SimplyJenW

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SimplyJenW drank Queen Catherine by Harney & Sons

Tea of the afternoon…….

I am having one of those moments where I think I have too many kinds of black tea that are similar. Yes, I know I am getting to the place where I can tell slight differences, but if I had stuck to just one or two, could I have been satisfied? I am having a moment where simplicity is appealing. Where having fewer options in my tea cupboard is starting to seem wonderful. (I hope I wake up soon!) I think if I had to settle on one basic black tea (not one black tea all together!) this would be it. I may just start drinking this one as my breakfast tea when it is all said and done……. Always good, always reliable, and with an air of something special. A solid black tea base of Keemun,Yunnan, and Panyang Coungou. This one tastes of roasty, malty, chocolatey tea with hints of floral in there.

Usual teapot method.

2012-01-18 13:41:10 -0500

Boiling

4 min 0 sec

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LadyLondonderry 2012-01-19 18:34:03 -0500

I’ve been feeling that minimalist urge myself lately, fantasizing about pitching all but a handful of must-have teas.

Of course, I often have the urge to pare down my perfume collection in a similar manner, and so far that hasn’t amounted to anything, so I’ll probably keep bearing the burden of an overstocked cupboard for the foreseeable future.:)

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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.)