tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18837271824361425252024-03-07T06:54:38.360-07:00Tea on TapReviews and notes on tea and teaware from an everyday tea lover.Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-43542120139626304022013-03-23T11:57:00.000-06:002013-03-23T11:57:48.647-06:00Lapsang & RaspberriesNot in the same cup. Although looking at today's title, it doesn't seem like such a bad idea to try. A nice, sweet fruity taste paired...maybe not with traditional Lapsang, but a lighter smokey tea, like Bohea or Black Dragon?<br />
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I have to say, I'm a little annoyed that Teas, Etc has been out of both Raspberry Tart and Bohea every time I've gone to order for the last several *months*. This does not bode well for business, in my opinion. However, I have found replacements that seem to be working nicely, so no lasting harm, I suppose.<br />
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I like raspberry tea, but not enough to drink it "just because". The fact is, it helps alleviate certain female ailments to the extent that I've come to rely on it heavily from month to month. So I finally searched my other favorite tea retailers and found an herbal tisane at Adagio called "<a href="http://www.adagio.com/herbal/raspberry_patch.html?SID=9a18bfa1f8541bf49b53af7d54c4536d" target="_blank">Raspberry Patch</a>" that includes dried raspberries. I wasn't sure if that would work, since the leaves have more of the substance that's supposed to help, but I mixed a bit of it with the Harney & Son's Supreme Breakfast that I'm not fond of, and it both improved that tea and worked as a nice painkiller, so win-win! <br />
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On the Bohea front, the replacement I've found is a blend of organic black tea (?) and Lapsang, which results in a nice, mellower smokey tea for those days when a full on campfire isn't really necessary. <a href="http://www.tantalizingtea.com/tea/black-tea/black-dragon-organic.html" target="_blank">Black Dragon</a> from Tantalizing Teas is excellent...and I think I just might try mixing it with a little of that raspberry patch tea next month to see how it turns out! <br />
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As for my Tea Words - I've been failing miserably on those. I've been drinking excellent teas lately, so perhaps I can get back into the groove here soon...<br />
<br />In the meantime...what's in your cup? Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-15538122183853512602013-02-24T20:46:00.000-07:002013-02-24T20:46:12.648-07:00Tea Words: Feb. 17 - 23, 2013 <div>
<b>Elyse's Blend - Harney & Sons</b> <br />
2/18 @ 8:30am - Light, mellow, meh. <br />
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<b>Boulder Breakfast - The TeaSpot</b> <br />
2/18 @ 11:15am - Burnt, over brewed, yuck! <br />
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<b>Yunnan Puerh - Adagio</b></div>
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2/19 @ 8:30am - Mild, uneventful</div>
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<b>Pink Grapefruit - Teas, Etc.</b></div>
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2/20 @ 8:30am - bright, refreshing</div>
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<b>Harvest Spice - The Tea Spot</b></div>
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2/21 @8:30am - sweet, dry</div>
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<b>Yunnan Noir - Adagio</b></div>
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2/22 @8:30am - deep, rich, smooth, heavenly</div>
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I managed to keep track of some cups this week, and as you might have noticed, the week didn't start out very well tea-wise. Weds and Thursday were okay, and then Thursday night I got my two tea orders from Adagio and Tantalizing Teas. Hooray! Good Yunnan tea never tasted so fabulous - it had been too long. </div>
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Needless to say, I'm looking forward to this week's sipping...no more back-of-the-cupboard cuppas for a while. What's in your cup this week? <br />
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Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-49733321073777070332013-02-16T10:34:00.000-07:002013-02-16T10:34:06.463-07:00Harvest Spice from The Tea Spot
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I didn't do tea words last week again - and I'm actually disappointed in that. I'm not giving up on the project. I just need to set up a reminder for a few days until it becomes a habit.</span><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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I didn't get any tea ordered last weekend either, but it's on my list for this morning. Now I'm getting down to the teas in my cupboard that I've set aside for whatever reason (normally because I either didn't like them, or something put me off. </div>
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Hence my cuppa this morning. </div>
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Last fall, I ordered a tin of<span> </span><b>Harvest Spice from The Tea Spot</b>. I expected more of a chai-like experience, but when I opened the tin, it smelled more like a Cinnamon gummy bear, or hard cinnamon candy. Neither of which I'm particularly fond of. Cinnamon in tea tends to make the tea rather drying at the back of the throat anyways, a feeling I don't care for, so I set it aside and never got around to actually trying it. </div>
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Friday morning, I found myself nearly out of the teas I truly like, and searching for something different so I could save the rest of those for random mornings while I wait for another order to arrive. Harvest Spice was sitting on the counter, and I decided to be brave and go for it. If nothing else, hot cinnamon would keep me warm at work. I just hoped it wouldn't dry out my throat too bad. </div>
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Surprisingly, it wasn't as drying as I'd expected - a little more than the smoother teas I generally drink, but certainly "drinkable". And while it *smelled* hot (spicy), the taste was milder than expected as well. I can't say I enjoyed it as much as a smoother tea, but it's not bad, and actually very warming on a cold winter day. </div>
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So this morning, I thought I'd try making a latte out of it. Half a tsp of sugar, and a splash of milk. It's pretty good, the sugar really brings the cinnamon flavor out, and the milk sort of buffers the spicy effect on the tongue a bit. </div>
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This will never be my favorite tea - I prefer the cardamom/cinnamon roll flavor of chai to the true cinnamon flavor, personally. I think my husband might like this though - he's a cinnamon candy fan, and I'll certainly finish off the tin before warmer weather sets in. </div>
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Next week, tea words! And with any luck at all, some new tea in the mail. The tins and bags I'm staring down now don't excite me in the slightest, but I may have to find a way to make them work in the short term...</div>
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Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-21897876573848459642013-02-09T10:52:00.002-07:002013-02-09T10:52:56.362-07:00Tea 9-1-1! Okay, okay. So it's nothing so dramatic as that (for foreign readers, 9-1-1 is our emergency number here in the states). But my tea words project has fallen behind, sadly.<br />
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I need new teas. Better variety. More single estates. Something exciting and new!<br />
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Heck, I just need to replenish my tea cupboard, really. I've been waiting to place an order with Teas, Etc. because I need more of their Bohea and Raspberry teas, but they've been out of Raspberry for *so* long, I fear I'm going to have to hunt down another source (something with real raspberry leaves...it's a good hormone balancer).<br />
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I've been out of good Yunnan teas for months now...along with Black Dragon Pearls (Adagio), and I have one teaspoon of keemun left. One!<br />
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It's getting tragic around here, I tell ya.<br />
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I also need a new tea travel mug. I've managed to wear out all of mine. And I just can't decide. It's a big decision! Nothing the leaves are meant to stay in though - my biggest pet peeve is oversteeped tea, and I don't drink greens/whites when I'm on the run (need caffeine!). Anyone out there have a travel mug they just *love*?<br />
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I'm drinking the last of my Boulder Breakfast (The Tea Spot) today...and paying bills so I know what I have left for a tea budget this month. At the very least, I *need* a good Yunnan. *Need*, I tell you.<br />
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What's your must-have tea? The one you can't possibly live without? Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-74307653431943772832013-01-26T11:50:00.000-07:002013-01-26T11:50:27.169-07:00Tea Words: 1/20 - 1/26<div>
<b>Bolder Breakfast - The Tea Spot</b></div>
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1/20 @ 4:30pm - Warm, smooth (weird, eh?)</div>
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<b>Cashmere - Tantalizing Teas w/a pinch of Supreme Breakfast (H&S)</b></div>
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1/24 @ 8:50am - Deep, rich, comforting</div>
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<b>Southern Belle - Tantalizing Teas</b></div>
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1/26 @ 10:45am: Astringent but not harsh, overbrewed? </div>
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This week was...a bit stressful. It was back to the day job after five days off, and a cascade of issues to deal with early on. Needless to say, I reverted back to barely even noticing my tea, much less tasting it. Sad, really, but human nature, I guess.<br />
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I did notice that Sunday afternoon, my fourth day in a row off work, Boulder Breakfast finally tasted better. Perhaps because I took my time with it, or maybe just because I was more relaxed? Odd, I think.<br />
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Cashmere is quickly becoming my "go-to" tea when I want something soothing, with a little extra black tea for a stronger caffeine fix. Something about the rooibos & vanilla makes even the most hectic of mornings slightly more bearable...<br />
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This morning I really thought I was ready for some yummy peach flavored tea, but the Southern Belle was a bit harsh on the tongue. I think maybe a 3 minute brew would be better...but I'm out now, so experimentation will have to wait on that.<br />
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Here's hoping for a less stressful and more mindful tea week next time...</div>
Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-67349919820889430632013-01-19T11:03:00.000-07:002013-01-19T11:03:51.706-07:00Tea Words 1/12 - 1/19A little better variety this week, anyways...and a wee bit better attention to detail too, methinks:<br />
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<b>Yunnan Golden Puerh - Adagio</b></div>
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1/13 @ 6:00pm: Layers, Depth, Pepper</div>
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<b>Chocolate Chai - Adagio</b></div>
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1/13 @ 9:30pm: Light spice</div>
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<b>Cashmere from Tantalizing Teas</b> (with a pinch of H&S Supreme Breakfast tossed in)</div>
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1/14 @ 9:00am: Smooth, caramel, vanilla</div>
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1/15 @ 9:00am: light tobacco, easy</div>
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1/16 @9:00am: smooth, warm, comforting</div>
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<b>Florence - Harney & Son's</b></div>
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1/14 @ 1:30pm: Brisk & deep</div>
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<b>Caramel - Tantalizing Teas</b></div>
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1/15 @1:30pm: Uh, eew!</div>
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<b>Boulder Breakfast - The Tea Spot</b></div>
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1/17 @ 9:00am: Astringent (weird!)</div>
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1/17 @ 11:15am: rough, thin (brewed one minute less. How could this possibly happen with puerh?) </div>
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1/18 @ 12:30pm: Rough, bite-y, okay</div>
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<b>Supreme Breakfast - Harney & Sons</b></div>
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11/18 @ 8:30am: Strong muscatel, darjeeling? Nilgiri?</div>
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Cashmere was definitely my winner this week...and my salvation when other teas just weren't really doing it for me. There's something about rooibos blended with vanilla that gives it this smooth, creamy caramel flavor I really enjoy, and of course the black tea adds that very necessary kick of caffeine in the morning. <br />
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My disappointment with the brand new pouch of Boulder Breakfast received this week was confusing. From what I remember, the blend of puerh, black tea & chocolate was very smooth and mellow in the mornings, but this batch so far hasn't had any of that smoothness I enjoyed before. Was it my faulty memory, or did they change the recipe? I'll never know, I guess, but I may not order it again. Puerh should never get bitter or rough, and I tried brewing less with no difference. Annoying!<br />
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The Yunnan Puerh was pretty darn tasty, but I only have a tiny sample tin and no money to order more. So I'm hoarding that.<br />
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And interestingly enough, when I was at home Friday rather than rushing off to work, I actually could taste some of the individual notes in the Supreme Breakfast. It reminded me of a strong first-flush Darjeeling (very strong) or Nilgiri with muscatel notes. I'm not a fan of first flush darjeeling (I prefer second or even third, personally), so that explains why I don't particularly care for it. But I did need a quiet morning with nothing else going on to identify that...interesting.<br />
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All in all, it was an okay tea-week....though I really wish I could stock up on some of my old standby favorites. A couple more weeks until payday, and the tea cupboard won't look quite so bleak. Until then, I have plenty of Cashmere, thank goodness... </div>
Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-30677221500411307932013-01-12T11:06:00.000-07:002013-01-12T11:06:06.241-07:00Tea Words: Jan. 7 - 12, 2013You'll notice I missed a few tea times - still working on making this a habit. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go read <a href="http://teaontap.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-moment-to-savor-focus.html" target="_blank">this post</a>... <br />
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<b>Harney & Sons - Supreme Breakfast </b><br />
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1/7 @ 2:00pm - Smooth</div>
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1/8 @ 9am - Hot</div>
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1/12 @10:30am - Serviceable</div>
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<b>Red Hot Chai - The Tea Spot</b></div>
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1/7 @ 11pm - Meh</div>
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<b>Harney & Sons - Florence</b></div>
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1/8 @1:30pm - Crisp</div>
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1/9 @ 1:30pm - Chocolate-y</div>
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<b>Harney & Sons - Chai (w/Milk & sugar)</b></div>
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1/11 @ 1:30pm - Warm spice</div>
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This is actually kind of depressing, but it does reflect the state of my tea cupboard and mental state for the past week. Lots of stress, lack of variety, I'm out of most of my favorite "mainstay" teas, and my brain is trying to cope with a lot of discord and changes all at once. I wonder how much starting my days with a tea that is just "hot" or "serviceable" affects the rest of my outlook on life? Or is it the other way around? </div>
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I'm really not overly fond of the Supreme Breakfast, though there's nothing really "wrong" with it. It really needs to be steeped for 3 minutes rather than 4 though, and I always forget that and set the timer too long, ending up with a dry, astringent brew rather than the smoother cup you'll notice I got one afternoon (probably remembered to brew it shorter that day). Even steeped properly, it's still got some odd flavors I'm not fond off, reminiscent of Ceylon-type teas. But according to the web site, it's a blend of Assam & Keemun, two of my favorite teas, so I'm confounded as to why I really don't like it. It's frustrating, really. </div>
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As for the Red Hot Chai (which is a rooibos blend) - that was truly disappointing, although it may have been because I diluted it with a pinch of sugar and a splash of milk. Still, anything that claims to be "red hot" and "chai" should be spicy enough to handle the additives...like the Harney & Son's chai I had later in the week as a treat (yes, it still tastes like a cinnamon roll in a cup...made a nice treat for a Friday afternoon after a long week). </div>
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Florence has always been one of my favorite chocolate flavored teas, and still is, though I've been drinking more chocolate flavored puerh lately which makes poor Florence seem a bit thin on the body scale. Still, it's yummy, and I'm not sure why I relegated it to afternoons this week when it could have potentially started my mornings off on a better cuppa...</div>
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What does all this mean? Simply put, I need to relax, and I need to order tea. I'm working on both this weekend. We'll see how next week goes...</div>
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How did your tea week go? And do you think the tea you start your day with has any affect on your mental outlook for the day? </div>
Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-4945124013226878652013-01-07T15:00:00.000-07:002013-01-07T15:00:04.806-07:00A Moment to Savor & Focus<div>
Tea is an easy thing to take for granted - especially when most
days I brew a cup in my trusty travel mug and race out the door to work,
barely tasting it as I sip it while focused on whatever project I
happen to be working on that day. Interestingly, if it's a tea I'm not
overly fond of, it takes me longer to finish, but I still really never
notice the flavor unless I consciously stop and make a point to take
note.</div>
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And then there are the lovely late nights when I brew a cup before
going to my desk to write. It's a completely different experience - my
writing is a job too of course, but it's one that leaves room for taking
note of flavors and nuances that don't often reveal themselves in my
rushed daytime cups. Interesting how that works, really. I could brew
the same tea at six in the morning and again at eleven at night, and it
would taste and affect me in completely different ways due to my mood
and environment.</div>
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The other day, I was trying to make room in my tea cabinet for a
new pot my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas, and thinking about how
rarely I use any teapot at all. Teacups occasionally come out for those
evening and weekend cups, but I honestly can't remember the last time I
brewed tea in a pot. Which is sad, considering all of the lovely pots
and gaiwans I have to brew in. I normally use a stainless steel steeping
basket of some sort, whether brewing in my travel mug or in a teacup,
and it's only for ease of use and clean-up.</div>
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<div>
Again with the rush, rush, hurry, hurry. </div>
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<div>
Last year, I carved out a weekly tea time for myself, and promptly
let it go as quickly as it came. Why? Plenty of reasons, none of them
"good". It's not that I don't drink tea daily anyways - I do,
faithfully. It's just the dedicated time for mindful sipping that's been
left in the fannings, so to speak. And when I look at my schedule and
try to slip it in somewhere, I find myself...unwilling.</div>
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<div>
Some would think it might be time to just give up and consider tea
another mundane part of the daily ritual at this point, and I suppose
that's a valid option, but I simply don't want to. Tea, in my opinion,
is a beverage uniquely suited to making us step back and pause for a
moment during even the busiest of days. And that's what I plan to
experiment with beginning this week.</div>
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<div>
The task is simple. With each cup of tea I drink during the day,
I'm going to jot down at least one word to describe the flavor in the
very first sip I take. More words are fine if I have the time, but one
solitary word is the minimum. At the end of the week, I'll post my
thoughts along with the teas I've been drinking - it will be either very
dull or interesting, considering I tend to drink the same tea for
several days in a row before switching.</div>
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<div>
It is my hope that these momentary pauses to savor and focus will
infuse the average day with something...more, and that it will be a
calming influence on an otherwise rush rush lifestyle. </div>
<div>
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<div>
If not, no harm done, right?</div>
<div>
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<div>
When you brew your next cup, take a moment and consider the one
word you would use to describe it. Feel free to post it here in the
comments if you'd like - I'd be interested to know. <br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />If you aren't brewing a cuppa today...why not?</div>
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Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-4821187337308317692012-06-07T23:14:00.003-06:002012-06-07T23:14:55.504-06:00Tanzanian Black from Teas, Etc.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MRpbrIUaxjRZZGaZ-ghIpKMqcw_a4xp7xHLN4xQD7NPtI7nO_IeacyXtgiVy-wDHQklXWrXAy9VUx19i75U3p7vFiTDOhx2pgWx12s9vTgxIg2w1eRAQOkNIXYZnaBJO_Ft9tyvse22L/s1600/TZT2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MRpbrIUaxjRZZGaZ-ghIpKMqcw_a4xp7xHLN4xQD7NPtI7nO_IeacyXtgiVy-wDHQklXWrXAy9VUx19i75U3p7vFiTDOhx2pgWx12s9vTgxIg2w1eRAQOkNIXYZnaBJO_Ft9tyvse22L/s320/TZT2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I ordered this sample of <a href="http://www.teasetc.com/details.asp?prodid=B10400" target="_blank">Tanzanian Black tea</a> simply because it sounded interesting. There's no description on the site yet (at the time of this writing), but the name intrigued me.<br />
<br />
I brewed this up a few times, both using a natural teabag because that's the quickest way for me to brew tea in the morning when I'm still mostly asleep. Well that, and I can't find a steeping chamber that will fit the narrow neck of my travel mug. This morning I brewed the leaves in my trusty teapot, so I could photograph the lovely color before pouring. I steeped it for 4 minutes at 212 degrees, which may be a minute too long...three might have been better. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhceKh-bxWsXtWZTVdWVK_YhLvIPzpKJa2x5YhHCPAOpCBohC1b_cBA_0WuykOgm_usTvfsDAQOIzlpZDNUwFvWFosH7u8CJaDjO93lcyi3ji6sLZZyb95fPxo5ZZqYv7q0fX0DLrzngV/s1600/TZT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhceKh-bxWsXtWZTVdWVK_YhLvIPzpKJa2x5YhHCPAOpCBohC1b_cBA_0WuykOgm_usTvfsDAQOIzlpZDNUwFvWFosH7u8CJaDjO93lcyi3ji6sLZZyb95fPxo5ZZqYv7q0fX0DLrzngV/s320/TZT1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
It has a very light, oolong-like texture - almost fruity and very refreshing. It's a nice spring/summer tea for hot days (as opposed to a hearty Yunnan). The flavor is rather hard to pin down - it's almost like a cross between an oolong, a first-flush Darjeeling and a mild Assam, if that makes any sense. It leaves a slightly astringent, somewhat peppery finish, with just the tiniest bit of smoke. I think the tannic dryness might be alleviated by a slightly shorter steeping time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's just as good room temperature as hot, and serving over ice would bring out the more fruity undertones,I think. It's not something I'll probably buy again (my tastes run more to the bolder side of flavor), but it's a nice light tea, and if you like light oolongs or first-flush Darjeeling, you'll probably enjoy this particular tea as well. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJBa_dy_mK_yuOO9H5WRxUSBnwMjKD85wXYD3fmw_fGpZgpoIMzXvALDoTpWIta2XxEtnStAB3pz80tDSr514W1mCGtSRuJSyNOvNWTolEAZ-YkvI9lEaZ9slXpjwWo-kJHlnBf0sQ_sG/s1600/TZT3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJBa_dy_mK_yuOO9H5WRxUSBnwMjKD85wXYD3fmw_fGpZgpoIMzXvALDoTpWIta2XxEtnStAB3pz80tDSr514W1mCGtSRuJSyNOvNWTolEAZ-YkvI9lEaZ9slXpjwWo-kJHlnBf0sQ_sG/s320/TZT3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-90573538838563562242012-05-31T15:17:00.000-06:002012-05-31T15:27:57.836-06:00Bolder Breakfast from The Tea Spot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik27Yk2u7xsXgWMkEZJSV7JFZymJ4C-lNBzBovqYSQUP6uxVhznpe229x-xpq75FEI20_O_sG3quy0tAQ25XAYRjIZnN67H5HTwWikTs9-pOXA4MtBu9RhsagGhLPIOTfsBDBuIG_ZYlOK/s1600/BolderB_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik27Yk2u7xsXgWMkEZJSV7JFZymJ4C-lNBzBovqYSQUP6uxVhznpe229x-xpq75FEI20_O_sG3quy0tAQ25XAYRjIZnN67H5HTwWikTs9-pOXA4MtBu9RhsagGhLPIOTfsBDBuIG_ZYlOK/s200/BolderB_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I stumbled upon <a href="http://theteaspot.com/" target="_blank">The Tea Spot</a> quite by accident on Facebook. Or maybe it was Pinterest. Who can keep track? In any case, I was intrigued enough to order a few samples, and boy am I glad I did! <br />
<br />
<i>Bolder Breakfast</i> is a blend of black tea, puerh and chocolate. I'm a big fan of chocolate teas in general (really, who isn't?), and the recent (relatively speaking) trend of puerh blends haven't disappointed either. So I was excited to try this, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX7X2KBs7_c1_V4eWVs0YFDP-dkdivnyUuGPpjYFwtTtkCM1eTuL1i2keCH0nj8FBwqPN0PEh837rdeXGFhnvXQJfkMwfMD5EWeV5ZExhNFRFCK27xCFaKkpAM5HJHDJIPqpmQAXC2mEy/s1600/BolderB_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX7X2KBs7_c1_V4eWVs0YFDP-dkdivnyUuGPpjYFwtTtkCM1eTuL1i2keCH0nj8FBwqPN0PEh837rdeXGFhnvXQJfkMwfMD5EWeV5ZExhNFRFCK27xCFaKkpAM5HJHDJIPqpmQAXC2mEy/s200/BolderB_2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I can't decide what the base black tea is (the web site only says China/Sri Lanka). There's a light smoky flavor in the background that doesn't quite fit (but it does make for a very intriguing finish). But the somewhat sharp aftertaste is a little disappointing after the smooth, thick texture of the brew. Regardless, the overall flavors are worth it, and I think a nice lighter Yunnan tea might give this a somewhat smoother finish. Perhaps I'll try that when I order a full tin of this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhOkUzKkQMkzjoxmV9u761E6WVgMyhQuUebZnbjuEcOBqtY-1Z2HDq07C0HrrnNErptEjZ7Qeu0V7GQri-IZCzC0H1ci0BY7GDVO9EK5m72yEjyWXfQeT7CAwonq4OCfQh_PZBvTbvHXA/s1600/BolderB_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhOkUzKkQMkzjoxmV9u761E6WVgMyhQuUebZnbjuEcOBqtY-1Z2HDq07C0HrrnNErptEjZ7Qeu0V7GQri-IZCzC0H1ci0BY7GDVO9EK5m72yEjyWXfQeT7CAwonq4OCfQh_PZBvTbvHXA/s200/BolderB_3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I love puerh teas, and I've been skeptical about them in the past
(having started my puerh journey brewing actual cake teas), but I've
come to love these blends - especially puerh and chocolate. Something about the earthiness of puerh and the sweetness of chocolate just make a rather perfect blend. And the texture of this tea is lovely as well - a nice, thick feel on the tongue that would lend itself well to milk & sugar or honey, if you're the sort of person who needs those in your morning cuppa.<br />
<br />
While it's called "breakfast", I really like this for an afternoon tea - dessert and a general pick-me-up to get through yet another afternoon at my desk. <br />
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<b>Rating: </b>5 out of 5 cups. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbk5iHNvOBS7c_ixSq0L-oUQADHmFKFYvAvX0rS0gzx9l1rhQSt13HsdDonS9ED0FbZFPojFPfpUgWETGyVj76zx1MFF8YPpbCzfV70OLvxHGTyzIqwpSaoymldzHJAcMFQS7yooqO5sL/s1600/BolderB_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbk5iHNvOBS7c_ixSq0L-oUQADHmFKFYvAvX0rS0gzx9l1rhQSt13HsdDonS9ED0FbZFPojFPfpUgWETGyVj76zx1MFF8YPpbCzfV70OLvxHGTyzIqwpSaoymldzHJAcMFQS7yooqO5sL/s320/BolderB_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Click images for larger photos.</i></span>Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-12571724526456149862012-01-22T13:36:00.001-07:002012-01-22T13:37:15.901-07:00Pomegranate Green from Teaopia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHaZwNJoFiNsM8_O2myQG5RYVWcntcYoq6t_ktMz0tH0CF5GUTI3-tHg0A6pGLPcbSAeE3AKytobMdKN0UHMLfitYMJIABi6mApC0bYAVxbnLbm1c_PXYOm21xMYlpgChh7EUD8aq2EEF/s1600/PomGreen_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHaZwNJoFiNsM8_O2myQG5RYVWcntcYoq6t_ktMz0tH0CF5GUTI3-tHg0A6pGLPcbSAeE3AKytobMdKN0UHMLfitYMJIABi6mApC0bYAVxbnLbm1c_PXYOm21xMYlpgChh7EUD8aq2EEF/s320/PomGreen_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div><span style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Steeped 4 min. @176 degrees</span></div><div></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I received this for Christmas from a good friend in Canada, and when I opened the envelope, I was surprised at how fragrant it is. The scent is a nice blend of sweet fruit and savory grass, very inviting and actually kind of invigorating as well. </span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The tea itself looks like Sencha or Gyokuro, so I went to the web site, and it is indeed Sencha, one of my favorite greens. Surprisingly, it also includes cranberries, which explains the tart-sweet quality of the flavor. The liquor is very smooth, with a nice but subtle "zing" from the fruit. It is kind of drying, but has a good vegetal flavor. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrYYQgtpyaYJbDhr9JgbQfoLVuv7unl-tw3ETmw4-x-pbzeJV2YLmtTfYlDN50Ikde6KEFv0GO8aelStQyFUbJFpTJAGlxSF2KXKlDOE0cId_q-_gg4jjKRTUcrqT913he4102Rg1soCh/s1600/PomGreen_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrYYQgtpyaYJbDhr9JgbQfoLVuv7unl-tw3ETmw4-x-pbzeJV2YLmtTfYlDN50Ikde6KEFv0GO8aelStQyFUbJFpTJAGlxSF2KXKlDOE0cId_q-_gg4jjKRTUcrqT913he4102Rg1soCh/s320/PomGreen_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Pomegranate Green is available <a href="http://www.teaopia.ca/products2.cfm/ID/727/c/Loose-Leaf-Flavoured-Green-Tea" target="_blank">online at Teaopia</a>...and this is the first tea from them that I've tried, but I may well place an order with them in the future. I certainly enjoyed this particular offering...Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-88433958310478475742012-01-15T15:32:00.000-07:002012-01-15T15:32:36.613-07:00Caramel Macchiato from Teas, Etc.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDb_NgxmZBhQSbENLyTSK9gHkWMEE0v4V6MfKhCEDPavg4xfAaWsNeX_zBZ_HoJZg5eoVxG5FfJUK0zW3A38LctxMkdaT_c7bMHdEu1nMyhB68UFatpjKcuOLCtErJyROMO4FBchmpmGbZ/s1600/CM_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDb_NgxmZBhQSbENLyTSK9gHkWMEE0v4V6MfKhCEDPavg4xfAaWsNeX_zBZ_HoJZg5eoVxG5FfJUK0zW3A38LctxMkdaT_c7bMHdEu1nMyhB68UFatpjKcuOLCtErJyROMO4FBchmpmGbZ/s320/CM_1.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Brewed 4 minutes at 208 degrees</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">China teacup with a metal infuser</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I’m not a coffee drinker, so I don’t have any taste comparison for this, but I can’t imagine anyone who likes sweet caramel with a hint of tobacco (pipe tobacco/sweet smell) not liking this tisane. Blended with rooibos, caramel pieces and essential oil, it is my new favorite dessert/late-night drink, hands down. Naturally sweet, it’s got a great medium texture and the rooibos and caramel complement each other perfectly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTgUOfJOeiTVYQ8t1KQKppIAjK86mbgW2N05b1k54yIt16sicZ79zFjBmYYnsusT8vigmPK2vrQdAyCrf6MVvJtk2tjLMdqJdBgn8Ox-5j_4f11-zWZEOJZvP6GJ7WvA9yr4fKWkBNY8y/s1600/CM_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTgUOfJOeiTVYQ8t1KQKppIAjK86mbgW2N05b1k54yIt16sicZ79zFjBmYYnsusT8vigmPK2vrQdAyCrf6MVvJtk2tjLMdqJdBgn8Ox-5j_4f11-zWZEOJZvP6GJ7WvA9yr4fKWkBNY8y/s320/CM_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I only had a sample pack to try, but I’m definitely going to be ordering a larger quantity soon. This will certainly be a staple in my tea cupboard from now on. </div>Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-84698587457103414682012-01-08T09:01:00.002-07:002012-01-08T09:01:01.397-07:00Tea Time: English Breakfast Extra Fancy from Tantalizing Tea<i>Thanks for joining me again for weekly tea reviews. After you've read the review and made yourself a cuppa, you may be interested in checking out my weekly flash (very short) fiction at <a href="http://varietypages.jamiedebree.com/" target="_blank">The Variety Pages</a>. This week's story actually features tea, so it's a nice match, I think. </i><br />
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<i>Also, check back this evening for a contest announcement...</i><br />
<hr />Now, here's today's review: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mp0c7w5UyiY0lhL9Bk9Rc1V5hQp0QHoBPyocaZPZkNbSESSr751_ks6h9YSRvTc9Ux7qkCTSEBGOjF49GpLa_2SGpBXFqahr8XfCqPmK5oxyOQCC75XlIqlnm1JTFqP8VozoasYbCO4Y/s1600/EnglishBreakfast_TT_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mp0c7w5UyiY0lhL9Bk9Rc1V5hQp0QHoBPyocaZPZkNbSESSr751_ks6h9YSRvTc9Ux7qkCTSEBGOjF49GpLa_2SGpBXFqahr8XfCqPmK5oxyOQCC75XlIqlnm1JTFqP8VozoasYbCO4Y/s1600/EnglishBreakfast_TT_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div><i>Brewed 5 minutes at 208 degrees in porcelain cup w/metal strainer. </i></div><div><br />
I'm not normally an English Breakfast drinker, but when <a href="http://www.tantalizingtea.com/" target="_blank">Tantalizing Tea</a> sent me a free sample of this with my order last month, I couldn't help but try it.The scent in the package wasn't all that strong, but that's pretty normal for most English Breakfast blends I've tried. As you can see above, the leaves are very nice looking, a sort of deep chocolatey brown that is very appealing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfNPibLZvXW9uBQBjiLLPC_4op3I4qz16M-DhTGjl05c1IPLRXreqaQYOc8P5eBuGvNamZYgHx1uqbovUtHokG1gjs1OyK-YpcdYVOBTKYop7JGPOjA5K_gCI6Vp_VFjDPAfil9RnS3U5/s1600/EnglishBreakfast_TT_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfNPibLZvXW9uBQBjiLLPC_4op3I4qz16M-DhTGjl05c1IPLRXreqaQYOc8P5eBuGvNamZYgHx1uqbovUtHokG1gjs1OyK-YpcdYVOBTKYop7JGPOjA5K_gCI6Vp_VFjDPAfil9RnS3U5/s320/EnglishBreakfast_TT_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Once stepped, it has a nice texture - thick and pleasant on the tongue. It's got good flavor for an English Breakfast, though it's still a little too much on the astringent side for me. It's earthy with a definite high note, but it falls just short of a full-bodied flavor, and I'd certainly recommend it for anyone who likes a good English Breakfast (or just likes tea on the stronger side - my husband liked it pretty well).</div><br />
Whether you plan on purchasing this tea or not, I'd urge you to check out the <a href="http://www.tantalizingtea.com/" target="_blank">Tantalizing Tea</a> web site. Not only do that have some really nice teas on offer, their tea ware catalog is superb! <br />
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Until next week, happy sipping....Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-67990825942108077762012-01-06T10:38:00.000-07:002012-01-06T10:38:39.832-07:00Reviews Return January 8, 2012<div>Tea, anyone? </div><div><br />
</div><div>I've said before that I was going to reopen <i>Tea on Tap</i>, and then never quite got around to posting reviews. A lot of that stemmed from not having a quick, easy way to handle photos, and some from the fact that I just wasn't as organized as I used to be. But I've been writing reviews here and there for awhile now, taking photos with my tablet and using Evernote, my new favorite cloud storage program to keep everything organized. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I also have a new thermo-pot (see previous post), that makes it quicker/easier to make a cuppa late at night, so I've been drinking more tea lately (ie, more than just my normal cups at work), and more variety as well. All very good things for me, and excellent review fodder as well. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So Sundays will be the "official" tea time around here starting this week, with new reviews scheduled for the next six weeks to start. Sunday is also "story time" at my author blog, <a href="http://varietypages.jamiedebree.com/">The Variety Pages</a>, so if you'd like a short piece of fiction to read while you're enjoying your cuppa, I'll be posting links to that each week as well (and vice versa). This week's story just happens to feature tea as a prominent part of the plot, which is fun, I think. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I may post randomly at other times - I have some new teaware I'm dying to show off, but reviews will always be on Sundays. I'm looking forward to posting again, and I hope you'll join me. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Oh! I almost forgot! Adagio graciously sent me two holiday samplers this year, and I'm giving one away right here. Watch for the contest announcement next week for your chance to win! </div><div><br />
</div>Until Sunday, happy sipping...Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-5619001114145596542011-12-03T00:11:00.000-07:002011-12-03T00:11:33.834-07:00New Water Pot & Tea Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhaVBRWpJwsGiDKMo6Sz5jJU0LJeOaDkFNsTXprfksBZZGr-ZGJXVv8_DEMHPpIW1W39Op2kauhXQSvqvAalPVYBwNBb0AQaocbl6a0HQc5zs8gEDEV7hgqJLypY0s9ssbwd_-ZBMJtaj/s1600/Thermopot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhaVBRWpJwsGiDKMo6Sz5jJU0LJeOaDkFNsTXprfksBZZGr-ZGJXVv8_DEMHPpIW1W39Op2kauhXQSvqvAalPVYBwNBb0AQaocbl6a0HQc5zs8gEDEV7hgqJLypY0s9ssbwd_-ZBMJtaj/s320/Thermopot1.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br />
I was perusing the online Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales last weekend, and Amazon (of course) had this Secura 4 liter water boiler/warmer on sale for $74.00. I should mention that I'd already just spent an hour binge-buying tea, so I was already rather susceptible to "accessories".<br />
<br />
I'd been considering a Zojirushi for years, but never quite wanted to spend the money. And of course there's the tea purist in me that says you need fresh water each time you brew tea...which was enough to keep me from shelling out the money before now. But many other "tea people" use these types of boilers/warmers for convenience, and frankly, the only thing holding me back from a cup of tea late nights and weekends is the time it takes to let the water boil, then come to the right temp for whatever I want to brew. Yes, I *know* it's totally lazy, but it is what it is.<br />
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In any case, I decided to go ahead and get one of these Securas. It's all stainless steel inside, no plastic lining, which is good (though plenty of plastic in the top, sadly). The way it works is it boils the water (212 degrees), then allows it to cool and hold at one of three temperatures (or you can set it to auto cool, which just let's it cool gradually to room temp). It's designed to stay on for as long as you need it too, so it can run all day every day if you want it to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuUgXCyQtI0kdHCR5b4Ws6r7cW2wjyXw-C_JbgeFU-UWLOZawM7iakiRqlHwhr24LmO_bEFDMha___zBSvE_-X8NfS7mfa9UCCZ0iqVXBkn2gmj7BqbvMR83GD0QYctLmVO_ztjVM0Wx_/s1600/Thermopot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuUgXCyQtI0kdHCR5b4Ws6r7cW2wjyXw-C_JbgeFU-UWLOZawM7iakiRqlHwhr24LmO_bEFDMha___zBSvE_-X8NfS7mfa9UCCZ0iqVXBkn2gmj7BqbvMR83GD0QYctLmVO_ztjVM0Wx_/s320/Thermopot2.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>If you need to heat the water to boiling again, you just hit the "reboil" button, and it will beep when the tea is boiling. I received mine Wednesday, and already have a daily routine with it.<br />
<br />
<b>6am</b> - fill with fresh, cold water and set the temp to hold at 208 degrees.<br />
<b>8am</b> - make tea for the morning (to take to work), set temperature to hold at 176 degrees (so it takes less time to boil at lunch).<br />
<b>Noon</b> - reboil, make tea for the afternoon, set temp to auto cool (save energy, since I'll have time to wait for the boil after work).<br />
<b>7pm</b> - reboil, set temp for 176 or 194 for nighttime brewing (depends on whether I feel like white or green that day).<br />
Make tea as desired throughout the evening...or cider, hot chocolate, etc.<br />
<b>Before bed</b> - drain and unplug. I'm okay with drinking water from it all day/night, but I prefer to start with fresh water every morning.<br />
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I haven't had it over the weekend yet (this will be the first, but my plan is to boil a pot in the morning and hold it at 208 for most of the day, since I drink black teas all day long (and I'm okay with blacks brewed at 208...though it takes no time to bring it back to a boil from there if needed). Then I'll cool it down to 176 for evening cuppas again. <br />
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Needless to say, with no more excuses to be lazy, I'm actually drinking more tea at home again, which is a very good thing. And honestly? I haven't noticed a difference in how the tea tastes with reboiled water...I thought perhaps I would, but I haven't at all. Maybe I'm just out of practice, but everything tastes fine to me. This is going to be quite handy for parties/entertaining too...<br />
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So there you have it - my electric kettle has been retired, and I'm pretty happy with my purchase. If the top accent color had been black like I was hoping for, I would be happier, but it's a small quibble. <br />
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<i>Anyone else have one of these? Do you like it? Do you feel like it affects the flavor of the tea at all to reboil water all day? </i><br />
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On a somewhat related note, I'm writing up a bunch of tea reviews from my binge purchases, and will be posting one a week or so starting tomorrow. And if you want to see what I'm drinking on a nightly basis, check my Tea on Tap <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tea-on-Tap/122737361145895" target="_blank">facebook page</a>. <br />
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Happy sipping!Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-41005941533883106532011-08-23T14:00:00.002-06:002011-08-23T14:00:06.728-06:00Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pu’erh from Teas, Etc.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL6scpKFqShEesp1mt_acmhUDmIjgzp3Mwt2ldxo9p8Xnhg8zx2xdtwGk1bPwTwUyzV665niJhLIVqrQua4Al_KXoeL-zSrjJLbySOuZVC3h4B6_X3JllnMRe1eZpDlQEqEmMQoYqC56t/s1600/CSP_Tin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL6scpKFqShEesp1mt_acmhUDmIjgzp3Mwt2ldxo9p8Xnhg8zx2xdtwGk1bPwTwUyzV665niJhLIVqrQua4Al_KXoeL-zSrjJLbySOuZVC3h4B6_X3JllnMRe1eZpDlQEqEmMQoYqC56t/s320/CSP_Tin.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I really didn’t expect to like this at all. I mean, pu’erh tea is earthy, woodsy in some cases, and while I enjoy it very much (well, depending), I couldn’t wrap my taste buds around the melding of that incredible basic pu’erh flavor with strawberries & chocolate. Frankly, I kind of figured they’d ruin each other, and end up tasting like sweet, dirty berries. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Either that, or I figured the tea would be overshadowed by the stronger berry and chocolate flavors, completely getting lost in the mix (actually, I figured that would be the best outcome). </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Not so. Not even by a long shot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpWJ1N1hWtF1e3P0Ro5Pl-tyGMlx3Y_dt1r8ZobT_o-6LkeeL8c0Li0YjyFctaa_T3eRVGQmi7Xo9WbqnGC8qOVBA7VbGmzEg74kzcKhfjcVC_dYbN5U0urwLRPdGGpK3ZL5ytHwZU0Iu/s1600/CSP_Leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpWJ1N1hWtF1e3P0Ro5Pl-tyGMlx3Y_dt1r8ZobT_o-6LkeeL8c0Li0YjyFctaa_T3eRVGQmi7Xo9WbqnGC8qOVBA7VbGmzEg74kzcKhfjcVC_dYbN5U0urwLRPdGGpK3ZL5ytHwZU0Iu/s320/CSP_Leaf.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Pu’erh is still the dominant flavor, which surprised me. The earthiness is muted, blending with the chocolate (there are actual chocolate curls in the mixture) for a very smooth, sweet, almost-but-not-quite smoky taste. The strawberry is more prominent on the finish, and adds a very light, refreshing quality to what is, overall, a rather thick tea. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The really interesting thing about this tea is, the flavors just blend seamlessly, so that unless you’re really focused, you don’t recognize them as separate flavors, but just as one very mellow, satisfying taste. It does leave a dryness behind typical of some pu’erh, but it’s quite pleasant overall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCeLI1ZFYu15u6-r30gyF1RIDi7Ls22fn6iuQbdmb4SjuFLPjJ23umXr_CXQ86wFpaR2RmB-MMajLgyjJE4F96WgSOlNMLA_FcrVBQfUbP94ClFmImImRiZGVzBEpZJUMWNm_HWAssr7-/s1600/CSP_Cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCeLI1ZFYu15u6-r30gyF1RIDi7Ls22fn6iuQbdmb4SjuFLPjJ23umXr_CXQ86wFpaR2RmB-MMajLgyjJE4F96WgSOlNMLA_FcrVBQfUbP94ClFmImImRiZGVzBEpZJUMWNm_HWAssr7-/s320/CSP_Cup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">If you already like pu’erh, and enjoy flavored teas, you’ll certainly like this one. If you’ve never tried pu’erh, this is a good way to sort of ease into it…and I dare say it would be a lovely substitute for hot chocolate as well. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I only ordered a sample tin. I’ll definitely be ordering a larger quantity next time… </div>Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-71267135042706234122011-08-13T09:39:00.000-06:002011-08-13T09:39:54.650-06:00Flavored Pu'erh?It's Murphy's law, I tell you. I decide to open the tea blog back up, and then everything goes haywire, things break, and I suddenly barely have time to *drink* tea, much less talk about it. For a month. Yeah, I wasn't pleased either, but life happens.<br />
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In any case, things are more or less back to normal now, which makes me happy. And this week I got a shipment from Teas, Etc. including some flavored pu'erh tea that I had to order just for the novelty of it. Normally I'm not really a fan of loose pu'erh tea...I tend to prefer it right off the cake. But I could not imagine, with the already strong flavor of pu'erh, how flavors would work with that. Pu'erh is normally pretty earthy, so for strawberries & chocolate pu'erh, I'm having a hard time imagining how everything will mesh together into something palatable.<br />
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Tea tends to surprise me all the time though, so I'm game, and I've got several different flavors to try now. Stay tuned for reviews...<br />
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Have you tried flavored pu'erh? What did you think? Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-86980199033627756792011-07-09T17:40:00.000-06:002011-07-09T17:40:26.269-06:00Ice It, Baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1vtukw1qLygoCJAcxBs-_XTZ1Dtq9eOhbdghPnppRDewMUjsPthU3Bs7nsNWKiGcKYsbmOUEBHN4B2lvkk3D9CLaYRXGUVQPR9dBvCtBt6e12SPxaC7mfv86GDI8nzyv5lUeWDF_JWM8/s1600/IcedAssamMelody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1vtukw1qLygoCJAcxBs-_XTZ1Dtq9eOhbdghPnppRDewMUjsPthU3Bs7nsNWKiGcKYsbmOUEBHN4B2lvkk3D9CLaYRXGUVQPR9dBvCtBt6e12SPxaC7mfv86GDI8nzyv5lUeWDF_JWM8/s320/IcedAssamMelody.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's finally summer, and while I'm not a huge fan of overly hot temperatures, I am a fan of iced tea. No sugar, please, and made with good quality loose leaves whenever possible. I haven't ordered iced tea in a restaurant for ages, simply because...well, that is *not* real iced tea.<br />
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Excuse me, my tea snob side is showing again... <br />
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I do like sun tea, but haven't made it in a long time simply due to the time it takes. My normal method for iced tea is to brew up a pot just as I normally would, with maybe half to one teaspoon more leaves than normal. I fill a tempered glass pitcher with ice, and then pour the hot tea over it, swirling it around so it cools rapidly. That's it. No fuss, no muss, and it's always fabulous.<br />
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This week I've been drinking <a href="http://www.adagio.com/black/assam_melody.html?SID=cac2bb4bc234b34cb2d31c0c77f393f5">Assam Melody</a> from Adagio over ice, pictured above - and it makes a really great glass because it's naturally a little sweeter than, say, a Ceylon tea would be. It's very rich and full-flavored, and still very refreshing.<br />
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Another tea I've been drinking iced is<a href="http://www.teasetc.com/details.asp?prodid=0115"> Perfectly Passionate</a> from Teas, Etc - a black tea from Sri Lanka mixed with marigold petals that somehow manages to have a very fruity, almost mango-like taste. It's excellent...and the flavor is enhanced when it's chilled, in my opinion. <br />
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And of course, if you don't want the caffeine, do try iced Rooibos. I haven't made any yet this year, but it's quite a treat - very naturally sweet, and if you use the fruity flavors, very much like a dessert cocktail of sorts. More on that later when I've made a few batches.<br />
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<i>Are you icing your tea this summer? What are your favorite leaves/flavors to chill? </i>Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-58949179610614713182011-06-25T10:16:00.001-06:002011-06-25T10:18:12.560-06:00Pure Matcha Black<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrQ3_cX9R8xjphLMyPvbyL61j-T87d7av1rp_G46Nt-5zbM5K0jKpwW7qvDSI6VLUHeP3jJNmBieWTyqT2y6hwmBKI_LMBOrjaT52gC8TgSUr86pcShznvzpVoRhVwgLnNfaf6z3P5LPb/s1600/PM_Black_Brew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrQ3_cX9R8xjphLMyPvbyL61j-T87d7av1rp_G46Nt-5zbM5K0jKpwW7qvDSI6VLUHeP3jJNmBieWTyqT2y6hwmBKI_LMBOrjaT52gC8TgSUr86pcShznvzpVoRhVwgLnNfaf6z3P5LPb/s320/PM_Black_Brew.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
<b>Amount used:</b> ½ tsp</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Water:</b> Tap water, 180 degrees</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Teaware:</b> Big ceramic cup & saucer </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Ordered from: </b><a href="http://www.purematcha.com/">Pure Matcha</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I was updating my status on Steepster last week when I saw a review of Pure Matcha Green go by. The Matcha I had here was old and not really tasting all that fresh, so I was looking for another company to try. Then when I read that Pure Matcha sold not only green, but black and rooibos matcha as well, I was very intrigued, and ordered a set right then and there. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Setting aside the fact that I had issues brewing this at first due to water temperature problems (brewer error), I really like this tea. It’s a blend of Assam and Darjeeling, and while it’s got a dryer mouthfeel than I normally prefer, it’s naturally sweet when brewed and drank at a cool temperature. Too hot and it goes bitter pretty quickly, but that’s true of all matcha. I normally prefer our hard tap water to filtered, but I may try filtered water next time with this to see if it smooths out a little. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3bUMA5yu82fURXFDsN6C7yaJba1DdBWSJdGYZCWZ7RhOk9jE251YnEDAD4HF0HkLJgxp4eTteXspDO3xzYoNhImuuYCQfifeHPRRtwI-Kde5YRBXe1V9-r-VaAH0_Okwim6bz_aEvLaj/s1600/PM_Black_SetUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3bUMA5yu82fURXFDsN6C7yaJba1DdBWSJdGYZCWZ7RhOk9jE251YnEDAD4HF0HkLJgxp4eTteXspDO3xzYoNhImuuYCQfifeHPRRtwI-Kde5YRBXe1V9-r-VaAH0_Okwim6bz_aEvLaj/s320/PM_Black_SetUp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It’s got a nice kick of caffeine to it, and a sort of tangy feel on the tongue. One cup wakes me right up, and it’s quickly becoming my “go to” tea on weekend mornings when I’m too lazy to brew a pot of leaves, but don’t want to turn to soda just yet. Because the water really does need to be pretty cool, it takes no time at all to whisk up a cup. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">One other thing – this tea doesn’t foam up like green matcha (or I haven’t been able to get it too over the several times I’ve made it). Not that that’s important, just an interesting side-note. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Normally I would have used my matcha bowl for this, but I wanted to show the color, and my matcha bowl is black. Good excuse to buy a new matcha bowl, eh? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGa41CcYt9KvV_EwcoLy9ALlzK-PCc82bMQonDglLZl4OsjAzyySOW0E45o03KJIQ6fumIs2L9l2zq_46SC1gRr6z-KizS3AEKR-vQFfdwzSAh_Xr62XT5LGJMgloBLUf8thFFUqMX3qC/s1600/PM_Black_Powder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGa41CcYt9KvV_EwcoLy9ALlzK-PCc82bMQonDglLZl4OsjAzyySOW0E45o03KJIQ6fumIs2L9l2zq_46SC1gRr6z-KizS3AEKR-vQFfdwzSAh_Xr62XT5LGJMgloBLUf8thFFUqMX3qC/s320/PM_Black_Powder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I don’t drink coffee at all, so I can’t compare this to expresso (except to say it smells a <b>lot</b> better). If you’re looking for a good wake-me-up tea though, do try this. I’m happy I did! </div>Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-92096934064433279602011-06-17T10:18:00.000-06:002011-06-17T10:18:31.061-06:00Dusting off the Cobwebs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK17uQRe88o83yqXK2m-GRCblgRTeIf_Ob5_f4BFZ-6eYHXrwVS33matT6nG_IO68Ad-NA4bOeuZV6SPDHNNf0_qJggfooAv6tq1E4e75jLdkl6mPPMsNgzoDhTynBYiubNauWgt7UhCi/s1600/Kuk_June11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK17uQRe88o83yqXK2m-GRCblgRTeIf_Ob5_f4BFZ-6eYHXrwVS33matT6nG_IO68Ad-NA4bOeuZV6SPDHNNf0_qJggfooAv6tq1E4e75jLdkl6mPPMsNgzoDhTynBYiubNauWgt7UhCi/s320/Kuk_June11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>A couple weeks ago when I opened the door to my teaware and puerh cabinet to get a big teapot for iced tea, the scent of those lovely tea cakes wafted out and practically begged me to sit down for a gong fu session (no, that's not puerh above, that's the Kukicha I was drinking last night - it's old, and I think I'll toss it and start fresh). It was an interesting week, and the tea thing was just one in a series of events that really made me stop and think. For the past two years or so, I've been hyper-focused on getting my writing career jump-started, and it was a good thing for me at the time. I've started my own boutique publishing company, published several books now with more on the way, and feel good about the direction that's taking. I've "settled in", so to speak. <br />
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But I need more out of life than just writing & books. I need to explore other interests, and enjoy a variety of experiences in order to be completely happy. And for me, one of those things I need to experience is tea.<br />
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I never stopped drinking tea, of course. But lately my tea consumption consists of a quick travel mug brewed twice daily (morning & noon) on my way out the door to the day job. I've fallen into somewhat of a rut, drinking the same teas day in and day out - good teas, of course, but it's certainly not a "mindful" exercise, and much of the nuance of flavor gets lost in the shuffle due to the circumstances. This makes me a bit sad, and I miss the days when words like "peppery" and "earthy" and "vegetal" came to mind at the merest sniff of a particular brew. It's not really about the words so much, as the fact that tea should be an "experience", not just a beverage to help me wake up and get me through the day.<br />
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So I'm dusting off the cobwebs here at Tea on Tap, and will begin posting reviews, tasting notes & teaware musings again starting next week. I'm still working out a posting schedule, but I should have something regular in the next week or so. In the meantime, I've started redecorating a bit, and have posted my review policy, a shiny new calendar and my standard disclaimer in the tab bar at the top of the page. I have a few other things to put up there as time permits. And I have a couple orders of tea on the way that should be here soon.<br />
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I was kind of surprised (and incredibly flattered) by the amount of page views this blog still gets on an average day even after being "closed" for a year and a half. So while I'm reopening predominantly for me, I'm happy to have whoever is still around along for the journey, along with any newcomers who happen by. <br />
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Join me for a cuppa? :-)Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-57377482405590545402010-02-03T16:35:00.001-07:002010-02-03T16:46:09.893-07:00A Quick Note......to let you know that I've joined Steepster, finally. There's a link to the left where you can find me there, if you so choose.<br />
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I know - I said I wouldn't post anymore. It's hard to pass a blog (in this case, I was fixing the twitterfeed & reviewing some tasting notes while preparing tea orders), and not post *something*. Blogging is addictive... ;-) <br />
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Four Twitter accounts is just too much (didn't know I had that many, eh?). I've deleted my Tea On Tap account because I wasn't posting to it anyway. Feel free to follow my main account (also linked on the left) if you'd like...it's mostly writing related, but my Steepster updates are there, as well as the occasional tea-related tweet. I do follow and list tea people back, of course. <br />
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You can use the labels at to the right to search for specific reviews, etc. Interestingly, I use my own reviews when ordering tea (as I was doing today) to remember the differences between teas. That's the danger in sampling *everything* (still fun though).<br />
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I was thinking of all this today because it's ordering day. For anyone interested, here's what I ordered (linked to reviews where possible):<br />
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<b>From Adagio</b>:<br />
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Yunnan Noir<br />
<a href="http://teaontap.blogspot.com/2007/09/keemun-concerto-from-adagio.html">Keemun Concerto</a><br />
<a href="http://teaontap.blogspot.com/2009/04/golden-spring-from-adagio.html">Golden Spring</a><br />
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Interestingly, my reviews for Golden Spring and Keemun Concerto were less than stellar, but I find myself enjoying them both now. Fickle palate? Or different harvests... <br />
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<b>From Harney & Sons</b><br />
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Valentine Blend (roses & chocolate)<br />
Irish Breakfast<br />
<a href="http://teaontap.blogspot.com/2007/03/florence-by-harney-sons.html">Florence</a> (chocolate/hazelnut)<br />
Lapsang Souchong<br />
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<b>From Teas, Etc</b><br />
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Perfectly Passionate (hmm...flowery citrus, very smooth & sweet)<br />
<a href="http://teaontap.blogspot.com/2007/12/black-grapefruit-from-teas-etc.html">Pink Grapefruit</a><br />
<a href="http://teaontap.blogspot.com/2007/04/raspberry-twist-from-teas-etc.html">Raspberry Tart</a><br />
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(Don't mind the name differences - they seem to have done some renaming here and there)<br />
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<b>From Andrews & Dunham</b><br />
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Series 2 <br />
Series 4 <br />
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Happy Sipping!Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-27934734864065397192009-12-17T14:07:00.002-07:002009-12-17T14:23:59.022-07:00Closing for GoodYes, my poor, neglected, once popular tea blog, I'm closing you down for good.<br /><br />It's not you, it's me.<br /><br />I've found another love - not to replace you with, but one that I have more passion for, more desire to spend time with, at least for now. I've failed to give you what you need, and our relationship is suffering for it. Tea will be a constant, continuing presence in my life, but no longer a focus.<br /><br />Dear, gentle readers, I beg your forgiveness for leaving you like this. I'll be deleting my @teaontap twitter account as well, because three is really just too much. If you'd like to keep in touch, my main twitter account is @VarietyPages, or friend me on facebook. Tea isn't a prominent topic on either though, I'm afraid.<br /><br />I am pursuing a career as a romance novelist, and in the ensuing months/years, my life is going to be pretty hyper-focused on that as I work at both my day job and getting published at night. It's not glamorous or even remotely easy and who knows what, if anything will come of it, but it's what I've decided I want, and thus, the trimming of this blog for more writing-related pursuits.<br /><br />The only question now, is should I leave the blog here, with an archive of review links for reference? Or do I delete the whole thing, as if it never existed?<br /><br />If you have an opinion, now's the time to voice it. I'll take suggestions until Dec. 28th, then either post review link lists or take the whole site down on Dec. 31st. I'll still be following all of the tea blogs I currently follow no matter what, and hopefully even have more time to leave comments.<br /><br />Thank you for your company over the past few years. It's been a wonderful experience.Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-81338250203494811072009-10-14T15:34:00.002-06:002009-10-14T15:54:47.204-06:00On Tap RecentlyI know - I committed to posting once a week, then walked away for two. Bad blogger. Bad Twitterer. I apologize. I'll do better.<br /><br />But aside from the fact that this is the busiest season of the year for me (both at work and at home), I've also been in a bit of a tea-drinking rut, having the same cups over and over and over just because it's easy and familiar in a hectic time.<br /><br />On and off again, I've been drinking:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Keemuns</span> from both Adagio & Teas, Etc. I do so love Keemun.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yunnan Noir & Black Pearls</span> from Adagio (strong, wake-me-up tea)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Assam Melody</span> from Adagion - because sometimes, you just want that malty raisin flavor.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lapsang Souchong</span> from Adagio - the last dregs of my big canister, sadly. I must order more soon...'tis the season for smoky tea!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fall Decadence</span> from The NecessiTeas - I just can't get over the caramel/orange/cranberry blend. It's odd, and oddly inviting...as well as very warming in the snowy cold weather we've been having.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tropical Green</span>, also from The NecessiTeas - smells like Juicy Fruit, and we drank it over ice for dinner one night. Very yummy stuff, that.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Raspberry Tart</span> from Teas, Etc. - in my cup today.<br /><br />I've been thinking about my puerh cabinet lately. I haven't done a puerh tasting in quite awhile, and every time I open the cabinet to get a teapot out or put one back, the most wonderful earthy scent comes wafting out into the room. I'm well aware that my environment here in arid Montana isn't optimal (or even good) for aging puerh, but even if it's just sitting there, that lovely aroma calls to me every time I open the door.<br /><br />I'm certainly no gongfu brewing expert, but when I do get out the yixing ware and brew up several cups of puerh, it's a very centering experience. Perhaps I'll make some time next week for a session in the midst of the last minute Halloween party prep chaos.Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-72987394500714604262009-09-25T13:58:00.003-06:002009-09-25T14:16:49.416-06:00Notes on ChaiThis week, I've been sampling Adagio's new Chai teas. The first thing I have to say about them is - don't expect to drink them in a traditional manner. None of them are strong enough to stand up with milk and honey, sadly. This leaves me still "wanting" the perfect, non-bagged chai. I'm afraid I'm not going to find it though. I'll note my favorite chai to date at the end of the post (teaser, no?).<br /><br />Here are my basic impressions of the Adagio chai's I tried (sans milk & honey after I figured out they couldn't handle it):<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Masala Chai </span>- Good flavor, naturally sweet with cinnamon & cloves. Just a basic, average spiced tea.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spiced Apple Chai</span> - One of my favorites out of the bunch...the addition of apples made it more like tea's version of apple cider. I really liked it quite a bit, and with a pinch of sugar, it could easily substitute for apple cider.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thai Chai</span> - The spiciest of the bunch, I think, and my other favorite of this group. Very tangy, and has a lot of character. I'll keep this on hand - it will be great on cold winter days<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Chai</span> - Maybe it's just me, but I don't see the point. The chocolate does smooth out the blend (much like when you add chocolate to chili), and adds a rich component, but it's not "chocolatey" as per say (which I think would be odd anyway).<br /><br />There's a Vanilla Rooibos Chai too that I haven't tried yet - teas without caffiene tend to be put on the backburner around here until I'm in the mood for a cup late at night (and not too lazy to make one). It sure smells good though.<br /><br />So now it's confession time - a secret that will make fellow tea snobs cringe with shock and horror. My favorite Chai of all time so far?<br /><a href="http://shopstashtea.com/212540.html"><br />Stash Chai Spice Tea</a><br /><br />I <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span>! I'd actually forgotten about this until I rooted around in my neglected tea chest the other day, and found a bag. Yes, a *bag*. Stash is one of the first companies I ever bought tea from. We don't have much in the grocery stores here, so I'd order it online. That's way back when I started drinking tea, of course, back when teabags were really all I knew about. And I still have quite a few Stash bags in my tea chest, languishing under the weight of my loose tea tins now.<br /><br />Seriously though? Stash Chai is strong, spicy, and it was heaven the first time I brewed up a big mug with milk & honey. Cinnamon roll in a cup, I call it, and I've been looking for a loose tea equivalent ever since. I still haven't found one. But I'll keep looking, tea snob that I am.Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883727182436142525.post-46997669355980913142009-09-22T14:05:00.003-06:002009-09-22T14:33:05.200-06:00Back to the JournalI know - switching format again isn't cool, or kosher, or a good way to run a blog. But frankly, I can't keep up with this monster I've created. Yes, I know it's my own fault, I started it (all of them - I have 4 blogs, for anyone who's wondering *why* I can't keep up). Now I have to figure out how to deal with it. I can't even begin to say how much I enjoy blogging, but when it becomes stressful, I have to step back and reevaluate. There's no point if it's just adding pressure to my life.<br /><br />This blog started as my own personal "journal" of tea drinking, steeped in the guise of reviews. I was both flattered and astounded that so many people would want to read my little notes on tea (this blog was pretty popular once upon a time, not to brag - it was just shocking). I think I let it go to my head, and then when I couldn't keep up, I bailed. Then I revamped, trying to turn it into something that would "give back". A noble idea, but just too much with all the other things I have going on.<br /><br />So I'm reverting this blog back to what it started as. Just a personal tea-drinker's journal. I may post formal reviews, I may just post my thoughts about what I'm drinking on any given day. I may wax painfully poetic about tea and life at times (those times are bound to be boring, I'll warn you now). I'll probably post about teaware and tea parties and tea at parties occasionally, but it will all be random, as any journal is. The only thing I'll commit to is posting at least once per week, to maintain a record of my tea drinking for myself and anyone else who might be interested. I may post more sometimes, it just depends on the day and whether I feel compelled to make note of what I'm drinking. No pressure.<br /><br />I've also removed all advertising from the blog - I wasn't making any money from it anyway. All links you might find here from now on are commission free, and to companies I personally buy from and highly recommend to anyone looking for a good cuppa tea.<br /><br />If you're interested in what I'm drinking on any given day and maybe a quick note about them, follow me on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TeaOnTap">@TeaOnTap</a>. I post there most weekdays, unless I get super-busy at work.<br /><br />I'm drinking the new Adagio Chai's this week, as well as some fall teas from The NecessiTeas. Notes on those coming up...Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com4