derk Send Message

199 Followers / 153 Following

derk drank Random Steepings by Various Artists

1615 tasting notes

I was surprised to find a small box at my front door several months ago – a gorgeous Jin Hou (Golden Monkey) black tea with bergamot oil. Blended by AJ, this tea was thoughtfully sent in return for a sample of Whispering Pines’ Earl Gold Reserve that was originally from beerandbeancurd.

The bergamot oil is particularly fresh and penetrating in bag but it is smoothed in the cup by the small-leaf Jin Hou black tea with its natural notes of dried currants, sparkling honey, caramelized sugar and sweet chocolate that come on stronger as I sip down this cup. Medium-bodied, somewhat oily and soft with a welcome briskness on the back-end. A hint of buttery caramel is in the aftertaste while the zesty flavor of bergamot lingers on the tongue and tingles the salivary glands.

Second steep has more malt than dried fruit and brown sweetness but still has plenty of bergamot that now tastes more like Froot Loops. I forgot about this cup so it’s a bit astringent but also heartier. Perhaps long and strong steeps like this would pair well with a touch of milk.

A pleasure to sip on a cold October morning when my body is sore and slow to move.

Thanks AJ!

Preparation

195 °F / 90 °C 2 min, 45 sec 3 g 10 OZ / 300 ML

I Like This

9 likes

0 comments

People who liked this

Profile

Bio

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.

bicycle bicycle bicycle