teabird

teabird drank Dancong Aria by Adagio Teas

Still my favorite oolong? Yep.

Apparently boiling water into room temp tiny glass pot → 200°F starting temperature. This is a little hotter than the last time I had this tea, and the aroma is roastier than I recall. There’s still some fruit, fortunately. Likewise for the taste: a little toast, but still peachy, and a nice tropical fruit aftertaste (or maybe that’s orchid? I haven’t eaten an orchid before). Still, think I understeeped this a little – more leaf next time.

2nd steep at 195 and 4 minutes

2010-03-31 20:52:03 -0400

200 °F / 93 °C

3 min 15 sec

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LiberTEAS 2010-03-31 23:47:34 -0400

This sounds like one I will have to try when I order from them next time……

teabird 2010-04-01 02:01:15 -0400

I got in when they were promoting a Chinese teas sampler, which was really a pleasant surprise all around; this was my favorite of the 4, narrowly beating out Dongshan Dolce

LiberTEAS 2010-04-01 16:10:49 -0400

I did get the Dongshan Dolce the last time I placed an order with them… I haven’t even had a chance to try it yet! LOL

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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.