Geoffrey Norman Send Message

This was a very surprising black tea. I sort of expecting something with the earthy characteristics of a Dian Hong but got something more in line with a Nepalese black; a very creamy, caramel-like, and nutty brew with no dryness or bitterness. Definitely one worth a revisit.

Full Review: http://www.teaviews.com/2010/12/26/review-silk-road-teas-golden-monkey/

No idea why, but I’ve been on a bit of an Assam kick lately. This is my third run at this one. It’s as strong as I remembered. Weird, since I decided to brew it even stronger today Something to keep me going like a cup of light coffee. So far, doing the trick just fine. Smoky, malty, thick, chewy. All the manly words one can use to describe this.

I figured since everyone else cues the bayonets and timpanis when they de-“cupboard” a tea, I might as well too. I needed something extra strong this morning; had to work on Black Friday, and two furry friends kept me up all darn night. I brewed two tablespoons of the stuff. I think this was the way it was meant to be had. I only gave it a “fairly good” rating before because I thought it lacked something in the forefront. I figured out what that was…a kick in the pants. The astringent middle was still there, but the malt aspect dominated thanks to the larger quantity of leaves. This is the coffee of tea right here. Too bad I’m out of it now.

I really like Red Leaf Tea as a company. They have the widest, wonderfully weird collection of stuff around. And one of the most extensive (and encyclopedic) Earl Grey collections out there. That’s why it pains me to say that I didn’t enjoy this as much as I wanted; even with the “Organic” label (which – more often than not – does make a difference on taste). Brewed as light as I did it, the leaves still lent a strong but bitter brew. Some like their Earls like that, but I’m not one of them. A second infusion at five minutes fared better but not by much. I did finish it, yet its not as superb as some of their other wares.

Full Review: http://www.teaviews.com/2010/12/09/review-red-leaf-tea-earl-grey-organic/

I got a one-shot of this (again) from a Twitter friend, and this time…did it up as it should be done. As a latte. You won’t find a more healthy hot cocoa substitute anywhere. Well, unless you add vanilla syrup to the latte, which I did. Who cares? Lattes are guilty pleasures…the healthy base just makes it – uh – less guilty.

Full Review: http://www.teaviews.com/2010/07/29/review-american-tea-room-choco-late-8/

I received a shred of this from Seykaykay – also a surprise. It was – I believe – a white bud sheng, and it caught my eye by title. She was generous enough to impart some to me. The liquor brewed to a brilliant amber after a four minute steep. Steam nose was pungently floral, like jasmine without the bite. The scent also had a faint feeling of Pinot Gris to it; dry yet fruity. The taste was a little harsh on the front, but settled warmly into a maple/vanilla-like palate on the back. It’s a superb sheng, through and through.

This was definitely a unique oolong as far as background goes. Can’t say it differs much from the oolong milieu in taste and presentation. I will give it this, though, it delivers on its promised floral notes and has an inherent creaminess that reminds me of osthmanthus-scented teas. Even at a two-minute steep, it embittered a bit. For future attempts, I might go with a lighter temperature to see what I end up with. A decent cup, just not the best.

Full Review: http://www.teaviews.com/2010/12/25/review-canton-tea-co-magnolia-blossom-oolong/

I received a sample bag from Numi for being a bit of a fan. There’s really not much to report about it other than the fact that it’s rooibos. But – as far as rooibos goes – it is a good one, even for a bagged variety. I tried to steep it for only six minutes, but I forgot I had it there. So…fifteen minutes later, it still tasted good. Nut-sweet, kinda light. Needs something more, but what can you ask of the poor li’l legume?

This is the third Darjeeling green tea I’ve had the pleasure of imbibing, the second from the Arya Tea Estate. The other was the Emerald, which was considered the top green tea from there. I would disagree, though. Elixir puts up a compelling argument with its rich, strawberry leaf-like…well…elixir. One can even be liberal with the steep time for it and not end up with a spinached brew. For me, it was up there with Longjing and Mao Jian.

Full Review: http://www.teaviews.com/2010/12/04/review-darjeeling-tea-exclusive-arya-elixir-green-second-flush-2010-2/

This is definitely a morning Earl Grey. Even at only a three-minute steep, it brews a deep copper-to-brown like an Assam or Keemun. It’s like someone took an English Breakfast blend and machine-pressed orange juice into the batch. It smells more citrus than bergamot, even tastes that way too; because of that, it’s not as sour. However, this is in no way a detraction. It’s a very good morning cup without any sour dryness. Does the trick on the wake-up, too.

Full Review: http://www.teaviews.com/2010/12/05/review-red-leaf-tea-citrus-earl-grey/