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
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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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.