411 Tasting Notes
First time I try a tea, I always go off the instructions on the front of the package. This has gotten me into trouble (I’m looking directly at you Samovar Royal Garland*) a few times, and this was one of them.
I was making 16 oz of tea, so I added slightly over 2.5 heaping teaspoons per directions (1 heaping tsp per 6 oz water) and brewed for the 5 minutes it noted.
It smelled like a fishtank and the hubband poured his cup down the sink after two sips. In protest. I just didn’t finish mine. I have a bunch of this – it was on sale @ specialteas. So I took it to work and tried it again. This time, not quite 2 for 12 oz of water, and about 3 minutes.
Much more palateable. The orange does add a nice note, and it doesn’t smell like a fishtank anymore. However, this is not my favorite pu-erh, by a long shot.
(*My container of Samovar Royal Garland called for 2-3 tbsp to 6 oz of water. It was not pretty. I haven’t reviewed yet because I haven’t gotten over that, even though I know I need to try it with a much more reasonable parameters.)
A darker nuttier white brew than other white teas I’ve had. It’s got a scent of fresh hay and a flavor that’s slightly astrigent but quite pleasant. It’s got some sweet notes as well as a few sour ones – but the sour works.
This is one of those teas that takes a lot of leaf with a shorter brew time. The leaves are light and fluffy and all over the place. It’s almost like clouds.
I think I still need to work on my brewing parameters, but overall, this is pleasant.
I got distracted from this tea (I know, I know) and forgot all about it until an hour after it was brewed.
I don’t find it anywhere near as good cold. You can taste hints of caramel and fleeting bits of pear, but overall the rooibos comes out more – which does not endear it to me.
I’ll need to make more tomorrow night to remind me of why I like it. (Oh dear, I have to drink more good tea. Boo hoo! :) )
A sample from Meghann M – thank you!!
Smelling the sample was wonderful – the aromatic qualties of the tea were amazing. The smell is powerful and strong.
However, the flavor profile is nowhere as strong as the smell. In taste, the bergamot is fairly mild. If you like your Earl Grey smooth and mellow, this may be your cup of tea. The tea base is mild and flavorful, and a lovely dark brown color when brewed.
However, I tend to prefer my bergamot a little stronger. So, not my cup of choice, but not a bad cup at all.
Did a work day out in the woodshed with my husband – where I’m getting over my power-tool phobia. I used a table saw, hand-held jigsaw and a evil little something else saw and didn’t a) freak out or b) hurt myself or others.
It’s a cold miserable day today, so I made us tea to help us through the work. A giant pot of this tea was PERFECT. Warm, sweet, and cookie-ish. Perfect.
I had this hot, and I thought it was ok. Then I had this iced, and really liked it. I’m surprised, but I’m finding iced green oolong teas amazing lately. As summer is now starting, I think this may be where I get my tea for the hot season. :) Maybe not this green oolong, but definitely other green oolongs.
Ok, so I’ve been putting off rating this tea for a while. Because everyone loves it, and I initally didn’t find it particularly special. I wasn’t getting the amazing dessert overtones that everyone else got.
But, it’s been growing on me. And now, I really like it. Especially when I have it with half and half and sweetener. Fruity, smooth, and just pleasureable.
Yum.
Preparation
I had it a week or two ago and this tea definitely grows on you. Then again I feel that most teas do if you keep drinking it. Well it either grows on you or gives you a disgusted feeling.
I agree with Ricky the first time I had it it was good the second time I had it okay and the third time (like last week) I thought to myself THIS IS GOOD! :)
It’s a roller coaster tea!
How can you go wrong with half and half! ha ha
Wow, that 2-3 tbsp thing sounds like a misprint!