SimplyJenW

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Imperial Golden Monkey ZP85 from Upton Tea Imports

SimplyJenW drank Imperial Golden Monkey ZP85 by Upton Tea Imports

My tea of the day. I got three steaps out of this one today. Yum! Definitely a favorite.

2011-05-05 20:42:48 -0400

Boiling

4 min 0 sec

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ashmanra 2011-05-05 21:21:13 -0400

I MUST place my first Upton order! I want that digital scale, too, so I can measure precisely even the longest and lightest leaves! :)

SimplyJenW 2011-05-05 21:53:08 -0400

I am sure I will get more when the new teas come in. I think the ones I like come in the Fall? Then I can sample a few more. I just love that they have so many choices within one category.

LadyLondonderry 2011-05-06 08:29:20 -0400

I’m waiting for the fall selection too! That’s when I expect all those nice China blacks to arrive.

JacquelineM 2011-05-06 09:36:26 -0400

If either of you notice the fall selection coming out, could you give me a heads up? That is what I am crazy for, too!

LadyLondonderry 2011-05-06 10:08:37 -0400

I’ll spread the good news as soon as I see it. I already check the Newest Arrivals page daily, even though I know my favorites won’t come in for months yet!:) The only new China blacks right now are the pre-Chingming ones, which I interpret as the equivalent of “first flush” teas — more delicate than the ones harvested later in the season. And delicacy is not what I’m looking for in this particular category.

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Bio

Tea enthusiast, trying to keep up my cardio for the zombie apocalypse. I have come to accept that I am a western brewing black tea drinker as that is where my ‘tea heart’ lies. I started on loose leaf as a way to have my dessert and not suffer the caloric issues. Once I tried it, I was hooked.

I drink what I like, which is mostly China blacks, traditionally scented blacks and Earl Greys, plus a few other flavored teas. I don’t mind spending a bit on premium varieties on occasion, but an expensive tea has to deliver. My favorite places to order are Harney & Sons and Upton Tea Imports. TeaVivre is great for Chinese tea.

My ratings are pretty subjective. If it falls under 70, I may not take the time to post about it unless I had something specific to say. If it is 70-80 I like it, but I will probably not rebuy. Favorites are over 80 and up, but sometimes the less expensive or more easily obtainable version of a similar taste will win out for my cupboard space.

Usual teapot steeping method: 24 oz teapot, 3 perfect scoops of tea (4 1/2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual mug steeping method: 15 oz mug, 1.5 perfect scoops of tea (just over 2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual pan method: 1 1/2 cups water, 2 perfect tsp chai (3 actual tsp). Simmer for 3 minutes. Add 2/3 cup skim milk. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Strain and sweeten.

Usual pitcher method:
5 or 6 Perfect Spoons of tea (this means about 7-9 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, brewed essentially double-strong in my 24 oz teapot for 4 minutes. Fill my Fiestaware Disc pitcher (about 60 oz.) halfway with ice. Add brewed double-strong tea to the pitcher. Stir it a little and enjoy. No additions.

(*SRP is my Sample/Stash Reduction Plan starting on April 12, 2012. I got so far, but just decided it was too fussy to keep track.)