1908 Tasting Notes
I steeped this for 5 minutes in boiling water that had been allowed to cool for a few minutes. Lengthening the steeping time just seems to emphasize the slightly over-baked quality this tea has. I think I’ll try for less next time.
Preparation
Added a touch of honey – because it’s not like this tea is sweet enough already or anything. ;) I also skimped on the milk more than usual and it came out sweet but very cocoa-y.
Preparation
I was feeling like something cold when this caught my eye in the international foods section of the grocery store. It tastes very ‘clear’ and refreshing, even if I doubt the highest quality sencha was used as it was a little on the harsh side – more like a bancha maybe. Even so it was a nice cold drink, with zero sugar or other additives.
Preparation
The leaves are big, even curled up as they are. I’m not actually sure if I’m getting the full amount in my scoop. In fact I’m sure I didn’t, as the tea is pretty weak and tasteless after a 3 minute steep.
Edit:
Resteeped for 4:15 and it didn’t really improve things much. I guess I’ll have to try again with more leaf next time. :/
You probably do need more leaf. The bigger the leaf the more air trapped between them and the more the less can seem to the eye.
Also I looked it up at the vendor’s site and was a bit surprised that I couldn’t find any brewing guidelines. I’ve seen several oolongs that came with a recommended steeping time of about 6-8 minutes, so you might want to experiment with that as well.
Yeah H&S’s lack of steeping guidelines for oolongs sucks. They had ones for their blacks and greens, but that’s it.
Thanks for the advice, I’m considering measuring the leaves in the next batch by weight, so hopefully that’ll be more accurate.
I’ve been very excited about trying this. Going to do it…now.
I just bought a little sample packet, good for only 3 or 4 cups. But this is definitely on the list to buy in a larger quantity.