New Tasting Notes
My first experience with yerba maté, the plain un-roasted green version. 5 min in 205 F water gave me a pale green tisane. I was pleasantly surprised at the mild taste (grassy) and the noticable energy lift. No jitters, at least not from this single cup. Each caffeine-bearing plant has its own distinct alkaloid profile.
Today my custom pu-erh/lapsang blend fortified us as we worked in the garden, transplanting and dividing perennials and creating a new 10×50 foot bed full of daisies, monarda, salvia, lilies, and hostas. We worked for an hour, drank a cup, worked for another hour, drank another cup — until we were done.
This goddess is very nice to me. The aroma is light, while the flavor in the tea richer and fuller than that whiff off the leaves. At first sip, this tea is light, but the flavor is strongest in the back of the mouth as it has a distinct bitter nutty-like taste. The savor of this tea lingers in the mouth, which perfectly compliments its smooth finish.
N.B.: very light yellow liqueur.
Preparation: 1.5 tsp. at 4 min. at 205 F
Just got a bag of this from the greatest person in the world so I’m giving it a shot. The loose leaf has a rich, deep, and earthy coconut aroma. Not like regular processed coconut, but one that you’ve found on the beach and cracked open raw. Every now and then you’ll catch a little glimpse of the fruity aroma coming through, but the coconut remains dominant. This makes sense because it appears that the slivers of mango in the loose leaf are far outnumbered by those of the coconut and black tea.
The liquor is a rich golden brown and has the same earthy coconut aroma as the leaves. The coconut carries through the aroma and into the flavor quite strongly. It is supported by a quality black tea flavor but still maintains the spotlight. You get hints of mango every now and then, but I would consider this mostly a coconut flavored tea (which I’ve had before and really liked). Lingering after the liquid is gone is the coconut flavor, which has taken on an almost malty chocolaty taste, very interesting. Overall, an enjoyable experience. Besides for the lingering coconut flavor, I’d say this is one of more consistent teas I’ve had, from aroma of the loose leaf all the way through to the last sip. Good stuff.
Very hot water, 6 min brew for a cup of golden relaxation. The mint, lemon and citrus flavors mask the passiflora and hops better than chamomile would do on its own. For flavor, I almost prefer plain chamomile, but this is nice for a change and, perhaps, even more soothing.
