He made the journey to my house and arrived yesterday evening.
After such a long trip, I had to try him. He is my new best friend. Yes, Marco Polo lived up to his reputation. At first, I wanted to wait, as I had a huge fear of possible disappointment. But at my daughter’s urging, we forged ahead. Once I told her that I ordered him because when I googled “best tea in the world” his name popped up, there was no waiting. At first whiff out of the sealed bag, he instantly took me back about 50 years to the smell of my dad’s cherry blend pipe tobacco. He smelled like leather and tobacco with a mysterious fruity fragrance… is it cherries, strawberries, raspberries, or some berry type blend? Then we brewed, being ever so careful with timing and temperature. The aroma fills the senses like a great wine. The taste and flavor fills your mouth with a full bodied chewy goodness that you don’t want to ever leave. I love him. There was no bitterness, just smooth fruity and full bodied black tea goodness. Can you tell I love a good black tea? Why did I only order 2 oz.? Foolish virgin!
This morning, I did a second steep using the same leaves. I couldn’t bear to throw those leaves away. Its even smoother, more velvety and has lost some of the more pronounced berry and cream flavor. There is still great yummy goodness. It is still fragrant with good body. What is in this tea??? Does anyone know? Marco Polo and I may go on a long journey together. I love him!
