Unilever UK

When up against the other black teas I tried, this one tasted metallic. It must be because of the decaffeination process. I did not have regular PG Tips to compare it to, so I’m not sure.

1.5 tsp for 300mL water @95C, steeped 4 minutes 30 seconds.

I’m experimenting with slightly cooler water for black tea. I am finding that Assams and Ceylons seem better with the full rolling boil at 100C. So does Scottish Blend, a CTC that seems heavy on the Kenyan tea. The 95C water doesn’t make the tea and sweeter, as happens with some China black, just duller. Live and learn.

1.5 tsp for 300mL @ 100C, steeped 4 minutes, drunk bare.

I am completely OUT of Assam. How the hell did this happen? The Tiger is not roaring. The Captain is lost at sea. Even the Gingia Estate tin is bare. I have some Kopili Estate Assam on its way to me, but damn it, I need Assam right now.

Scottish Blend will have to do. It’s not got the assertiveness, deep malt or raisin-y notes of some Assams, but for a CTC Kenyan (?) blend, it does very well. Plenty of black tea taste and body, provided it’s not oversteeped — I find at around 5 minutes its get all acidic and dark. Clean and mild finish. Dependable, and always better than I think it’s going to be.

No notes yet.

1.5 tsp for 300mL, 5 minutes, drunk bare.

I over-steeped, and the tea got bitter and murky and acidic. Steep carefully. Treated well, this tea is a great basic black. Pretty sure there’s a lot of Kenyan in there.

All the deliciousness of PG Tips, without the caffeine.

A bit of sugar and a splash of milk.

A lot of decaffeinated teas taste terrible, but I found that PG Tips Decaf tastes wonderful compared to some others on the market. I steep mine for 5 minutes using boiling water, and then add about 2 tbsp. of milk and 2 tsp. of sugar. This is my go-to tea for every occasion and meal.

1.25 tsp for 250mL water @100C. Drunk bare.

I have no idea if my city’s water is hard or soft. I can tell you it comes directly from a lake, with minimal treatment. The City might up the chlorine in summer, but otherwise my tap water tastes very clean: a bit reedy, with some faint mineral notes. So far, it’s never let me down when making tea, so I don’t bother with expensive and, frankly, bothersome 18.l L jugs pf springwater.

So I can’t say if Scottish Blend is any good for hard or soft water.

I can say it’s a very acceptable black tea blend, lighter than I expected, and one I would serve to my late Geordie grandmother without fear. I got a 250g package of it from a friend in Edinburgh, along with some Scottish sweets. Am I spoilt, or what? Scottish Blend smells malty and a bready, but the liquor is a medium reddish brown and quite clear. It’s more confident than assertive, and not bitter, even with a long steep. The body is light, which surprised me. There is a malty pucker at the end of a sip, but I’m thinking this is more Kenyan tea than Assam. The leaves are tiny, little CTC pinheads,and they don’t expand much. This tea would totally stand up to milk. I like it much more than I thought I would. Scottish Blend 1, Tea Snob 0.

Although most decaf teas leave much to be desired, this is my go-to. My tummy doesn’t like caffeine first thing in the morning, so I like to keep a package of this at my desk, and a package at home.

Breakfast for dinner – English muffin sandwich with smoked gouda, fried egg and ham and PG Tips decaf.

I’m really glad I picked up a box of these when I did – mostly for when I want a plain black decaf, but also now that I know the store I frequent no longer sells this (or any PG Tips for that matter – humph!)!

I really love this for the ease factor too! Two bags, 12 oz. boiling water, half-and-half, with enough sugar to lure an ant colony. Simple comfort in a cup with less caffeine!

You really need to use boiling water with this one. Using 195 degree water just makes the tea laugh at you and taste like wooden stirrers. Great with (lots of) milk and sugar.

Just delivered from Edinburgh – thanks Nat ;) I like it’s mild taste. That makes it a regular afternoon tea to boost my working force. Quite enjoy it…

No notes yet.

I was introduced to the nectar of the gods as a wee lass in Scotland, and this tea gets the blend right. I’ve no idea where in Scotland they found soft water, but this makes a lovely brew even in our hard water. I just wish I could find some to buy.

I love this tea. However, I only like plain, black teas & I prefer decaf.

Beware this tea! Strongly sour, bitter, herbaceous, and unpleasant. I get this result no matter whether I steep the tea for one minute or three, no matter whether I use boiling water and a hot teapot or water well below boiling. It is very hard to find a really good decaffeinated tea, but almost all are better than this.

Background: The non-decaffeinated version of “PG Tips” is sold bagged and loose in grocery stores across the U.K. It is known for its dark brew and strong flavor.

It can be found in many supermarkets in the United States, often in the “Ethnic Foods” aisle.

It is very hard to find good decaffeinated tea, and I have never tried a decaffeinated tea as good as typical non-decaffeinated black tea.

Still interested in decaf tea? Look for teas decaffeinated using the CO-2 process, rather than the Ethyl Acetate process. Then brew the tea for a shorter time than you would a regular tea — two minutes and thirty seconds should be your upper limit.

Nice stout morning cuppa. A step down, perhaps from PG Tips in brew strength. I usually steep this tea 4 minutes in boiling water and then add milk and white sugar.