DaisyChubb

I generally steep with boiling water for 3 minutes. I have found that with 52Teas blends, that some blends are more astringent than others. I don’t know why, because it is usually the same base for the blends, and I generally brew the same way every time. I think it’s just how the flavors interact with the tea.

Also, keep in mind that every palate responds to each tea differently. What it tastes like for one does not mean it will taste the same for another. This was one of the first things I learned as a tea vendor myself. I would create a blend and love it, but not everyone did… and either that was going to hurt my feelings or I was going to have to learn to accept that everyone has a different palate. That’s why tea reviews can never be 100% objective, because everyone’s palate is different.

sigh babbling. Sorry!

The one that I’ve tried is pancake breakfast and I had similar issues. I can’t offer any tips, but I’d be interested in hearing suggestions!

I much appreciate your babbling :D
You’re right, I bet it’s something to do with my palate (or our palettes, Dino).
I mean, I can’t complain, I do love cream and sugar in my tea so it all works out in the end haha.

Thanks though, it’s very helpful to hear that you steep around the same parameters as me :) I’ll keep experimenting!

I always have to put cream & sugar in my 52Teas teas. To me they’re all enjoyed best that way. I know I really loved when I tried DAVIDsTEAS and found that they were perfect to my liking without any additives.. even though I still add cream & sugar for fun sometimes when my sweet tooth forces me to be naughty.

3 minutes is my magic number but sometimes I use water around 200F instead of boiling

Amen Ash – Davids Tea is sometimes worse with cream and sugar! Okay only Chocolate Rocket haha. But I do admire their no-additive taste. Mind you, Pumpkin chai with cream droooool

Anyways! Thanks Frolic, I’m going to try to keep an eye on my kettle until I get it to my liking for sure! I’ve perfected whites with my kettle, so surely I can take on a black tea! :D

I always use the 200 degree setting on my kettle for blacks and mates otherwise I find I lose flavor or bring out bitterness.

I second the 200 degrees for 3 minutes notion. That usually seems to do the trick for me. Sometimes 3.5 minutes. Depends on how strong you like your black tea.