Tea Notes

[hrj]

I've decided to cos-play as a tea afficianado, since I've been having fun ordering tea assortments from various outlets that friends have recommended. A lot of them are fluffy thematic blends, like the "Jane Austen blends" from Bingley's Teas, but I just took delivery of a set of samplers from Teavivre which is so Serious About Tea that it ships from China. Anyway, I thought it might be fun to post tasting notes. Since I generally brew a pot of something every day, this will give me an excuse to blog more.

Today's tea is Organic Superfine Dragon Well Long Jing Green Tea from Teavivre (brewed at 185F for 5 minutes)

It comes as whole leaves (I think they're whole? anyway ca 1.5cm by 0.25 cm leaves). I was only doing a single cup, so rather than measuring I just took a pinch, whatever that is.

When brewed, I honestly couldn't detect any aroma at all. But the taste -- well, it's hard to describe, but maybe earthy or woody? It feels "solid" in my mouth. Definitely not "delicate" or floral, but also nowhere near as intense as a black tea. I got the most enjoyment by doing a bit of a "winetaster's swirl" in my mouth before swallowing. Not a tea to guzzle.

Comments

[acanthusleaf]

Interesting flavor description! I look forward to more reviews.

Do you know Gurdeymonkey here on DW? Saionji in the SCA, Lisa IRL, she occasionally also does tea reviews here. I bet you two would have some great tea conversations. I'll introduce you if you like.

[hrj]

Yes, she and I have been mutuals for a very long time. She's a lot more into the traditional prep methods thing than I am. My tea reviews are likely to involve a lot of "remember, I have an immature and uneducated taste and this is just about what I like."

[gurdymonkey]

Heh, you should see me making tea in a Pyrex measuring cup.

Greens like low temperatures, so 185 F is fine. Feel free to science your tea. Chinese style, they like a lot of leaf in the pot. Try a short steep (less than a minute) with a bit more leaves, and see if it's different. Feel free to play around with steep times, temperature and amount of tea and see what happens - and if the differences are not enough to make a big impression, that's ok too.

[gurdymonkey]

Also, I don't think I've tried a Dragonwell yet, but I really should drink more of what's in the house before buying more tea.

[forestofglory]

Trying tea is a lot of fun! I maybe over did it on the sample sale at Teavire recently but I have been enjoying trying things.


I like dragon well, it's grown near West Lake a place I have become mildly obsessed with via reading too much history

[stitchwhich]

I am about as far from being a tea "drinker" as one can get. I like Oregon Chai (the kind that is liquid & you have to add milk to it then heat it up) and apricot tea. And apple cider tea, which shouldn't be called "tea" in the first place. Oh, and Earl Grey, when I remember to make some. All of which I only drink when it is cold outside.

I have a teeny teapot that will brew just enough for one and a half coffee mugs. But it is glazed with blackberries on a soft red ground so it is perfect for me.