……

I love a snail tea. This is a tea I like to have at least one version in my cupboard. I just checked and Upton does not have this any more, so when I finish up my 100+g of this, I will be looking for a new vendor. I don’t need a top of the line black snail tea, and I could be talked into just getting a new black pearl tea. Do I need both? Probably!

I just took an inventory of my black teas. 1700g just in stash that does not include the tins I am working from. Wow, I am in shock. I get about 14ish pots from 100g, and I drink about 1.5 (sometimes one, sometimes 2) pots a day. That is almost 160 days of tea. Not counting the 1000 or so grams in use. Clearly, I don’t need to buy any for a while. Yikes. Flavored teas are much lower in abundance here, and I am to the point where I drink most of them iced.

This is good, and I love it. A few more pots before opening the last 100g. Sheesh!

Usual method.

Tea of the morning……

February has been super busy. Usually, this time of the year goes by so slowly. It is good to be able to sit and enjoy my tea for a moment. What a nice break from the craziness going on right now. I only wish it were longer, so I will have to savor the short moment.

Notes of honey, chocolate, and just yum.

Tea of the morning…..

I am loving this. Of course, like most black snail teas, the leaves expanded so much during steeping. This one has cocoa notes, is sweet and has maybe just a little spice. I will definitely enjoy this one while I have it because Upton is out of this one since my last purchase. Bummer. I love the funny shaped teas. It is like a little side adventure added to your tea experience.

I am thankful for many things. Family, Friends, Health. The big ones. But also small things like the time to slow down a bit and to catch a breath after Thanksgiving and before the craziness that is most of December for me. And also tea, because I feel it is something that helps bring moments of peace in a hectic world.

Usual teapot method.

Tea of the morning…..

Yes, I have a thing for black teas of funny shapes. I have loved black snail teas ever since Harney offered one years ago. This one is very good! I have had the sample in my to try pile for a while, and for some reason, yesterday and today were the right time to try them.

Notes of light cocoa, a little spice, and it is very sweet with a thick mouthfeel. There are quite a few golden tips….it reminds me of the Harney version quite a bit, except that I think this one is sweeter and a little less earthy/malty. I know they are running out of this one, so I had to buy some! Upton’s Season’s Pick version of black snail is not as sweet or spicy, and it is heavier on the malt/earthiness than the Harney.

Usual teapot method.

Tea #41 from Another Traveling Tea Box

Darjeeling and I just have not managed to become friends yet, but I keep trying to find one that I really enjoy and this one may be it. This had a much more gentle flavor that I currently associate with darjeelings, the last several I have tried have been a bit harsh and almost bitter. I suspect it may have been a much lower quality than this particular tea. I found this to be much more floral than I expected, it reminded me of some of the oolongs that I really enjoy.

Thanks for including this one in the TTB Dr Jim, this tea may just change my mind about darjeelings. I was giving up hope of finding one I enjoyed.

Tea #40 from Another Traveling Tea Box

Two straight black teas in a row, that is rare for me since I lean towards oolong as my straight tea of choice.

There is a subtle hint of cocoa that balances the deep malt flavors in this tea. It is much more malty than the previous tea, so it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest that my husband would pick this as his iced tea replacement. I think we may have an arguement on our hands when it comes time to switch, our tastes in tea just do not line up at all so it is always hard to come to an agreement.