Alright, it’s time for another back-of-the-tea cabinet discovery. I’ve been my working my way through this Darjeeling blend for the better part of the week. At the time of this writing, I only have one sachet left and will probably go ahead and finish it before I go to bed. Even with a little age, this blend holds up well.
I prepared this tea in the Western style. I steeped one sachet in approximately 8 ounces of 212 F water for 5 minutes. I attempted no subsequent infusions.
Prior to infusion, a whiff of the sachet revealed aromas of toast, wood, raisin, herbs, and spices. After infusion, I picked up refined aromas of herbs, toast, malt, wood, Muscatel, and butter. In the mouth, I found notes of wood, herbs, butter, toast, grass, straw, malt, lemon zest, roasted almond, and Muscatel underscored by subtle raisin and very mild nutmeg notes. The finish was smooth, yet fleeting. There were lingering touches of herbs, toast, roasted almond, and wood chased by a very faint fruitiness.
This was a fairly solid blend. I think it would be good for someone who just wants a predictable, consistent cup and is not all that interested in the world of single origin, single flush Darjeelings, though I could also see it being a good introduction to Darjeelings in general. While I’m glad I tried this, I doubt I would go out of my way to purchase it again. It played it a little too safe for my liking and didn’t surprise me in any way.
Flavors: Almond, Butter, Grass, Herbs, Lemon Zest, Malt, Muscatel, Nutmeg, Raisins, Straw, Toast, Wood
The tea at library conferences is the same bagged drivel found in restaurants, and I bring my own tea when I go out to eat, too. Steven Smith Teamaker is great though, nice full loose leaf in sachet, I wish it were more accessible in my area… I’ve only found two varieties in my local grocery (the green tea Fez and herbal tea Meadow). I often will stuff my own fillable teabags with tea in my collection and stash them in my purse before going to a conference or restaurant where I know the only option available will be LQ bagged teas. On vacation, I actually pack along my kettle to make tea properly in the room!
I agree! That was one reason I took the Steven Smith sachets with me this year—I remember the bad bagged teas which were offered last year. If I’m going to be sitting in sessions all day related to database management, I’d better have good tea to make it worthwhile! And I do the same thing with my electric kettle when traveling for pleasure—my wife makes fun of me that my “tea luggage” is bigger than my clothing luggage! :)
I do the same thing when I go out of town. I pack a gaiwan, cups, paper towels, an electric kettle, a thermos, and enough tea for each day.
@eastkyteaguy: I’m not yet accustomed to using a gaiwan regularly (I brew western style most of the time) but I hope to be someday. When that happens, I’m sure I’ll bring one as well! But yes, I do also always pack my travel mug in my suitcase—even when traveling for work. :)
Ah, I feel so much better now about all the space I use up in my luggage on tea paraphernalia now!