Marcin

I forget how potent freshly packed tea is; I got this and put my usual measure (i.e. too much) into the pot and … totally forgot about it.

This happens a lot.

It is a credit to the quality of the leaves that the result was still drinkable! I diluted and diluted and diluted until I ended up with something more pleasing, but by this time my taste buds were utterly demolished.

I tried this again this morning with The Office Water (dun dun dun) – the stuff that comes out of a water dispenser. Suffice to say that it is nowhere near boiling and can be imbibed within minutes. Usually this doesn’t work very well with extracting flavor from dried plant matter, but in the case of very fresh leaves like these, it’s perfect.

The end result is a very pleasing, mild Earl Grey with distinct notes and aroma of lemon. As far as I can tell, the “cheesecake” doesn’t add a flavor of its own, but makes the natural bitterness of Earl Grey a milder one, allowing the bergamot to come through more easily.

I’ll be making more of this today.

Foxtrot is my first pick when I need something warm and pleasant, yet not overly powerful or challenging (or bitter, it seems impossible to oversteep this). A great pre-lunch or mid-afternoon tea when – unencumbered by accompanying food – you can enjoy it to the fullest.

The flavor blend is fairly incredible, as it tastes like none of the individual ingredients, but instead gives off a warm, friendly – and importantly, not overpowering – mellow sweetness. The mint lingers but a moment, and then leaves to let you enjoy the next smooth mouthful.

Short, not overly hot steep (office semi-hot water dispenser + afternoon need for tea led to an immediate quaffing) created a very mellow and only slightly ah, aromatic brew. This was my first try with Pu Erh and first try with Tao of Tea, and so far the impression was … utterly neutral.

That’s right, this note is to say that this tea had nothing of note. Tomorrow, I try a longer steep with more leaves!

An excellent light, nutty and mellow green tea that has more aroma and nuance than outright flavor. Do not drink at work or when otherwise occupied; you’ll need to focus to really appreciate this one’s lightness.

The quintessential Earl; powerful, but with the bergamot and tannins balanced just so. Be very wary of oversteeping, as it will KILL you.

No, really. Watch out.