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Doug F

Doug F drank Laoshan Black by Verdant Tea

I feel like I can now consider myself an official steepsterite after having a cup of this notorious tea. I think the tasting notes have covered every nuance (chocolate, check; raisins, check), though I haven’t seen a mention of the ocean effect—deep inside there I feel waves of superclean seawater washing over my tongue. It’s a very smooth tea with a pleasant fruity aftertaste and a powerful kick. I don’t think I can genuflect at the altar of the Laoshan black to the extent that others have, but I can bow. A solid 88-90, definitely among the better Chinese black teas I’ve tasted.

2012-06-11 14:13:58 -0400

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Bonnie 2012-06-12 01:32:03 -0400

You have intriguing taste! Enjoyable!

Doug F 2012-06-12 09:01:06 -0400

Thanks Bonnie. I love your evocative reviews.

Bonnie 2012-06-12 20:47:19 -0400

Who’s Doug? (I’d rather be provocative sometimes!) …don’t listen…I’ve had 4 hours of sleep…the smoke is keeping me up!

Doug F 2012-06-13 07:43:13 -0400

Doug is a sleep-deprived father of two boys (4 and 2). I decided to switch from Triumph to my given name. No reason to hide!

Bonnie 2012-06-13 09:23:26 -0400

Hi Doug! Nice to meet you! I am even more amazed you write so well with wee ones pulling on your legs!

Doug F 2012-06-13 11:00:10 -0400

Thank you Bonnie. My reviews would be longer, but I rarely have time to allow my thoughts to unfold. I’m jealous of those people who can patiently infuse their teas 15 times! I’m pretty much a western brewer—except for my shu pu-erhs.

Bonnie 2012-06-13 11:23:15 -0400

I had 5 little boys here last night and the 7 year old bipolar one was on a high! (3 adopted and 2 foster of my daughter’s 8 ). I collapsed on the couch and fell asleep as soon as they left! I raised more than my 2 also so I sympathise! Although, I am enjoying my alone time! :)

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Working from home gives me the opportunity to leisurely enjoy fine tea, ride my motorcycle on the roads of beautiful coastal Maine, hike, ski, and run and generally enjoy a sane pace of life with my wife and two young children. While I appreciate great tea, I try not to be a snob about it. I love Golden Yunnans, darjeelings and Pu-erhs. I drink greens and Oolongs less frequently. My purveyors of choice are Upton Tea Imports, Yunnan Sourcing, The Pu-erh Shop, and Mark T. Wendell, but I’m open to sampling teas from other sources if anyone has suggestions. I always drink tea straight and rarely drink flavored teas or Tisanes, except for the occasional Rooibos.