SimplyJenW

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SimplyJenW drank Kirara Rice Tea by Lupicia

Tea of the afternoon……

I have been waiting almost a year to order one of Lupicia’s famous Fukubukuro bags that they offer annually at 12:01 on New Year’s Day. It is a Japanese tradition, a lucky bag, or mystery bag that offers items usually at a 50% discount. I missed out on the $50 bags, but was able to snag the $30 version. I was definitely pleased overall with my January tea purchase, and I got a few things that will be interesting to try. This was one of the teas in that bag….. I got a bag of 10 teabags.

I am not usually a fan of genmaichas, but I do appreciate them from time to time. This one has a grassy, bready, roasty flavor that you would expect from this type of tea. I am sure I can drink it 9 more times! I do like that it is such a unique flavor profile from the teas I usually drink. This one is certainly fresh and tasty. I do not require additions on this one.

I followed the steeping parameters on the bag…..1 minute with about 12 oz. boiling water (which I thought the water temp recommendation seemed a little high for a green…might try lower next time.)

2012-01-07 15:11:40 -0500

Boiling

1 min 0 sec

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Amy oh 2012-01-07 16:01:37 -0500

oh how fun. I want a Fukubukuro bag but will live vicariously through you now.

SimplyJenW 2012-01-07 16:13:01 -0500

I did the same last year! I think the website was out by around 3pm on New Year’s Day…. I f I remember correctly, they were available for at least a week last year and you could pick your tea type. This year it was a mix.

SimplyJenW 2012-01-07 16:14:21 -0500

..I mean I watched everyone else that got one….sometimes I leave out important words in my quest to be concise…

Dinosara 2012-01-07 18:40:54 -0500

Ooh, I didn’t know about that! I will have to try to remember for next year…

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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.)