teabird

Tiger Assam from Andrews & Dunham Damn Fine Tea

teabird drank Tiger Assam by Andrews & Dunham Damn Fine Tea

I have so much updating to do! But I just moved house, and everything is very hectic, so I haven’t been taking the time with my tea that I’d like to. I joined the Verdant Reserve Club for February and haven’t touched the teas yet, because I’ve had no time to do it propery :(

So, today at least I had some Tiger Assam at the office – strong, but not fussy. I kept the first steep to 4 minutes, with milk and sugar. The second I just let sit for awhile, and it’s perfect for drinking straight. Strong rounded flavor, slightly sweet but also astringent enough to make you sit up and take notice.

After tomorrow I should have internet at the new place :P and can log all the tea I drink during this snowstorm we’re supposed to get…

2013-02-22 17:05:21 -0500

195 °F / 90 °C

8 min or more

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Some notes on ratings:

I’d have separate rating scales for tea types if that were possible (probably Black, Flavored Black, Darjeeling/Dark Oolong, White/Green/Light Oolong, and Herbal) because the flavors and quality markers are just too different. A flavored black rated 100 isn’t better than every oolong I’ve ever drunk, just delicious for a flavored black.

Ratings are a combination of my enjoyment and the perceived quality – I do often demote teas a few points for artificial flavorings, small quantity of steeps supported, or weakness of flavor (requiring extra leaf).

I pay less attention to the number than the order of my ratings; I don’t necessarily keep a stock of everything rated 80+, but if two breakfast blends are rated 82 and 84 I consistently enjoy the 84 more.

And in case it’s not obvious? I am not an expert. I don’t even know what I like until I taste it sometimes, but I’m ok with that :) I like learning to like new teas, as well as enjoying the comfort of familiar ones.