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derk drank Random Steepings by Various Artists

1622 tasting notes

I had planted Thai basil maybe too early. Most of the plants were eaten by slugs so I bought a starter to supplement. Well, the few surviving basil in the greenhouse and the starter have grown like crazy in the past few weeks. I picked off all the flower buds, roughly a loose handful and made a liter of tea in the French press.

The liquid is this beautiful clear blue-green color that looks like copper sulfate. Pure licorice-basil flavor. Oh my, that’s relaxing. Well received by the 2 adventurous palates sitting with me.

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gmathis
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Our purple basil got a late start, but is doing beautifully. I’ve stuck leaves in water to chill, but haven’t actually done a real steeping. (P.S. Apple mint is starting to get little blossom heads—keeping an eye on them for you!)

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gmathis
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This place, like the rest of the internet, is dead and overrun with bots. Yet I persist.

Eventual tea farmer. If you are a tea grower, want to grow your own plants or are simply curious, please follow me so we can chat.

I most enjoy loose-leaf, unflavored teas and tisanes. Teabags have their place. Some of my favorite teas have a profound effect on mind and body rather than having a specific flavor profile.

Favorite teas generally come from China (all provinces), Taiwan, India (Nilgiri and Manipur). Frequently enjoyed though less sipped are teas from Georgia, Japan, and Nepal. While I’m not actively on the hunt, a goal of mine is to try tea from every country that makes it available to the North American market. This is to gain a vague understanding of how Camellia sinensis performs in different climates. I realize that borders are arbitrary and some countries are huge with many climates and tea-growing regions.

I’m convinced European countries make the best herbal teas.

Personal Rating Scale:

100-90: A tea I can lose myself into. Something about it makes me slow down and appreciate not only the tea but all of life or a moment in time. If it’s a bagged or herbal tea, it’s of standout quality in comparison to similar items.

89-80: Fits my profile well enough to buy again.

79-70: Not a preferred tea. I might buy more or try a different harvest. Would gladly have a cup if offered.

69-60: Not necessarily a bad tea but one that I won’t buy again. Would have a cup if offered.

59-1: Lacking several elements, strangely clunky, possesses off flavor/aroma/texture or something about it makes me not want to finish.

Unrated: Haven’t made up my mind or some other reason. If it’s puerh, I likely think it needs more age.

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