1719 Tasting Notes
See how white the leaf looks in the picture? Well, it really is that white. This leaf is gorgeous. It tastes just as good as it looks. Cucumber and melon, with a lingering sweet aftertaste. Superfine is not just the grade of leaf with this one.
For those interested Vicony asked me to mention they supply samples to reviewers. You will have to meet a few conditions and they do ask for a phone number. The few hoops were worth it to try this one.
This came from ashmanra. THANKS I can’t find this on pure puerh’s website. I thought I would grab a picture – apparently not. This is interesting. Beyond the horse and saddle leather it has a pepper / ginger bite to it. Underneath that is some interesting floral notes. Another thing I noticed is that several minutes after sipping this I could still taste it and feel its cooling affect on my breath. Very nice!
Ok, the Zenjala Creamy Earl Grey was a sophisticated cup. The vanilla was very mild and served to tame the uncivilized bergamot. Empire Tea Services calls their version luxurious. My take on this is it is more of a frat house version. The vanilla comes screaming out of the pouch, chased by the bergamot beast in a toga. The Ceylon base is like the bass player in the band, you may not notice him untless he stops, then you realize he was responsible for the groove. There are also hints of chocolate and something like burnt caramel or sugar. This is a party in a cup and I don’t think it is intended for meditative moments. Party on.
I love Ahmad. Inexpensive loose leaf in a tin. The base can get harsh if you over steep. This is my favorite everyday EG so this is what my brain thinks bergamot is supposed to taste like. Not for sissies. (Strikes manly pose)
Haha! Love it!
I do not like EG’s that are shy, will have to check this one out.
Its similar to Twinings in bergamot intensity. It is the base that bites back that does it for me.
Sounds like right up my alley.
Majority of the Earl Grey I have drank is Twinings.
For some reason, I like my EG’s a little rough or “Manly” ;)
In other words, “the Earl” in my mind is not one who is sitting in the parlor reading.
My “Earl” is just coming in from a hunt with mud on his boots looking for a robust tea to revive him.
Oooh, HJ, if I weren’t blissfully married, I wouldn’t mind meeting Earl ;)
Hehe! I know…me too;)
I’d give you two a hard time but I find myself strangely attracted to Earl myself ;)
That’s Okay, he has that effect:)
A gift from ashmanra. She said it would make sing. (Clears throat – me, me, me, me) Mama Mia, Mama Mia, Mama Mia Figaro… Well you get to decide whether that counts as singing ;) This is good! My longer review is here: http://theeverdayteablog.blogspot.com/2012/08/upton-tea-imports-baker-street.html
Preparation
Sip down :( sigh, but I have to make room for the next round of samples that are in route :)
I think I have always liked this one more than most folks on Steepster. I love the sweet smell of the dry leaf. I love the stew beef smell of the wet leaf. I love the fresh crisp taste with the nice bite at the end. I love the clean green lingering aftertaste. This is just a good satisfying cup with far more depth than it should have for the price. You get all this with only a one minute steep.
I thought about having an Earl Grey-athon today, but when I arrived at work, I remembered these leaves were in the press and they still had love to share. Maybe not the jolt some of you want first thing in the morning but I need to ease into the day. The gentle goodness of this with its sweet potatoes and caramel notes is perfect,
A novice tea drinking coworker came in to my office while I was sipping and just stood around like a puppy. I knew what he wanted but I let him hang awhile. Finally I told him if you want tea you know where it is. He was in the drawer before I finished the sentence. Hilarious. He grabbed a Twinings white tea bag. I smiled and told him how to get the most out of it. He left happy.
That is a pretty leaf!