Today it didn’t turn out bitter. No changes were made to previous methods of preparation… this is a finicky tea.
A great, no-nonsense breakfast tea to get the day started. I steep with water that has had a little time to cool down from the boil – say, one to two minutes with the lid off the kettle and then steep for four minutes. The bitterness is eliminated and the strong, round flavor remains. A splash of milk to bring out the best.
A little bitter at the finish, with a little aftertaste. But, other than that, not bad. It gets the job done. Just trying to finish out this tin that I’ve had for a bit.
The water was poured, leaving the outcome of the tea in the hands of the Fates.
The Fates smiled and said “Let’s allow Man to have a cup of tea this morning that is drinkable.”
Man was cautious with his first sip, but then did imbibe with joy, being thankful that the Fates chose to be merciful.
(It was not bitter this morning! Hooray!)
It’s serviceable, but nothing to really write home about. I have to be extremely careful with the preparation on this one, otherwise it gets bitter real quick.
Gets the day started. Let boiling water cool for two minutes, then pour over leaves and steep for four minutes. Remove leaves and add a dash of milk. Occasionally some dust gets through the strainer I use and remains in the cup, but that adds an extra touch of bitterness to help wake me up.
Resteep. Unlike Henry the 8th, the second verse is not the same as the first. It is missing quite a bit of flavor and fullness, but is still passable. I’m not going to try a third steep.
Helps me say “good morning” after a stressful night.
An afternoon pick-me-up. Good, but looking forward to restocking some other black teas I prefer more.
For an afternoon lift. Enjoying with a nectarine.
Bitterness is nearly elimintated if you let the boiling water cool in the kettle for two minutes (with the lid off) before steeping.
Strangely, I don’t really like this tea for breakfast. I’m not sure why. Very enjoyable in the afternoon!
Another cup to keep me alert this evening. A classic flavor.
This time prepared with water at a rolling boil to bring out a brisk bitterness to help me focus.
Brewed with filtered water this morning (finally got a water filter pitcher to help with the tap here!), and it shows a definite improvement in flavor!
Daily breakfast tea at the moment.
