wow, so apparently steeping parameters make all the difference! (duh).
I cooled the water down after boiling (who knows to what temperature, I certainly hope it was around 90c) and watched the time, but went by the package instructions which say 3-5 min. I think I was around 4 minutes when I poured it outta my tea master.
The website says 2-4 minutes, so perhaps I will try 2.5 min next time. I have enough for maybe one more cup. This one was not exactly budget friendly.
Anyhow, as alluded to above, it is a much tastier brew this time around. Very smooth, slightly scratchy but perhaps that shorter infusion will fix that… It’s a rather calming tea that demands savouring.
The buttery/slippery honey texture, building on the lightness and super mild nutty base makes me wanna sit back and feel the summer breeze, the sun, and listen to the birds. Don’t try this one at work folks!
Now… Would I buy this again? Yes, I think so- but it’s not a must have at that price. I have a feeling though, that if I had more of this leaf, it’d grow on me.
Now, off for my second infusion :)
This is You :-D
Profile
Bio
Let’s see… I’m a tea and workout fanatic, I work in HR, and most of my friends consider me to be an egg. White on the outside, Asian on the inside :)
-from philosophy to food, I love it all
Otherwise, what you see is what you get! I can be very straightforward and yet shy.
Also, I’ve started taking tea sommelier classes and it is an absolute blast! Well, so far I’ve only finished the first out of eight courses, but I am really looking forward to the next one.
Anyhow, if your curious as to how I rate things, this is how I work…
0-25
Like eating dirt, or some other unsanitary indelicacy that mentioning in my profile here would likely get me banned.
I don’t think I’ve found cause to banish a tea to the wasteland yet though so who knows what it’d inspire ;P
25-50
You know that expression “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater”? I imagine drinking that water would be terrible enough to warrant this rating!
I’d never make my enemy drink this, but perhaps I’d throw it at them. Good thing I don’t have any enemies!
50-70
This is “tea”?? I tried finishing the cup… but my body rejected it. There may be others who enjoy this tea, but it’s beyond me!
70-80
I tried liking it, and I can almost get there! I certainly don’t hate it, but something is holding me back. Allergies? Men in white suits? who knows… certainly not me!
80-90
Lovely tea! Not my all time fave but close. I likely wouldn’t repurchase, but may decide to based on many factors: price, accessibility, whether it fills a “tea gap”, medicinal applications, and how often I crave it.
Every once in awhile I find the sweet spot that bumps these up to 90+. Those are the days I need to buy a lotto ticket!
90-95
Sweet Camellia! this is realllly good tea! Don’t talk to me until I’ve finished my cup…
95-100
Tea of the gods. I would do anything to get my hands on more of this liquid gold!
Location
Toronto (Mississauga, but I work in TO)
