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drank Nepal Shangrila Gold by Klasek Tea
1644 tasting notes

A nice Nepali black, though I’m having difficulty bringing out its full potential. A lower temperature than normal for black teas – 185F – seems to do it well.

Sweet and nutty nose of chocolate-covered peanuts. It’s darker in tone than the Annapurna Black Beauty. Astringent but smooth. Not particularly sweet; rather, it’s malty-nutty-earthy and tangy with rounded flavors and a touch of cream. I like this as a post-breakfast tea to cut grease but it’s not so bold that I could enjoy it with a meal.

Thanks for sharing, Martin!

In other news, it’s hella storming and a section of our front fence was destroyed early this morning by a fallen power pole in the corner of our yard. It missed my neighbor’s truck parked on the street by about 6 inches. Lucky guy!

Also, I’ve pretty much adopted one of the semi-feral backyard cats since Sophia passed last year. She’s a small grey and white firecracker of sweetness. President of the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee. Responds to “Dora”. She’s a ratter and a bugger and also sadly a birder — Kiki said she brought in a hummingbird the other day. But I love her so.

Flavors: Astringent, Bergamot, Bread, Chocolate, Citrusy, Cocoa, Cream, Earthy, Geranium, Honey, Juicy, Malt, Nutty, Peanut, Round, Smooth, Tangy, Wood

Preparation
185 °F / 85 °C 3 min, 0 sec 3 g 10 OZ / 300 ML
4 comments
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gmathis
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Welcome to our world, Dora!

gmathis
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And..(this should have been the lead-in)…glad you are safe. Falling anything is no fun!

Martin Bednář
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Glad that damage was only material and neighbor’s truck is fine. Also, saved cat is always a good thing :)

ashmanra
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Glad you are safe! And so happy to hear about Dora! <3

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Comments

gmathis
Delete

Welcome to our world, Dora!

gmathis
Delete

And..(this should have been the lead-in)…glad you are safe. Falling anything is no fun!

Martin Bednář
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Glad that damage was only material and neighbor’s truck is fine. Also, saved cat is always a good thing :)

ashmanra
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Glad you are safe! And so happy to hear about Dora! <3

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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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Sonoma County, California, USA

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