SimplyJenW

206 Followers / 174 Following

Ummm, Wow. I think I have a new tea amongst the favorites. This one is kind of reminiscent of Premium Steap’s Emperor’s Red and Angelina’s Imperial Red (Da Hong Pao Black) except less roasty and more cocoa. This one almost tastes like it is flavored (which kind of seems like an insult to this tea, but how else to describe it?), the chocolate notes are that present. One might even call them overtones on this one. I have not gotten to a resteep, but that will be the true test. Fortunately, this one is lower in price than the teas mentioned above which helps, even if a resteep is not as good. I am also not beyond adding a little more tea if necessary for the resteep on this one if it needs it.

tl;dr LOOOOOOOve it! :D

24 oz teapot, 4 tsp tea, freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

2011-08-31 06:33:31 -0400

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4 min 0 sec

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LiberTEAS 2011-08-31 11:28:07 -0400

When I first tried this one, my immediate thought was “Dawn” from The Simple Leaf. It’s really an awesome tea.

SimplyJenW 2011-08-31 11:38:14 -0400

I missed the days of The Simple Leaf. However, I am glad to have found this!

sygyzy 2011-08-31 13:03:04 -0400

With all due respect, you mention that the tea is flavored which is “an insult to the tea” but then you “lightly sweeten” it after…

SimplyJenW 2011-08-31 13:47:53 -0400

@sygyzy- Yes, kind of a contradiction. I will own that. I just usually prefer my hot tea lightly sweetend to bring out some of the notes in them (confessed chocoholic here). And it is even stranger because I never sweeten iced tea.

Jenn 2011-08-31 15:00:52 -0400

Your cup of tea is your cup of tea and you should do with it whatever you like. We all have our preferences :)

LadyLondonderry 2011-08-31 15:21:47 -0400

Ha! This is the one I just bought a big bag of, and I’m glad I did. Yes, it reminds me somewhat of Dawn, but even more of my all-time fave, Upton’s Panyang Bohea Supreme. Sooooo cocoa-y and delicious!

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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.)