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So this is one of several green-black blends that I ordered from Murchie’s – they seem to specialize in them so I figured I would try a few. This seems the most straightforward, just a blend of Ceylon and Keemun black teas with gunpowder and jasmine greens.

Steeped up, it looks like a black tea but tastes more like a green one. The jasmine is surprisingly subtle, just a whisper in the background. I actually taste the gunpowder the most – it has a strong earthy, mineral flavor that winds up in the forefront, potentially bolstered by the Keemun. Ceylon show itself in the finish, with its metallic, acidic character.

Overall, not sure about this one. I feel like the balance is a bit off for my tastes, I would prefer more jasmine and less gunpowder. There is also a noticeable astringency even though I only steeped it for 2 minutes, but perhaps that’s just a result of it being a teabag with very broken leaf. I’m hoping to be more enthused by some of the other green-black blends that have bergamot and lapsang and other fun things.

Flavors: Acidic, Astringent, Earthy, Floral, Jasmine, Metallic, Mineral, Tannic, Woody

Preparation
175 °F / 79 °C 2 min, 0 sec 8 OZ / 236 ML
Roswell Strange

I find a lot of Murchie’s teas that are just blends of different straight teas like this one lean a little more astringent – but I think it’s because (as far as I can tell) their primary customer base is very much the type of tea drinker who takes most of their teas in a more British style with milk and sugar. With that prep method it balances out a lot more.

Cameron B.

Yeah, I guess to me it would be weird to add milk and sugar because of the green tea ha ha, but you’re probably right. I’m sure loose leaf would help, too.

Lupiressmoon

From my very limited experience with Gunpowder, it can be strong. I do feel drawn to anything bookish named though. Not sure how I would feel about this one from the description

Mastress Alita

As a librarian, I remember trying this blend in the past. I also had issues with astringency, but it was a pretty mellow and tasty coldbrew.

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Roswell Strange

I find a lot of Murchie’s teas that are just blends of different straight teas like this one lean a little more astringent – but I think it’s because (as far as I can tell) their primary customer base is very much the type of tea drinker who takes most of their teas in a more British style with milk and sugar. With that prep method it balances out a lot more.

Cameron B.

Yeah, I guess to me it would be weird to add milk and sugar because of the green tea ha ha, but you’re probably right. I’m sure loose leaf would help, too.

Lupiressmoon

From my very limited experience with Gunpowder, it can be strong. I do feel drawn to anything bookish named though. Not sure how I would feel about this one from the description

Mastress Alita

As a librarian, I remember trying this blend in the past. I also had issues with astringency, but it was a pretty mellow and tasty coldbrew.

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Bio

Hi, I’m Cameron!

I’m a 30-something software engineer currently living in Austin, Texas with my husband and our two pugs, Gobo and Ume. I tend to cycle between my different hobbies, and they include piano, knitting, video games, board games, miniature painting, planners, bento, Korean skincare, and – of course – TEA! But really, what I’m best at is “collecting” hobby-related things… ;)

~ 2024 SIPDOWN CHALLENGE! ~
- October sipdowns: 3
- Total 2024 sipdowns: 132

I prefer my tea lukewarm or at room temperature and without milk or sugar. I steep Western style, and fluctuate between using big mugs or small teapots depending on the season.

I am always up for a swap! Just let me know if you’d like to try something in my cupboard.

Tea Preferences:
I enjoy both flavored and unflavored teas in many forms. These days, I drink mostly flavored teas, and I tend to gravitate most toward black, green, oolong, and herbal varieties. I do have a special fondness for straight Japanese green teas, however.

I do not sweeten my teas, and pre-sweetened teas are usually too sweet for me. I also do not enjoy stevia.

I tend to reach for fruitier flavors rather than desserty ones these days, but I do have favorites from both categories. Willing to try anything once! There are a few ingredients/flavors that aren’t generally my jam, such as coconut, rose, lavender, and chocolate flavoring. But I also have teas that I love with some of those things, too! :)

Favorite Companies:
3 Leaf
Bird & Blend
Dammann Frères
Harney & Sons
Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms
Lupicia
Old Barrel Tea Co
Simpson & Vail
Taiwan Tea Crafts
TeaVivre

Tea Rating Scale:
90-100: Outstanding! Permanent cupboard resident
80-89: Great – a possible staple
70-79: Good, but I wouldn’t buy it
60-69: It’s decent
50-59: Meh… I may or may not have finished the cup
40-49: Ick. Couldn’t finish it.
00-39: Repulsive, I spat it out

I will sometimes refrain from rating a tea if I feel I’m too biased due to my personal dislikes, or if I suspect the sample has been compromised by age or scent contamination.

Cupboard Spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZEuKf1-ppR-VXajO4vV39zU1N3zjFJteEPAynqD2yl0/edit?usp=sharing

Location

Austin, Texas

Website

https://www.instagram.com/tea...

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