I don’t often discuss the health benefits that come with drinking tea – mostly because although I started drinking tea to be healthier, it was also because I just like tea and I like my caffeine (hence my attraction to black tea), and it made a good alternative to the soda I lived on in high school and college. And while I am well aware of the benefits of drinking tea, I feel that the whole tea “experience” should be more of a main focus, simply because for most people, things that are “healthy” quickly lose their appeal, and focusing on the health benefits can make drinking tea feel more like an obligation than a pleasure. It’s just how many of us humans are “wired” – I think the average person has a tendency to rebel against what’s good for us if we focus on that aspect.
Or maybe it’s just me.
So here’s the story of how I fell in love with Tea. It all started with my paternal grandmother, who was absent for all but a few months of my childhood. She lived far away in a state called Texas, supposedly remaining there due to the cancer that was in remission. When she was 50 years old, she found a lump on the side of her neck. It turned out to be non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – cancer in the lymph nodes on her neck. I’m not sure what treatments they used, but it was never truly cured, but warmer weather seemed to keep it in remission. So she remained in Texas, a ghostly member of the family who called on birthdays and sent checks, but was rarely seen by anyone. She moved up here a few years ago to live with my parents, and then eventually moved into the nursing home she had been a director at years ago. She died this past fall of an infection that couldn’t be healed.
My dad had always told me that when he turned 30, his metabolism slowed down, which caused a great amount of weight gain that he has trouble with even now. His mother was obese, and it may have contributed to the cancer. My maternal grandmother is also overweight, and she’s had colon cancer. I grew up working in a fitness center, so health has always been important to me, and when I graduated from college and settled into a slower-paced life in my mid-20’s, I decided that I would give up my beloved daily sodas in hopes of beating my metabolism.
I still wanted caffeine though – and thus marked my entrance into the world of black tea. I found that I enjoyed it very much, hot tea in the mornings and throughout a cold, snowy day, and iced tea in the summer. I was proud to be taking better care of myself, and working out regularly to maintain my weight while enjoying the benefits of tea. Even black tea is loaded with healthy nutrients that can affect weight, dental health, and possibly ward off cancer, from everything I’ve read.
Just around his 50th birthday, my dad discovered a lump on his own neck. He went in right away to have it checked out, and the diagnosis was as expected: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He had to go through radiation treatments to kill it, which ruined not only his teeth (bad teeth run in the family as well), but his health, stamina, and took a toll on his immune system. Luckily he made a full recovery, and has been cancer-free for a few years now. All the same, it’s scary knowing that a particular cancer runs in the family, presents the same way, and could be imbedded in my genes this very minute, just waiting for the right time to strike. I’ve inherited many of the other “family traits”, so it’s not a stretch to think that I might be next in line for this cancer.
This made me all the more interested in how tea can potentially help guard against cancers. Being childfree (which means I don’t want children, ever), puts me at a higher risk for certain female cancers as well, which naturally worries me, since ovarian cancer is the “silent killer”. The more I read about the potential of tea to fight cancers in the body, the more I found justification for the pleasure I took in drinking tea, and the more tea I drank. Now tea is my “default” drink, along with a glass of wine here and there (also good for health).
I drink at least two 12oz. cups of black tea per day (which works out to 4 “health-sized” servings – the recommendation of those “in the know” for tea, from what I’ve read). On the weekend, I tend to drink more, and I try to drink either water or tea at night after work. Puerh tea has long been touted in China for it’s amazing medicinal qualities, and I’ve recently discovered puerh tea and occasionally enjoy a session of that as well. For me, puerh is all about the taste and ritual of brewing, but it’s nice to know that it’s healthy as well. I like white tea, and have recently discovered herbal rooibos tisanes that are supposedly healthy as well (I drink them because I like them, and the health benefits are “extra”).
And finally, there is the effect of the Tea Mind. Even at work, when it’s busy and I’m not often pleased with being there, a good cup of tea has the power to calm, sooth, and make life more bearable, regardless of any other health benefits. At home, whether I’m whipping up a quick pot in my electric tea maker or brewing a nice cup in a pretty pot to enjoy, tea is always a welcome companion in my day, as it settles my mind and either warms or cools me, depending on the season.
The simple fact is, for me, Tea Mind is all about enjoying the experience, relaxing the mind, and letting go of the stress, even if it’s just for a few minutes. I will be very happy if someday it turns out that my tea-drinking habit helps keep me healthy physically, but I would drink it even if it never lived up to those claims. It helps keep me mentally healthy, and that is probably as big a part of staying physically healthy as anything else in this world.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
White Pear by Adagio
Scent in tin: Very subtle scent, typical white tea
Brewed in: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio
Steeping: 1st infusion = 7 minutes, 2nd infusion = 9 minutes both at just under boiling
Cup: stoneware mug
I realize that I’m pretty harsh on most of Adagio’s flavored black teas. The flavoring is just too subtle for me – I want peach tea to taste like peaches, etc. But white tea is completely different for me. Subtle flavoring is necessary with white teas (in my opinion), otherwise the delicate natural flavor of the tea is overwhelmed, rather than married with the flavoring.
I needed a white tea sampler for my mom’s stocking – white tea is kind of a “delicacy” for her, as she uses grocery store teabags most often. I was a little apprehensive about the White Pear after reading the reviews…most said it was “too subtle”. But pear really sounded like a good blend for a white tea to me, and I knew that even if the flavoring didn’t stand out, the remaining tea would still likely be good, so I ordered two samples of it, one for her, and one for myself. Oddly, even though I don’t care much for green tea, I do enjoy white tea occasionally.
I decided I should try my sample before gifting her with one (though I likely would have followed through anyways, knowing her tastes differ from mine somewhat), and was pleasantly surprised when I took my first sip. The thing is, this tea *smells* terrible when brewing, which did not make me want to drink it. But as soon as it hit my tongue, and I rolled it around in my mouth, I was completely hooked.
It feels like honey, a bit thicker than your average white tea, and the pear taste is there, albeit in the background, lingering just behind the flavor of the tea, lending a sweet aftertaste to the experience. It’s very subtle and decadent, without a trace of bitterness, though as far as white tea goes, it is stronger in flavor than many. I literally couldn’t get enough, and while I rarely do second infusions of tea at work, I decided to see what the next “incarnation” would be like. I don’t think I’d like the first infusion iced – though it was tasty and refreshing even as it cooled.
So after lunch, I came back and heated more water, to just under boiling, and decided to let it brew a bit longer for the second go-round. I noticed how beautiful the leaves are the second time, suspended in the water, thick and long and bright green. Asthetically, it’s a beautiful tea to watch infuse as well, so use something clear when you brew it.
I was again surprised by the off-putting aroma when I decanted it into my cup for the second time. When I tasted it, it was like a completely different tea! This is the infusion that should be poured over ice – or ice chips, to be precise. Or even frozen…it is very light, very sweet, and the pear flavor shines through brilliantly, leaving the tea flavor as the more subtle hint this time. I may try freezing second infusions of this tea into “tea-pops” this summer, because I think they’d be very cool and refreshing on a hot summer day. Even still in the cup though, it’s a joy to drink, and it makes me wish I had a gaiwan at home to try it out with gongfu brewing, just to see how many infusions it would yield, and how the flavor would change throughout. I’d definitely want a glass gaiwan though…and I think I’ll have to add one to the order I’m planning for next payday.
Needless to say, this is an incredibly complex, flavorful, lovely tea, and I will be ordering a full-size tin of it very soon. It’s one I hope to have on hand at all times – it would be perfect for a “company” tea.
Brewed in: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio
Steeping: 1st infusion = 7 minutes, 2nd infusion = 9 minutes both at just under boiling
Cup: stoneware mug
I realize that I’m pretty harsh on most of Adagio’s flavored black teas. The flavoring is just too subtle for me – I want peach tea to taste like peaches, etc. But white tea is completely different for me. Subtle flavoring is necessary with white teas (in my opinion), otherwise the delicate natural flavor of the tea is overwhelmed, rather than married with the flavoring.
I needed a white tea sampler for my mom’s stocking – white tea is kind of a “delicacy” for her, as she uses grocery store teabags most often. I was a little apprehensive about the White Pear after reading the reviews…most said it was “too subtle”. But pear really sounded like a good blend for a white tea to me, and I knew that even if the flavoring didn’t stand out, the remaining tea would still likely be good, so I ordered two samples of it, one for her, and one for myself. Oddly, even though I don’t care much for green tea, I do enjoy white tea occasionally.
I decided I should try my sample before gifting her with one (though I likely would have followed through anyways, knowing her tastes differ from mine somewhat), and was pleasantly surprised when I took my first sip. The thing is, this tea *smells* terrible when brewing, which did not make me want to drink it. But as soon as it hit my tongue, and I rolled it around in my mouth, I was completely hooked.
It feels like honey, a bit thicker than your average white tea, and the pear taste is there, albeit in the background, lingering just behind the flavor of the tea, lending a sweet aftertaste to the experience. It’s very subtle and decadent, without a trace of bitterness, though as far as white tea goes, it is stronger in flavor than many. I literally couldn’t get enough, and while I rarely do second infusions of tea at work, I decided to see what the next “incarnation” would be like. I don’t think I’d like the first infusion iced – though it was tasty and refreshing even as it cooled.
So after lunch, I came back and heated more water, to just under boiling, and decided to let it brew a bit longer for the second go-round. I noticed how beautiful the leaves are the second time, suspended in the water, thick and long and bright green. Asthetically, it’s a beautiful tea to watch infuse as well, so use something clear when you brew it.
I was again surprised by the off-putting aroma when I decanted it into my cup for the second time. When I tasted it, it was like a completely different tea! This is the infusion that should be poured over ice – or ice chips, to be precise. Or even frozen…it is very light, very sweet, and the pear flavor shines through brilliantly, leaving the tea flavor as the more subtle hint this time. I may try freezing second infusions of this tea into “tea-pops” this summer, because I think they’d be very cool and refreshing on a hot summer day. Even still in the cup though, it’s a joy to drink, and it makes me wish I had a gaiwan at home to try it out with gongfu brewing, just to see how many infusions it would yield, and how the flavor would change throughout. I’d definitely want a glass gaiwan though…and I think I’ll have to add one to the order I’m planning for next payday.
Needless to say, this is an incredibly complex, flavorful, lovely tea, and I will be ordering a full-size tin of it very soon. It’s one I hope to have on hand at all times – it would be perfect for a “company” tea.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Teaware: triniTEA Electric Maker by Adagio
Still stuck with tea “in the bag” because it’s just too much work to get out the teapot, heat the water, brew the tea and strain it into a cup? This little machine is exactly what you need. By the name, you can guess that it is a three-part system, and it does everything for you except measure out the tea leaves. It even keeps your tea warm after it’s brewed on a hotplate just like a standard coffee pot!
Using the triniTEA is easy, which is probably why it only comes with two small square instruction sheets. The top chamber heats the water, and you can set the temperature to either 180 or 212 degrees, depending on the type of tea you’re making. Once the water is hot enough, it is released into the second chamber with the brewing basket, which holds the tea leaves. At this point, the timer kicks in, and it steeps the leaves for the amount of time you choose. After that time has passed, the tea is released into the carafe below, and held warm until you turn the machine off.
A series of beeps will alert you to each change in the cycle, so you can walk away and do other things while your tea is brewing. You don’t have to worry about being called to the door or phone and forgetting your tea, so as long as you set the timer on the machine to the correct steeping time. And your tea will be warm even if you forget it’s out there, waiting patiently for you to return at your convenience.
That being said, I love to watch the water being released into the brewing chamber from the heating area – the steam and oxygen bubbles filling the chamber and the water streaming out of the brew basket into the container is just enjoyable to watch.
I did have a few problems the first few times I used this machine. The first time, I filled the heating chamber too full, and had steam and water streaming out of the top as it reached the boiling point. Not good. The second time the machine worked just fine, but the third time I put water in it, the lever from the heating chamber to the brewing basket had not shut, so the water went straight through the machine, causing a huge mess on the counter. So be aware that these problems can happen. I think it just took a few uses for the seals to settle in and expand correctly, because since then, it’s worked perfectly every time.
I’ve made black teas (flavored and plain) in it with great success, and it did a good job with rooibos, darjeeling and a dark oolong as well. The flavored white tea I tried the other day came out bitter, but I’m not sure if the water was too hot or if the steeping time was just too long, since I put it at 7 minutes for steeping (that particular white is prone to bitterness anyways). I’ll try another white in it this weekend and see how it turns out. I’m not normally a fan of green tea, but I do have one in the cupboard that I’ll try in it, just to say that I did, and see if it improves the flavor any.
Either way, for $100 (okay, $99), this little machine is completely handy and nice to have around, especially when you don't have that 5 minutes to stay close to the kitchen so you can hear the tea timer, or when you're entertaining guests who might like tea as well. Don't toss your traditional teapots, of course, but this is a great new option to have in your kitchen for "everyday" brewing.
Using the triniTEA is easy, which is probably why it only comes with two small square instruction sheets. The top chamber heats the water, and you can set the temperature to either 180 or 212 degrees, depending on the type of tea you’re making. Once the water is hot enough, it is released into the second chamber with the brewing basket, which holds the tea leaves. At this point, the timer kicks in, and it steeps the leaves for the amount of time you choose. After that time has passed, the tea is released into the carafe below, and held warm until you turn the machine off.
A series of beeps will alert you to each change in the cycle, so you can walk away and do other things while your tea is brewing. You don’t have to worry about being called to the door or phone and forgetting your tea, so as long as you set the timer on the machine to the correct steeping time. And your tea will be warm even if you forget it’s out there, waiting patiently for you to return at your convenience.
That being said, I love to watch the water being released into the brewing chamber from the heating area – the steam and oxygen bubbles filling the chamber and the water streaming out of the brew basket into the container is just enjoyable to watch.
I did have a few problems the first few times I used this machine. The first time, I filled the heating chamber too full, and had steam and water streaming out of the top as it reached the boiling point. Not good. The second time the machine worked just fine, but the third time I put water in it, the lever from the heating chamber to the brewing basket had not shut, so the water went straight through the machine, causing a huge mess on the counter. So be aware that these problems can happen. I think it just took a few uses for the seals to settle in and expand correctly, because since then, it’s worked perfectly every time.
I’ve made black teas (flavored and plain) in it with great success, and it did a good job with rooibos, darjeeling and a dark oolong as well. The flavored white tea I tried the other day came out bitter, but I’m not sure if the water was too hot or if the steeping time was just too long, since I put it at 7 minutes for steeping (that particular white is prone to bitterness anyways). I’ll try another white in it this weekend and see how it turns out. I’m not normally a fan of green tea, but I do have one in the cupboard that I’ll try in it, just to say that I did, and see if it improves the flavor any.
Either way, for $100 (okay, $99), this little machine is completely handy and nice to have around, especially when you don't have that 5 minutes to stay close to the kitchen so you can hear the tea timer, or when you're entertaining guests who might like tea as well. Don't toss your traditional teapots, of course, but this is a great new option to have in your kitchen for "everyday" brewing.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Organic Bohea from Teas, Etc.
Scent in package: Very smoky, earthy – strong and deep and almost “ancient”, reminiscent of pu-erh.
Brewed in: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio
Steeped: 5 min. exactly @ 212 degrees
Cup: Stoneware mug here at work
I have other teas that I was planning to review today, along with my new tea maker, but this morning, as I brewed up a cup of this sample that came in my order from Teas, Etc. today, I just had to write up a little review of this “original Lapsong tea”, as stated on the Teas, Etc. web site (link to the left). It is so smooth, so smoky and sweet, that it just captures your whole mind as you sip it. I never would have intentionally ordered a lapsong sample, because I’ve generally gotten harsher, acidic brews from them, but this one is truly amazing, a tea that is a true indulgence of the senses.
According to the web site, it doesn’t even resemble the lapsong teas of today. I can believe that – this is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. I find it difficult to focus on anything else while I’m drinking it (so not such a good tea for work after all, but heavenly to de-stress with in the evening or on a weekend).
A 3 oz package is $9.95, or you can get 8 oz. for $23.90. I don’t often buy amounts of a single tea larger than 3-4 oz (simply because I have so much tea to begin with), but I may order an 8 oz. quantity of this tea on payday next week, and use my 20% off code that is good until Dec. 31st. That works out to about .19 cents per cup…and this morning, drinking this elegant cup, I have no problem with that. That’s how much I love this tea. I’m having trouble coming to grips with the fact that I only have enough left for one more cup.
I received two full-sized teas (3 oz. each) that I ordered from the company that I haven’t even tried yet…tea companies should take note! Samples work! I am definitely “sold” on this tea.
Brewed in: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio
Steeped: 5 min. exactly @ 212 degrees
Cup: Stoneware mug here at work
I have other teas that I was planning to review today, along with my new tea maker, but this morning, as I brewed up a cup of this sample that came in my order from Teas, Etc. today, I just had to write up a little review of this “original Lapsong tea”, as stated on the Teas, Etc. web site (link to the left). It is so smooth, so smoky and sweet, that it just captures your whole mind as you sip it. I never would have intentionally ordered a lapsong sample, because I’ve generally gotten harsher, acidic brews from them, but this one is truly amazing, a tea that is a true indulgence of the senses.
According to the web site, it doesn’t even resemble the lapsong teas of today. I can believe that – this is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. I find it difficult to focus on anything else while I’m drinking it (so not such a good tea for work after all, but heavenly to de-stress with in the evening or on a weekend).
A 3 oz package is $9.95, or you can get 8 oz. for $23.90. I don’t often buy amounts of a single tea larger than 3-4 oz (simply because I have so much tea to begin with), but I may order an 8 oz. quantity of this tea on payday next week, and use my 20% off code that is good until Dec. 31st. That works out to about .19 cents per cup…and this morning, drinking this elegant cup, I have no problem with that. That’s how much I love this tea. I’m having trouble coming to grips with the fact that I only have enough left for one more cup.
I received two full-sized teas (3 oz. each) that I ordered from the company that I haven’t even tried yet…tea companies should take note! Samples work! I am definitely “sold” on this tea.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Tea Lust
Last spring, I bought a sample of WuYi Oolong tea from the Republic of Tea, the tagline of which is “Cup of Poetry”. I haven’t reviewed this tea yet for the blog, but simply put, it is sublime. For the last 8 months or so, I’ve been trying to talk myself into spending the $14.00 for 1.75 ounces of this fine leaf, but haven’t quite been able to do so. Meanwhile, I’ve been hoarding the last little bit I have of the sample, enough for one cup (or maybe one gongfu session, depending on how much is really there). Today, sipping a cup of Yunnan jig and enjoying the mellow sweetness, I found myself thinking of the WuYi, and thinking that perhaps I should buy some for my birthday in January, as a special treat. So I went to the ROT web site, to make sure it was still available, and…
No luck.
They won’t be shipping the WuYi Oolong again until after April 13, 2007. And the price has gone up as well, to $19.00 for 1.75 ounces. Ouch! I knew I should have bought some earlier! Sigh. So now I’ll have to order a sample right away in April next year, to make sure the 07 crop is just as good. But I have a plan. On payday, I’m taking a $20 bill and putting it in that empty WuYi sample bag in my tea cupboard, and there it will stay, just in case I decide I must have a tin of the new crop. It’s unbelievably expensive, but truly, it is a Cup of Poetry. I only wish I hadn’t waited to order my “almost two ounces” of this year’s crop. I'll drink my last bit of the sample sometime before the new year.
On a brighter note, my new triniTEA maker from Adagio is working brilliantly, and I intend to fully test it on all appropriate types of tea this weekend. Review (and pictures?) on Monday!
Is it weird that I lust after Tea?
Probably.
And that's okay.
No luck.
They won’t be shipping the WuYi Oolong again until after April 13, 2007. And the price has gone up as well, to $19.00 for 1.75 ounces. Ouch! I knew I should have bought some earlier! Sigh. So now I’ll have to order a sample right away in April next year, to make sure the 07 crop is just as good. But I have a plan. On payday, I’m taking a $20 bill and putting it in that empty WuYi sample bag in my tea cupboard, and there it will stay, just in case I decide I must have a tin of the new crop. It’s unbelievably expensive, but truly, it is a Cup of Poetry. I only wish I hadn’t waited to order my “almost two ounces” of this year’s crop. I'll drink my last bit of the sample sometime before the new year.
On a brighter note, my new triniTEA maker from Adagio is working brilliantly, and I intend to fully test it on all appropriate types of tea this weekend. Review (and pictures?) on Monday!
Is it weird that I lust after Tea?
Probably.
And that's okay.
Peach (flavored black) by Adagio
Scent in tin: Peachy keen…just like fresh peaches, sweet and fragrant.
Brewing method: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio
Steeping: 5 min @ 212 degrees normally, once for 3 1/2 min. instead.
Cup: 12 oz porcelain mug
I was excited to try this tea – I love flavored teas, and peach is one of my favorite flavors. I was completely optimistic when I opened the sample tin, and took in the sweet, peachy smell. I scooped a teaspoon & a half out into my ingenuiTEA pot, boiled some water, and poured it over the leaves, noting the bits of peach joining the leaves in their dance. I smelled the brew, and it was a wonderful experience. When it cooled a little, I took my first sip. And almost spit it back out.
Okay, not really, but the tea was surprisingly bitter, the peach flavor horribly “off”, and I was completely perplexed at the difference between what I was expecting to taste from all the “nose candy” that came before. Compared to other peach flavored teas I’ve had, this one was definitely the worst, and I was supremely disappointed in it.
To be fair, since oversteeping is normally the cause of bitter tea, I decided to try once more with only a teaspoon of leaves and 3 ½ minutes brewing time. This did get rid of the bitterness, and made the overall cup smooth on the tongue, but it also got rid of any taste there had been, tea, flavoring or otherwise. It was more like drinking heavy water than anything else. Not even as good as most white teas I’ve had. Two thumbs way down – unless you’re looking for an aromatic peach potpourri, in which case I highly recommend this particular tea.
Brewing method: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio
Steeping: 5 min @ 212 degrees normally, once for 3 1/2 min. instead.
Cup: 12 oz porcelain mug
I was excited to try this tea – I love flavored teas, and peach is one of my favorite flavors. I was completely optimistic when I opened the sample tin, and took in the sweet, peachy smell. I scooped a teaspoon & a half out into my ingenuiTEA pot, boiled some water, and poured it over the leaves, noting the bits of peach joining the leaves in their dance. I smelled the brew, and it was a wonderful experience. When it cooled a little, I took my first sip. And almost spit it back out.
Okay, not really, but the tea was surprisingly bitter, the peach flavor horribly “off”, and I was completely perplexed at the difference between what I was expecting to taste from all the “nose candy” that came before. Compared to other peach flavored teas I’ve had, this one was definitely the worst, and I was supremely disappointed in it.
To be fair, since oversteeping is normally the cause of bitter tea, I decided to try once more with only a teaspoon of leaves and 3 ½ minutes brewing time. This did get rid of the bitterness, and made the overall cup smooth on the tongue, but it also got rid of any taste there had been, tea, flavoring or otherwise. It was more like drinking heavy water than anything else. Not even as good as most white teas I’ve had. Two thumbs way down – unless you’re looking for an aromatic peach potpourri, in which case I highly recommend this particular tea.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Rooibos Macadamia by Dragonwater
Scent in bag: Nutty, with a sweet almond tone
Brewed in: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio
Steeping: around 7 min @ 212 degrees
Cup: my trusty porcelain mug here at work
This tisane is not for the faint of heart. Truly a tea for those who enjoy a strong, nutty flavor, the scent in the package nearly knocked me over. The scent of almonds helps to calm the heavier overtones, and it took me awhile to talk myself into trying it, simply because I was worried the flavor would be *too* strong (imagine that).
When I brewed it, I sniffed the liqueur, and the almond scent came shining through, keeping the macadamia to a very pleasant level. The taste is simply heavenly, warm and reminiscent of fall. As with most rooibos, it is smooth and mellow on the tongue, and you really can’t overstep it. All in all, I enjoyed it very much, and look forward to finishing the sample. Barring any space restrictions, I may well have to order a larger quantity next time around.
Brewed in: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio
Steeping: around 7 min @ 212 degrees
Cup: my trusty porcelain mug here at work
This tisane is not for the faint of heart. Truly a tea for those who enjoy a strong, nutty flavor, the scent in the package nearly knocked me over. The scent of almonds helps to calm the heavier overtones, and it took me awhile to talk myself into trying it, simply because I was worried the flavor would be *too* strong (imagine that).
When I brewed it, I sniffed the liqueur, and the almond scent came shining through, keeping the macadamia to a very pleasant level. The taste is simply heavenly, warm and reminiscent of fall. As with most rooibos, it is smooth and mellow on the tongue, and you really can’t overstep it. All in all, I enjoyed it very much, and look forward to finishing the sample. Barring any space restrictions, I may well have to order a larger quantity next time around.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Rooibos Apple Cinnamon by Dragonwater
Scent in Package: Yummy, like warm apple pie
Brewing method: Simple metal infuser in a clear glass cup
Steeping: 6-7 min. @ 212 degrees
Cup: Clear glass, as above
This sample has been in my cupboard for awhile, and last night around 10ish, I needed something warm. I ripped open the top of the sealed bag, took a whiff, and was immediately reminded of warm apple pie, or a baked apple (a favorite late night snack of mine). My teapots were all waiting for the dishwasher, and since rooibos doesn’t really “unfurl” like a true tea, I popped the metal infuser I normally treat like a strainer into a cup and brewed up 1 1/2 teaspoons.
My first sip was still too hot – and I wasn’t sure about the apple/tobacco combination at that point. So I set it aside to cool for a bit. My next sip was different, with less sweetness than I’ve been used to in a rooibos tisane. It was intriguing, but not really “good”. After that, subsequent sips started showing the cinnamon flavor more, and about half a cup down, I really could taste the subtle apple pie scent that had drawn me in with the dry leaves, and while it was pleasant on my tongue, I couldn’t help but think that a little sugar would really draw out the flavors and truly create the “apple pie in a cup” that I couldn’t get out of my head. Heck, a little milk with the sugar would probably taste like pie ala mode!
Needless to say, I finished off the cup ala carte, as I drink most cups, but next time, I shall have to experiment with sugar & milk. Some teas just beg for it, and this particular one could be the next great dessert tea. I’ll report back later after that experiment.
Brewing method: Simple metal infuser in a clear glass cup
Steeping: 6-7 min. @ 212 degrees
Cup: Clear glass, as above
This sample has been in my cupboard for awhile, and last night around 10ish, I needed something warm. I ripped open the top of the sealed bag, took a whiff, and was immediately reminded of warm apple pie, or a baked apple (a favorite late night snack of mine). My teapots were all waiting for the dishwasher, and since rooibos doesn’t really “unfurl” like a true tea, I popped the metal infuser I normally treat like a strainer into a cup and brewed up 1 1/2 teaspoons.
My first sip was still too hot – and I wasn’t sure about the apple/tobacco combination at that point. So I set it aside to cool for a bit. My next sip was different, with less sweetness than I’ve been used to in a rooibos tisane. It was intriguing, but not really “good”. After that, subsequent sips started showing the cinnamon flavor more, and about half a cup down, I really could taste the subtle apple pie scent that had drawn me in with the dry leaves, and while it was pleasant on my tongue, I couldn’t help but think that a little sugar would really draw out the flavors and truly create the “apple pie in a cup” that I couldn’t get out of my head. Heck, a little milk with the sugar would probably taste like pie ala mode!
Needless to say, I finished off the cup ala carte, as I drink most cups, but next time, I shall have to experiment with sugar & milk. Some teas just beg for it, and this particular one could be the next great dessert tea. I’ll report back later after that experiment.
Friday, December 8, 2006
Cranberry by Adagio
Scent in tin: A light tea scent, nondescript, and if you sniff long enough, you eventually get a very subtle whiff of berry, but nothing that screams “cranberries!”
Brewing method: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio
Cup: 12oz. porcelain mug
This is the last tea from my Holiday Sampler from Adagio, and it was last simply because there is virtually no scent from the tea when it’s dry. Even an unflavored tea normally has a scent, so I was not terribly motivated to try this “quiet” tea. But I did want to try each of the holiday flavors before it was too late to order more, if I so chose, so today I brought it to work with me, and decided to brew an “after lunch” cup.
Simply put, this tea is a cacophony of flavor. The cranberry (such as it is) clashes heartily with the tea leaves, creating a serious dissonance on my tongue. It improves slightly as it cools, but the only way I could make it through the cup was with the addition of sugar, which I normally only add to chai blends, and which didn’t help all that much. Two thumbs way down - you couldn’t pay me enough to reorder this tea.
Brewing method: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio
Cup: 12oz. porcelain mug
This is the last tea from my Holiday Sampler from Adagio, and it was last simply because there is virtually no scent from the tea when it’s dry. Even an unflavored tea normally has a scent, so I was not terribly motivated to try this “quiet” tea. But I did want to try each of the holiday flavors before it was too late to order more, if I so chose, so today I brought it to work with me, and decided to brew an “after lunch” cup.
Simply put, this tea is a cacophony of flavor. The cranberry (such as it is) clashes heartily with the tea leaves, creating a serious dissonance on my tongue. It improves slightly as it cools, but the only way I could make it through the cup was with the addition of sugar, which I normally only add to chai blends, and which didn’t help all that much. Two thumbs way down - you couldn’t pay me enough to reorder this tea.
Pumpkin Spice by Adagio
Scent in tin: Fruity, like bananas. No evident smell of either pumpkin *or* spice.
Brewing method: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio
Steeping time: 5 min. @ 212 deg.
Cup: 12oz. porcelain mug
As a huge lover of pumpkin, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin cookies, this tea was a huge disappointment to me. It is very mellow, and luxuriously smooth in the mouth, but the taste is definitely more of a “banana” taste, rather than pumpkin, and the spice is non-existent. Highly unsatisfying – thank goodness I only have a sampler.
Brewing method: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio
Steeping time: 5 min. @ 212 deg.
Cup: 12oz. porcelain mug
As a huge lover of pumpkin, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin cookies, this tea was a huge disappointment to me. It is very mellow, and luxuriously smooth in the mouth, but the taste is definitely more of a “banana” taste, rather than pumpkin, and the spice is non-existent. Highly unsatisfying – thank goodness I only have a sampler.
Good Hope Vanilla Rooibos by Republic of Tea
Scent: Not much, a hint of vanilla.
Brewing method: Signature round unbleached tea bag
Steeping: 5 min. @ 212 degrees
Cup: 12 oz. porcelain mug
I’m generally a big fan of tea from The Republic. The flavors are robust, the blends excellent, and while it is a little pricy, the decorative artwork aptly characterizes the tea and adds to the drinking atmosphere, in my opinion. Many tea connoisseurs thumb their nose at The Republic, but personally, I’m a customer for life, especially with regards to the black flavored blends.
I received a sample teabag of the Good Hope Vanilla Rooibos with my latest catalog (who doesn’t love a free sample?), and this morning after a good cup of Chestnut to wake up with, I decided it was time to try it. Generally with flavored rooibos, I either love it or hate it, so it’s always a toss up for me as to whether or not I’m “in the mood” for it. I was a bit disappointed that the scent of the rooibos wasn’t stronger, but tossed the bag into my cup and boiled up some water. With Rooibos, I can’t imagine it makes much different whether it’s loose or bagged, since it doesn’t really “unfurl” like a real tea.
When I poured the water over it, the scent started coming through immediately. The tobacco scent was not very strong, equally balanced with the vanilla cream scent. It was very smooth on the tongue, creamy and rich with that hint of tobacco flavor that I find myself craving from time to time. Very tasty and enjoyable, and it left me wanting more.
My only concern is the amount of tea doesn’t seem like enough for a large cup like mine. The tea was a bit weaker than I like, and I would either leave it in longer next time, or use two bags instead. Otherwise a good tea – one I’ll consider adding to my next order.
Brewing method: Signature round unbleached tea bag
Steeping: 5 min. @ 212 degrees
Cup: 12 oz. porcelain mug
I’m generally a big fan of tea from The Republic. The flavors are robust, the blends excellent, and while it is a little pricy, the decorative artwork aptly characterizes the tea and adds to the drinking atmosphere, in my opinion. Many tea connoisseurs thumb their nose at The Republic, but personally, I’m a customer for life, especially with regards to the black flavored blends.
I received a sample teabag of the Good Hope Vanilla Rooibos with my latest catalog (who doesn’t love a free sample?), and this morning after a good cup of Chestnut to wake up with, I decided it was time to try it. Generally with flavored rooibos, I either love it or hate it, so it’s always a toss up for me as to whether or not I’m “in the mood” for it. I was a bit disappointed that the scent of the rooibos wasn’t stronger, but tossed the bag into my cup and boiled up some water. With Rooibos, I can’t imagine it makes much different whether it’s loose or bagged, since it doesn’t really “unfurl” like a real tea.
When I poured the water over it, the scent started coming through immediately. The tobacco scent was not very strong, equally balanced with the vanilla cream scent. It was very smooth on the tongue, creamy and rich with that hint of tobacco flavor that I find myself craving from time to time. Very tasty and enjoyable, and it left me wanting more.
My only concern is the amount of tea doesn’t seem like enough for a large cup like mine. The tea was a bit weaker than I like, and I would either leave it in longer next time, or use two bags instead. Otherwise a good tea – one I’ll consider adding to my next order.
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Puerh (Organic) Tea by Dragonwater
Scent: Mild, earthy, slightly grassy
Brewing method: 16 oz. porcelain teapot
Steeping: 30 min. rinse, 3 minute infusion @ 212 degrees
Cup: Clarity Cup by Adagio
In my quest to learn more abut puerh teas, I may have prejudiced myself against this particular tea from the start. It is a loose-leaf puerh, which from what I’ve read is rarely as good as pressed puerh. It is cooked, which is why I was surprised by the grassier scent of the tea. I should have brewed it gong fu style, but did not have time just then.
The scent of the brewed tea seemed a little “off” from the tuo cha I had tried last week. It was more vegetal, and less earthy. More like a dark oolong, I guess. The taste was very mild and inoffensive, but nothing terribly spectacular. It brewed up light in color as well – a far cry from the deep brown/red of the tuo cha.
Needless to say, I won’t be reordering this one. It’s just not really worth the money or storage space to keep it around. I may try leaving it out for awhile in a basket or something, to see if it will age any more and perhaps lose the grassy taste at some point. I’ve read that cooked puerhs really don’t age much more, but I doubt it will hurt this particular tea.
Brewing method: 16 oz. porcelain teapot
Steeping: 30 min. rinse, 3 minute infusion @ 212 degrees
Cup: Clarity Cup by Adagio
In my quest to learn more abut puerh teas, I may have prejudiced myself against this particular tea from the start. It is a loose-leaf puerh, which from what I’ve read is rarely as good as pressed puerh. It is cooked, which is why I was surprised by the grassier scent of the tea. I should have brewed it gong fu style, but did not have time just then.
The scent of the brewed tea seemed a little “off” from the tuo cha I had tried last week. It was more vegetal, and less earthy. More like a dark oolong, I guess. The taste was very mild and inoffensive, but nothing terribly spectacular. It brewed up light in color as well – a far cry from the deep brown/red of the tuo cha.
Needless to say, I won’t be reordering this one. It’s just not really worth the money or storage space to keep it around. I may try leaving it out for awhile in a basket or something, to see if it will age any more and perhaps lose the grassy taste at some point. I’ve read that cooked puerhs really don’t age much more, but I doubt it will hurt this particular tea.
Indian Nimbu by Harney & Sons
Scent in Tin: Very subtle and unassuming.
Brewing Method: Silken pyramid teabag
Steeping: 5 min. @ 212 degrees
Cup: 12 oz. Porcelain mug
This tea was a big surprise for me. My sister brought me a couple “tagalongs” (small, round tin containing 5 silken pyramid teabags each) that she had found in a sale bin at a local cooking store. I rarely turn down free tea, but the scent of the tea labeled “Indian Nimbu” was so slight that I assumed it would be rather…unassuming, and I brought it to work for a trial.
When I poured the boiling water over the sachet, I watched as the leaves began to unfurl. And slowly the most wonderful scent wafted up out of the cup, caramel with a hint of lemon in the background, and suddenly I couldn’t wait to taste it. As soon as it cooled enough to drink, I found myself savoring the delicious brew, a delicate darjeeling tea the perfect backdrop for the lemon and caramel flavors.
Unfortunately, I had finished the tagalong before I knew it, and when I visited the H&S site to order more, I found that they had very high regard for their tea as well. I still haven’t ordered more, at $13 for 4 oz., but one of these days, I will definitely be restocking this tea. It’s absolutely delightful, and I took great pleasure in the small amount that I had.
Brewing Method: Silken pyramid teabag
Steeping: 5 min. @ 212 degrees
Cup: 12 oz. Porcelain mug
This tea was a big surprise for me. My sister brought me a couple “tagalongs” (small, round tin containing 5 silken pyramid teabags each) that she had found in a sale bin at a local cooking store. I rarely turn down free tea, but the scent of the tea labeled “Indian Nimbu” was so slight that I assumed it would be rather…unassuming, and I brought it to work for a trial.
When I poured the boiling water over the sachet, I watched as the leaves began to unfurl. And slowly the most wonderful scent wafted up out of the cup, caramel with a hint of lemon in the background, and suddenly I couldn’t wait to taste it. As soon as it cooled enough to drink, I found myself savoring the delicious brew, a delicate darjeeling tea the perfect backdrop for the lemon and caramel flavors.
Unfortunately, I had finished the tagalong before I knew it, and when I visited the H&S site to order more, I found that they had very high regard for their tea as well. I still haven’t ordered more, at $13 for 4 oz., but one of these days, I will definitely be restocking this tea. It’s absolutely delightful, and I took great pleasure in the small amount that I had.
Rooibos Strawberry Cream by Dragonwater
Scent: Wow. Strong, luscious strawberries & cream scent.
Brewed in: 16 oz porcelain teapot
Steeped: 5-6 minutes @ 212 degrees
Cup: 12 oz. porcelain mug
I’m not a big fan of most herbal teas, but rooibos is a notable exception. I love the pipe tobacco-like smell, and though I haven’t tasted just plain rooibos yet (I have a sample in the cupboard), the flavored rooibos sometimes just hits the spot. I ordered some tea from Dragonwater, and they sent the Rooibos Strawberry Cream as a free sample. Thank you Dragonwater!
Needless to say, it brewed up a gorgeous cherry red, like most rooibos does. The amazing strawberry cream scent stuck around after the brewing, and made the kitchen smell wonderful. The taste is sublime, with just a hint of the tobacco flavor coming through the strong fruity strawberry flavor. It’s sweet and rich, like dessert in a cup. This tisane will definitely be on my next Dragonwater order in a larger quantity.
Brewed in: 16 oz porcelain teapot
Steeped: 5-6 minutes @ 212 degrees
Cup: 12 oz. porcelain mug
I’m not a big fan of most herbal teas, but rooibos is a notable exception. I love the pipe tobacco-like smell, and though I haven’t tasted just plain rooibos yet (I have a sample in the cupboard), the flavored rooibos sometimes just hits the spot. I ordered some tea from Dragonwater, and they sent the Rooibos Strawberry Cream as a free sample. Thank you Dragonwater!
Needless to say, it brewed up a gorgeous cherry red, like most rooibos does. The amazing strawberry cream scent stuck around after the brewing, and made the kitchen smell wonderful. The taste is sublime, with just a hint of the tobacco flavor coming through the strong fruity strawberry flavor. It’s sweet and rich, like dessert in a cup. This tisane will definitely be on my next Dragonwater order in a larger quantity.
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Gingerbread by Adagio Teas
Scent in tin: Smells like…uh…gingerbread!
Brewed in: 24oz porcelain teapot
Steeped: 5 minutes @ 212
Cup: Clarity Cup by Adagio
This is just an all around great tea. Great smelling, great tasting, great aftertaste. It’s light on the tongue, and brews up to a lovely golden brown in the cup The scent lingers, enhancing my enjoyment of the taste, and even after it cools, it’s still completely drinkable and pleasurable. Adagio’s flavored teas normally don’t really have enough flavor for me, but again, this holiday sampler set is proving to be the opposite of “normal” for them. I love this Gingerbread tea, and will buy a larger amount before the holidays are over, so I can have it around for the rest of the winter.
Brewed in: 24oz porcelain teapot
Steeped: 5 minutes @ 212
Cup: Clarity Cup by Adagio
This is just an all around great tea. Great smelling, great tasting, great aftertaste. It’s light on the tongue, and brews up to a lovely golden brown in the cup The scent lingers, enhancing my enjoyment of the taste, and even after it cools, it’s still completely drinkable and pleasurable. Adagio’s flavored teas normally don’t really have enough flavor for me, but again, this holiday sampler set is proving to be the opposite of “normal” for them. I love this Gingerbread tea, and will buy a larger amount before the holidays are over, so I can have it around for the rest of the winter.
ingenuiTEA by Adagio Teas
When I first ordered this little teapot, I was fascinated by the “ingenuity” of the design. It’s meant to be an “all in one” brewing system, wherein you can heat the water (in the microwave), add tea leaves, watch them steep, and then set the teapot on top of a cup which releases a valve to drain the tea directly into your cup. It’s very convenient and easy to use, and dishwasher safe as well.
I use my ingenuiTEA at work for the convenience. I do not heat water for tea in the microwave under any circumstances – it tastes flat (don’t believe me? Check out this article in TeaMuse) and seems to cool faster than water heated more conventionally. I have an electric kettle at my desk that I use for heating water, and then I use the ingenuiTEA for steeping and decanting the tea. It works pretty well, and the leaves come out fairly easily when dried. A quick rinse and wipe with a paper towel, and it’s ready for the next day.
I prefer to use other means of brewing at home though. The ingenuiTEA has it’s flaws, most notably that it is plastic, which means it doesn’t hold heat as well as a porcelain or Yixing teapot. I have put mine through the dishwasher, but prefer not to, as errant little bits of food and such tend to get stuck in the filter, and the seal doesn’t seem to work as well afterwards either. Hand washing really is the way to go for this little pot, in my opinion, and I hate to do that at home (I rarely wash it at work, to be honest – just dump the leaves out, let whatever leaves are left dry out, and dump that out, then start again. Call me lazy.).
So overall, it’s a great little pot for use at work (and it would be great for traveling too, since it’s plastic), but not as good as more traditional methods for home use, in my opinion.
I use my ingenuiTEA at work for the convenience. I do not heat water for tea in the microwave under any circumstances – it tastes flat (don’t believe me? Check out this article in TeaMuse) and seems to cool faster than water heated more conventionally. I have an electric kettle at my desk that I use for heating water, and then I use the ingenuiTEA for steeping and decanting the tea. It works pretty well, and the leaves come out fairly easily when dried. A quick rinse and wipe with a paper towel, and it’s ready for the next day.
I prefer to use other means of brewing at home though. The ingenuiTEA has it’s flaws, most notably that it is plastic, which means it doesn’t hold heat as well as a porcelain or Yixing teapot. I have put mine through the dishwasher, but prefer not to, as errant little bits of food and such tend to get stuck in the filter, and the seal doesn’t seem to work as well afterwards either. Hand washing really is the way to go for this little pot, in my opinion, and I hate to do that at home (I rarely wash it at work, to be honest – just dump the leaves out, let whatever leaves are left dry out, and dump that out, then start again. Call me lazy.).
So overall, it’s a great little pot for use at work (and it would be great for traveling too, since it’s plastic), but not as good as more traditional methods for home use, in my opinion.
Mango Ceylon Sample from Teas, Etc.
Scent in the package: Light & fruity
Brewed in: ingenuiTEA pot at work
Steeping: 5 minutes @ 212 degrees
Cup: Porcelain mug at work
I didn’t expect to like this tea, as I’m not fond of Ceylon tea in general, and I’ve never been a huge fan of Mango Ceylon (though I love mango flavor in other things). But it was a free sample, and who can turn that down? It was very pleasant smelling when I opened the package, and I had hope for the taste at that point. The other tea I ordered from them (Apricot, I believe), is very good, so I boiled the water in my electric kettle, poured it over the leaves and shut the lid, watching the leaves unfurl.
I grew apprehensive as I watched and the brew stayed at a light golden brown. I tend to like darker brews, but not bitter tea, so I was careful not to let it steep too long. When I finally decanted it into the cup, it had a very light, subtle scent, but nothing to get excited about. The taste was mediocre – probably good in the grand scheme of ceylon tea, but it didn’t strike me as memorable.
In all fairness, I can normally tell how well I like a tea by how long it takes to drink. I’m a sipper, so even a perfect cuppa (about 12 oz) takes me around 1.5 hours to finish. The ones I don’t like stretch out to 4 hours sometimes, and I end up tossing the remainder before I head home for the day. But I did finish this one within a normal time frame for me, so it certainly wasn’t “offensive”, just not something I’d order again. It was very tannic, judging by the dryness at the back of my throat now.
Brewed in: ingenuiTEA pot at work
Steeping: 5 minutes @ 212 degrees
Cup: Porcelain mug at work
I didn’t expect to like this tea, as I’m not fond of Ceylon tea in general, and I’ve never been a huge fan of Mango Ceylon (though I love mango flavor in other things). But it was a free sample, and who can turn that down? It was very pleasant smelling when I opened the package, and I had hope for the taste at that point. The other tea I ordered from them (Apricot, I believe), is very good, so I boiled the water in my electric kettle, poured it over the leaves and shut the lid, watching the leaves unfurl.
I grew apprehensive as I watched and the brew stayed at a light golden brown. I tend to like darker brews, but not bitter tea, so I was careful not to let it steep too long. When I finally decanted it into the cup, it had a very light, subtle scent, but nothing to get excited about. The taste was mediocre – probably good in the grand scheme of ceylon tea, but it didn’t strike me as memorable.
In all fairness, I can normally tell how well I like a tea by how long it takes to drink. I’m a sipper, so even a perfect cuppa (about 12 oz) takes me around 1.5 hours to finish. The ones I don’t like stretch out to 4 hours sometimes, and I end up tossing the remainder before I head home for the day. But I did finish this one within a normal time frame for me, so it certainly wasn’t “offensive”, just not something I’d order again. It was very tannic, judging by the dryness at the back of my throat now.
Chestnut Tea from Adagio
Scent in the tin: Nutty and warm.
Brewed in: 2 cup porcelain glazed teapot
Steeping: 5 minutes @ 212 degrees
Cup: Clarity glass cup from Adagio
This tea had me at first sniff. I ordered the Holiday Sampler from Adagio, and the first thing I did was smell each of the 6 tea samplers to decide which I would try first. The Chestnut won by a landslide, and I made a small pot of it right away. In the cup, it smelled wonderfully warm and nutty, with a hint of that malty aftertaste that I really love in a tea. The brew was a lovely dark brown in the cup, and the tea was very smooth and more flavorful than many of Adagio’s teas. The chestnut flavor really came through nicely, and meshed well with the flavor of the tea. After the second sip, I was absolutely convinced to order a full-sized canister, as Adagio’s holiday teas are on sale for a limited time only. I’ll be ordering a 4 oz. canister of it soon, to get me through the next year.
Brewed in: 2 cup porcelain glazed teapot
Steeping: 5 minutes @ 212 degrees
Cup: Clarity glass cup from Adagio
This tea had me at first sniff. I ordered the Holiday Sampler from Adagio, and the first thing I did was smell each of the 6 tea samplers to decide which I would try first. The Chestnut won by a landslide, and I made a small pot of it right away. In the cup, it smelled wonderfully warm and nutty, with a hint of that malty aftertaste that I really love in a tea. The brew was a lovely dark brown in the cup, and the tea was very smooth and more flavorful than many of Adagio’s teas. The chestnut flavor really came through nicely, and meshed well with the flavor of the tea. After the second sip, I was absolutely convinced to order a full-sized canister, as Adagio’s holiday teas are on sale for a limited time only. I’ll be ordering a 4 oz. canister of it soon, to get me through the next year.
Candy Cane from Adagio
Scent in tin: Just a hint of peppermint, and very little else.
Brewed in: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio (at work)
Steeping: 5 minutes @ 212 degrees
Cup: 12 oz Porcelain mug
I was disappointed that this tea did not have a stronger mint scent in the tin. But Adagio’s flavored teas are generally pretty weak on the “flavor” part, so with that in mind, I brought this tea to work, hoping the flavor would be better than the scent. It was a reddish brown color brewed up, and the peppermint scent was slightly stronger after brewing.
The taste isn't a surprise with this tea. It tastes…well…like any run-of-the-mill tea. The surprise is in the sensation on your tongue and in your mouth. While the tea doesn’t really taste sweet like one would expect from a mint brew, the cooling, tingling sensation of mint is fairly strong, making this tea more interesting to sip than your average cup. I would imagine that adding honey would bring out the flavor a bit more, but it’s not necessary by any means. An interesting tea that is great as a novelty, but I’ll be happy with just the sampler through the holiday season.
Brewed in: ingenuiTEA pot by Adagio (at work)
Steeping: 5 minutes @ 212 degrees
Cup: 12 oz Porcelain mug
I was disappointed that this tea did not have a stronger mint scent in the tin. But Adagio’s flavored teas are generally pretty weak on the “flavor” part, so with that in mind, I brought this tea to work, hoping the flavor would be better than the scent. It was a reddish brown color brewed up, and the peppermint scent was slightly stronger after brewing.
The taste isn't a surprise with this tea. It tastes…well…like any run-of-the-mill tea. The surprise is in the sensation on your tongue and in your mouth. While the tea doesn’t really taste sweet like one would expect from a mint brew, the cooling, tingling sensation of mint is fairly strong, making this tea more interesting to sip than your average cup. I would imagine that adding honey would bring out the flavor a bit more, but it’s not necessary by any means. An interesting tea that is great as a novelty, but I’ll be happy with just the sampler through the holiday season.
Black Pu-erh Tuo Cha from Dragonwater
Scent in package: Earthy and malty, typical Yunnan tea scent
Brewed in: 6oz. Yixing teapot
Steeping (212 degrees): 1st infusion: 1 min., 2nd infusion: 3 min., 3rd infusion: 3 min., 4th infusion: 4 min.
Cup: Clarity glass cup from Adagio
First, I have to say, it felt sacrilegious to use a glass cup with my new tiny Yixing teapot, bought specifically for my foray into the world of Pu-erh tea. But I don’t currently own any “traditional” teacups (that’s what happens when you spend all of your money on tea), and I did want to see the color of the brew. I was a little apprehensive about trying this tea, as there are so many warnings about the earthy, sometimes musty taste of Pu-erh, but I wanted to try it at least, for the experience more than anything. Little did I know that my experiment would plunge me into a new level of appreciation for this “fine wine” of the tea world.
Pu-erh is aged, and often compressed into bricks, blocks, or little round birds nests, which is the shape this particular pu-erh comes in. To brew this tea, you crumble one of the nests into the pot, then pour boiling water over it. Typically the first infusion is used to rinse the tea, as pu-erh can get dusty or dirty as it ages. This particular tea seemed “clean”, as it came wrapped in a thin paper and sealed in a plastic package, but I wanted to experience it to the fullest, so after straining the first infusion into my cup, I poured it back over my teapot for "seasoning", and started another steeping with freshly boiled water. The first infusion was very dark, even after only 1 minute, and smelled like a very strong Yunnan tea, very malty. I let the 2nd infusion steep the full three minutes, and strained it into my cup, noting the breathtaking deep red color when held up to the light. This tea is very dark, and seems like it would be strong, but the first sip is absolutely heavenly. The taste is very earthy, with a malty undertone like a strongly brewed Assam. It is amazingly smooth on the tongue, and leaves an incredible aftertaste in the mouth that is almost sweet. The texture is thicker than most teas, a pleasant feeling against the palate. The 2nd infusion was definitely my favorite, though I may try the 1st infusion as well next time.
The 3rd and fourth infusions were understandably lighter, but still brewed to a golden reddish brown the color of a “normal” cup of tea. The taste was still superb, the texture still sublime, and every sip left me relaxed and peaceful, with a very pleasant aftertaste. This is truly the Cadillac of tea for me, and an absolute necessity in my kitchen from now on. I can hardly wait to try the Organic Pu-erh sample still waiting in the cupboard (also from Dragonwater), and I will gladly be ordering and sampling pu-erh teas from other companies as well. It was truly a wonderful experience, and one that I’d highly recommend to anyone who likes the malty, earthy taste of Yunnan and Assam type teas.
Brewed in: 6oz. Yixing teapot
Steeping (212 degrees): 1st infusion: 1 min., 2nd infusion: 3 min., 3rd infusion: 3 min., 4th infusion: 4 min.
Cup: Clarity glass cup from Adagio
First, I have to say, it felt sacrilegious to use a glass cup with my new tiny Yixing teapot, bought specifically for my foray into the world of Pu-erh tea. But I don’t currently own any “traditional” teacups (that’s what happens when you spend all of your money on tea), and I did want to see the color of the brew. I was a little apprehensive about trying this tea, as there are so many warnings about the earthy, sometimes musty taste of Pu-erh, but I wanted to try it at least, for the experience more than anything. Little did I know that my experiment would plunge me into a new level of appreciation for this “fine wine” of the tea world.
Pu-erh is aged, and often compressed into bricks, blocks, or little round birds nests, which is the shape this particular pu-erh comes in. To brew this tea, you crumble one of the nests into the pot, then pour boiling water over it. Typically the first infusion is used to rinse the tea, as pu-erh can get dusty or dirty as it ages. This particular tea seemed “clean”, as it came wrapped in a thin paper and sealed in a plastic package, but I wanted to experience it to the fullest, so after straining the first infusion into my cup, I poured it back over my teapot for "seasoning", and started another steeping with freshly boiled water. The first infusion was very dark, even after only 1 minute, and smelled like a very strong Yunnan tea, very malty. I let the 2nd infusion steep the full three minutes, and strained it into my cup, noting the breathtaking deep red color when held up to the light. This tea is very dark, and seems like it would be strong, but the first sip is absolutely heavenly. The taste is very earthy, with a malty undertone like a strongly brewed Assam. It is amazingly smooth on the tongue, and leaves an incredible aftertaste in the mouth that is almost sweet. The texture is thicker than most teas, a pleasant feeling against the palate. The 2nd infusion was definitely my favorite, though I may try the 1st infusion as well next time.
The 3rd and fourth infusions were understandably lighter, but still brewed to a golden reddish brown the color of a “normal” cup of tea. The taste was still superb, the texture still sublime, and every sip left me relaxed and peaceful, with a very pleasant aftertaste. This is truly the Cadillac of tea for me, and an absolute necessity in my kitchen from now on. I can hardly wait to try the Organic Pu-erh sample still waiting in the cupboard (also from Dragonwater), and I will gladly be ordering and sampling pu-erh teas from other companies as well. It was truly a wonderful experience, and one that I’d highly recommend to anyone who likes the malty, earthy taste of Yunnan and Assam type teas.
Monday, December 4, 2006
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