Thomas Sampson

I usually go for Chinese black teas in the morning (unless it’s chai) but out of the A&D Series Two showdown, I think I’d give the title belt to Thomas. I wish this had a little bit more natural sweetness, though I could see it as something that holds up well with a little milk and sugar.

Count me in, I am now in Thomas’ corner! Coppery-colored infusion with the cocoa-y, bake-y, malty flavors as others have described. Thomas arrives with a slow, smooth swagger, but leaves with a bit of a punch of astringent finish just to remind you that he was here. I look forward to spending time with him again!

Today, I was thinking how sad it was to not have any new teas to sample and note down.

I’ve been drinking basically the same two black teas for several days now (because I’m on a black tea kick, at the moment). They’re good teas but I’ve already noted them down on here and, for some reason, I don’t really like writing different notes for the same teas.

So, I was a little despondent because I had no new teas. But then I came home to discover that my first A&D order had arrived!! Wow, that was fast. I think I just ordered a couple days ago. I got Series 2 consisting of these two legendary teas. The box they were nestled in is adorable, as are the two collectable postcards and the tins themselves (I’m number 63 of 110). I really appreciate good packaging. Thank you for all the effort, Damn Fine Teas! It was like receiving a gift. :)

I immediately brewed Thomas first. From everyone else’s notes, he sounded irresistible! I love malt, I love bread, I love anything bakery. From the tin, the scent was pretty nondescript. Seemed like your basic black tea, I guess. Brewed, the scent reminds me of a watery Guinness. A Guinness of tea. And the taste? Let me just say that if you love strong breakfast teas, this is definitely for you! Thomas is a full-bodied black tea—very much like Yorkshire Tea (which is a strong, black tea blend). He has a “bite”…very tannic.

I’m not really getting any bakery, biscuity goodness. This is very dry, almost harsh. Maybe adding some cream and sugar will soften it up a bit? Too bad I don’t have either, right now.

An equally fine gentlemen. Cup two and three of the day. Still needs more concentration to properly log.

Running low on this one… Fantastic wake up tea – with a little mint and some stevia.

I really enjoyed this fiesty tea. While the can says 4 minutes I admit to leaving the little punk in my french press until I got around to a second cup and failed to find him bitter at all. Loved it with milk and honey… totally spoiled.

This blend tastes to me like your average English Breakfast blend, but it’s saved from mediocrity by this delicious syrupy sweet note. Still, I’m pretty disappointed by A&D’s Series 2 set so far…so expensive, and not that tasty. Sigh.

Good tea, though a little on the mellow side. I may steep it for five minutes next time and see if I can draw out more of the flavor, since it doesn’t have a hint of bitterness at four minutes.

This tea reminds me of clean, high desert air. The moderate astringency is drying but not bitter. The expected maltiness is there but subtle with a back of the mouth caramel sweet finish. Liquor is a beautiful amber red. The smell is mildly floral and mineral.

Quantity matters as much as steeping time: last time I steeped exactly 4 minutes, but went a little overboard with the leaves (I usually like my black tea strong) and it came out harsh; this time I used an even teaspoon on an 8oz cup, and with a bit of milk it’s just perfect. Warm, malty and satisfying.

New to my tea collection, received Series 2 as a Christmas gift.

I keep forgetting to buy more tea.

Thought I’d try this for my afternoon cuppa – it’s a bit drying, but very smooth and rich. I’m quite enjoying it.

I enjoyed every cup of Thomas Sampson, even though it gives me the caffeine jitters afterwards. For the last cup I used honey and a splash of coconut milk to soften the blow of running out. They’re not kidding about stopping at 4 minutes. I left it a few seconds extra and it was definitely a few seconds over. Still, a lovely tea.

I was definitely in the mood for a black tea this morning, so I thought I’d give this one a go!

Like others have said before, it really does taste like cookies! But it also still tastes like black tea. :P I really like it!!

It does have a little bit of bitterness to it, and I think next time I’ll try steeping for less time. But it’s not too much, and it adds a bit of an interesting kick.

It’s the perfect tea for this morning! :)

Delish!

I followed the four minutes steeping time recommended. I think it needs to go a bit longer.