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

[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.