SimplyJenW

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SimplyJenW drank English Breakfast by Harney & Sons

I bought enough of this for myself and a tea friend to try on a recent, probably once in a lifetime, trip to Harney’s in Soho. I am definitely not disappointed!

Sometimes, Keemuns are a little too smokey for my taste and sometimes have a bitter end (the taste, not that they were thrown out! Then again, I think I have thrown at least one out…..). This one is perfect. It is not as light and refined as Keemun Mao Feng, but it has a good solid base, a full mouth feel, and beyond that, it has me at a loss for words.

Good for you, Harney! I have yet another tea on my shopping list!

2011-05-12 08:39:19 -0400

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ashmanra 2011-05-12 13:33:09 -0400

I bought a pound because it is SO GOOD for breakfast!

Uniquity 2011-05-12 13:38:41 -0400

The pounds are dangerous…If I really like a tea, the cheapo in me always wants the best deal adn the most amount, that way I can love it for longer. I could easily end up with a pound of everything..

SimplyJenW 2011-05-12 14:06:41 -0400

Pounds ARE dangerous….that is why ordering from the shops sounds so great…..their per ounce prices are usually based upon the price per pound. And if I have a tin, I can reuse it, and save a litte money.

LadyLondonderry 2011-05-12 14:59:06 -0400

When I order English Breakfast in a restaurant (often the only black tea that’s available), I am always so delighted when it arrives and turns out to be Harney’s. I will have to try the loose form someday.

ashmanra 2011-05-12 15:02:45 -0400

So far I have managed to restrain myself. I have only purchased Queen Catherine, English Breakfast, and Tower of London in pound bags, a friend went nuts for Catherine and begged four ounces off me. :) But I would have a pound bag of Golden Monkey if it hadn’t sold out, and just wait and see what happens when it is back in stock! :)

Uniquity 2011-05-12 15:19:11 -0400

Oh, rubbish. I forgot I wanted to try Tower of London. I really need to stop being on Steepster. : ) So far I only have a pound bag of vanilla comoro…but we’ll see.

SimplyJenW 2011-05-12 15:53:39 -0400

I wish I had known it came in loose leaf (the bags are convenient, but the loose leaf always seems to taste better). I would have looked at the Soho store. I have been wanting to try it, too. Mabe my Barnes & Noble has sachets…..

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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.)