Thick fog this morning. Me and the weather. (Right now, any weather phenomenon that involves moisture is serious atmospheric news.)
So a kick out the door was in order. This did it, although, due to my kitchen sloppiness, I picked up a little bit of yesterday’s Marco Polo in the cup as well. Delicacy with hobnail boots. (Yeah, I know, WASH the tea strainer, don’t just rinse it. I will. Tomorrow. Maybe.)
The only flavor descriptor you need for this one is STRONG. No chestnuts, berries, hibiscus, or scented blossoms wafting on a gentle breeze. Uh-uh.
Stealing a quote note from my friend ashmanra: “If you want a tea to kick your fanny out the door and remind you to eat your veggies OR ELSE, you can stop looking.” Oh, yeah, how I needed it this morning. Eyes won’t open and I list to one side after zoot-suit swing dancing with my kids in music class yesterday. Strained thigh muscles from doing that goofy thing where you wiggle your knees back and forth and cross/uncross your hands at the same time (and, might I add, loving every minute of it).
This time, I let Clipper Gold just barely shake hands with the water (2 min), and it was still sharp and wakey-uppy, but I could taste the subtler notes (burgundy/fruit) and my tongue wasn’t numb ;)
Shorter steep time is a plus when you oversleep and you’re dashing around to get out of the house, huh?
(The sequel)
This stuff has a mind of its own! Left to its own devices in my fridge, it darkened three shades to dark walnut and strengthened three notches as well. I think this is going to be a go-to iced tea at our house.
For hefty tea lovers only…oops, I meant hefty tea lovers, not hefty tea lovers. I’m medium and I like it just fine.
