2816 Tasting Notes
I got this lovely sheng from Verdant a week or two ago but am just getting around to trying it now.
I decided to steep this in the gaiwan, and did a quick rinse. Unfortunately I brushed my teeth right before I tried this which is definitely impacting the flavor, duh!
I liked the intensely aromatic, almost burnt woodsy smell which is happening here. My first steep was for around 30 seconds and is very robust. I’m wanting to say I taste eucalyptus, but perhaps that is just toothpaste. I felt like I was sensing the lychee and there was also a cinnamon sort of element present here.
I think I am too tired to rate this tonight and the toothpaste has totally thrown me off. stay tuned for more details.
yummy tea of the afternoon…
I started drawing some flowers and decided I would have this tea to accompany me, which is definitely one of my favorite rooibos tisanes.
I have a date this afternoon which I don’t really want to go on, however I think it would be good for me to get out and meet some new people so I’m going anyway. I hope I don’t die of boredom or bore the other person to death. ;-)
Preparation
Nice! Way to beat me at getting back into the swing of things, my first post-breakup date is going to be Friday :D Glad to hear it was enjoyable!
This tea came as a sample from Indigobloom – thanks so much!
The dry leaf is indeed very pretty with the shimmers of gold. After I smelled it, this definitely seems like a holiday tea but I’m having it as my after lunch tea anyway. :)
Steeped for 5 minutes via regular teapot method. There is something VERY strong in this tea that reminds me of Harney and Sons hot cinnamon spice. I think it must be the clove element, it’s actually kind of numbing my tongue. There does seem to be a lot of cinnamon too. I guess I’m really not one for cloves in tea for some reason. I don’t know if I can finish this… it’s too spicy for me. I tried adding some soymilk and it was still too strong — but thank you for the sample!
Preparation
I’m slowly turning into a matcha smoothie addict. This is what I drink for breakfast on the weekends and sometimes for a snack. I vary the fruit a lot but today it was frozen pineapple, banana, a fuji apple and some soymilk. It’s a great way to get in your servings of fruit and your tea at the same time — I love it!
This sample came to me from Tea Equals Bliss – thanks so much for letting me try it.
I was definitely feeling like I needed something to wake me up this morning. I would say this tisane is lightly nutty and chocolatey but the flavor seems a bit thin to me somehow. I used the entire sample which must have been at least 1 tsb. in a 16 oz. teapot. This was a little bit better after I added some soymilk and sugar to it. It smells a lot better than it tastes. It needs something, I am not sure what.
I’m not overly impressed by this, it’s okay but not something I feel the need to buy. Thank you for the sample, Tea=B
Preparation
Tea of the afternoon – I am going to meditate and then make lentil soup but I’ve been feeling very tired today for some reason, in spite of the fact that I’m getting plenty of exercise. I think I still have a few breakup blues lingering around my psyche.
Anyway I love this blend! I already ordered another pouch of it. It’s super good with soymilk too…
Preparation
I’ve had this little brick for a few weeks now but am just getting around to trying it. I do love the elegant box and paper wrappers that douji uses, and I ordered this brick from China Cha Dao on E-Bay with no problems whatsoever. I think it took 2 weeks to arrive from China which isn’t bad.
The first steep of this tea was for around 20 seconds. I got a light yellowish tea liquor and am happy, for a sheng this is fairly mild with a touch of sweetness. I am finding the flavor to be woodsy, slightly tangy and with a touch of bitterness in the finish.
Steep #2 was about the same and Steeps #3 and #4 I decided to drink together in my glass teacup. Some gentle honey notes and slightly floral ones are coming forward in the tea. I have been fairly happy with the few jing mai shengs I’ve had in the past because they all seem to share this characteristic. Only the tiniest trace of bitterness is present in the finish. I’m happy that this is mellow.
I really like this one and it should age like a champ, although it is certainly ready to drink now as well. I’ve had with my two Douji experiments so far, maybe next I will get a cake. :)
Preparation
This morning I went to an intense hatha yoga class that almost did me in! oh no! There were two ladies there who looked like they were in their 60’s and they did great. I hope I’m healthy for a long time too.
I’m having a broccoli and Field Roast sausage stir fry for lunch. This genmaicha is a perfect accompaniment to many different kinds of food. It was a good value for the price as well. See previous notes for additional info.
Preparation
I got this at the bulk foods section at Rainbow Grocery a while back…
This rooibos is pretty tasty, I don’t think it’s the best I’ve ever had but it’s good for my evening tea nightcap. The valencia orange and clove flavoring adds a nice touch here, I think. It’s kind of a cross between a regular chai and an orange spice tea. A nice cinnamon element is also present.
I steeped this for 7 minutes in a t-sac and then added some soymilk. A nice tea to wind down the week, I think. Happy Friday, Steepies! :)
With all that fog, I picture you living in a lighthouse.
Sometimes it feels that way. ;-)
HI Amy!! Too funny that out of all the teas I have at my disposal, this is the same one that called to me this morning. We didn’t have fog this morning here, but I was on the way home from my niece’s CD release party in St Paul, MN very early this morning and there was fog on the ground out in the fields and a moon shining down through my moon roof. When I got back to my village, I put on some fresh water and brewed up the same black pearls! We may not be in the same place, but at least we get to share the same tea at times! Emaho (how wonderful)!
Great minds think alike!