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Backlogging from Thursday

I’ve had an upsetting week so far. Work has been trying; multiple system failures have meant that we’ve had a lot of complaints, and as receptionists we’re supposed to put up with all of the angry/ranty people that come our way, be nice to them, and attempt to placate them. It’s hard. I’ve not been getting home until 7.00pm, so the days feel long and my evenings short.

I needed cheering up, so I dug out this old friend of a tea. I haven’t had one of these in an absolute age. I guess new, shiny teas kept jumping to the head of the queue, but sometimes it’s good just to have something familiar and comforting.

The dry leaves smell just like a creme caramel. Sweet, smooth, with a fudgey note from the cubes of caramel. I can’t actually smell the rooibos all that strongly, just decadent, creamy caramel. Blindfolded, you’d think it was the real deal.

I brewed this for three minutes, just long enough to melt the caramel but not so long that the rooibos overpowers it completely. I added milk, because I think it complements the creamy sweetness of this tea, and tones down the earthiness of the rooibos. I love the suggestion on the packet that you add creme fraiche to this instead of milk. I can see that working really well, and it’s something I’ll definetly have to try one day.

To taste, this is much as you’d expect. The rooibos is quite prominent, and adds a woody, robust depth to the flavour. I’m not overkeen on rooibos alone, but it combines well with the caramel, which contributes a rich creaminess. Together, they taste wonderful. This truly is like a creme caramel in a cup. Sweet, divine, smooth.

I love trying new tea, but sometimes an old favourite is the best thing there is. I’ve fallen in love with this tea all over again. It brought a smile to my face, and reminded me that there’s more to life than worrying about work. Finally, I feel like I’m starting to relax.

Preparation
Boiling 3 min, 0 sec
Sil

I hope things get better!

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Sil

I hope things get better!

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Bio

Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.

Location

Norfolk, UK

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