SimplyJenW

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Baker Street Afternoon Blend (TB75) from Upton Tea Imports

SimplyJenW drank Baker Street Afternoon Blend (TB75) by Upton Tea Imports

Tea shared with a friend is all the more sweet….. Thank you to ashmanra for sending me this sample. Once again, it goes to show there are Lapsang Souchong blends out there that I like.

The tea is more smokey than I am used to. I know some comes from the Lapsang, but I think some comes from the Keemun, too. I do think this one is a little more tobacco-ey and a little less sweet than the Lapsang Souchong Black Dragon that I really enjoy. Since I am not usually one to add milk to tea, this is probably about my limit on smoke. I may have to do some experimenting with milk again. I am finding that things that did not appeal to me at one point in my tea journey work quite nicely for me at a later date. If anything, this has taught me to keep an open mind…

2011-09-06 16:28:29 -0400

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4 min 0 sec

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The Purrfect Cup 2011-09-06 19:41:30 -0400

This sounds awesome just by name (and possible Sherlock Holmes reference alone). I might have to add this to the ‘Teas to Order from Upton’ list.

ashmanra 2011-09-06 21:06:11 -0400

Wifey Woman, send me your snail mail and I can pop a packet in the post tomorrow!

The Purrfect Cup 2011-09-06 22:21:31 -0400

I can’t send you a message. I think you have to be following me too in order to do that. Thank you for the offer as I’d really like to try it!

ashmanra 2011-09-07 10:22:59 -0400

I thought I WAS following you! Sorry! Situation amended now! :)

CHAroma 2011-09-07 11:51:13 -0400

I’ve had a similar experience of shifting taste bud allegiance as well. Would you say this is your favorite Lapsang Souchong that you’ve tried? I generally don’t like smokey teas (especially Keemun, gross!), but so many people have been posting about Lapsang Souchongs that now I just have to try one.

SimplyJenW 2011-09-07 13:35:25 -0400

@CHAroma- I prefer Upton’s Lapsang Souchong Black Dragon.

CHAroma 2011-09-07 13:36:02 -0400

Thanks, I’ll try that one!

LadyLondonderry 2011-09-07 22:24:37 -0400

Reading about this tea never fails to start Gerry Rafferty (or more specifically, Raphael Ravenscroft) playing in my head!

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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.)