Doulton

Troika is a nice, modest Earl Grey. I had hopes that this trio of flavors would send me off on an old-fashioned Russian reverie and into the land of a 19th century novel where the samovar is always heated.

My impression of Kusmi teas is that they are excellent and subtle; they are geared towards a sophisticated and worldly palate. The cultivated mondaine might drink this at 4 o’clock. I prefer a bolder, brasher Earl Grey. I like to be stunned by flavor. With my tea I am like a 1980’s lady who reeks of opium perfume and wears gowns by Bob Mackie.

Troika is for the elegant, refined palate. I would call it a very scholarly interpretation of an Earl Grey. It held up very well to a second infusion.

2010-01-10 19:13:33 -0500

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JacquelineM 2010-01-10 20:01:07 -0500

You wrote: With my tea I am like a 1980’s lady who reeks of opium perfume and wears gowns by Bob Mackie.

I think this is the most wonderful metaphor I’ve ever encountered!!! :)

teaplz 2010-01-10 23:40:08 -0500

Doulton, I have to say, your reviews are absolutely amazing. Love the way you evoke images through your tea drinking!

LENA 2010-01-11 12:30:39 -0500

Great review! I loved it!

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I really love big, bold, brash teas. Smokiness enthralls me. I don’t seem to do subtle.
I don’t do rooibos.

My rating system:
0-30:
Never again in a hundred million years

31-55: This tea probably has some redeeming qualities but I won’t would not seek it out again.

56-70:
Shows some promise but also has a fundamental flaw. I probably owe these a second taste but am unmotivated.

71-80:
Good with at least one strong quality; I probably would not buy it but would drink it cheerfully.

81-90: Worthy contenders; they might be ranked 100 on somebody’s else’s scale. I like them a lot but have not fallen in love. Will probably buy and use.

91-95: These are the true loves, the chosen ones, the ones I dream about and crave. Unless they are in a limited edition—la! how you tease me!—I will always keep in my cupboard.

96-100: I cannot be separated from these teas and would develop a panic attack if I were to run out.

“She is too fond of books and it has turned her brain.”

Elderly dowager. Quintessential cat lady.

Tea which must be in stock always:

Black Dragon LS by Upton Teas: My choice every morning.

Florence & Lapsang Souchong by Harney & Sons

a good Gen Maicha

Samovar: Russian Blend, Maiden’s Ecstasy, Ryokucha

Mariage Frères: Confucious, Vivaldi, Eros, Aida, Marco Polo

American Tea Room: Brioche

Leland Teas: Bogart

Life in Teacup:
An Xi Tie Guan Yin Grade II modern green style & also Charcoal Style