45 Tasting Notes

94

After reading SimplyJenW’s tasting notes on this tea, I added it to my order this week when I was reordering my standard breakfast Keemun. I knew I’d love it, and I’m pleased to say I was right! The smoooooth, cocoa-y flavor made me smile involuntarily at the very first sip, reminding me of other China black cocoa-y favorites that I’ve saved for special moments. What a thrill to find one that’s affordable enough to enjoy every day — although I’ll probably still reserve it for weekends, to preserve its “special” status.

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 15 sec

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91

On weekends at home I fall into an unfortunate habit of overcaffeinating myself. That’s the inevitable result when a lover of “hard-core black teas” [tm SimplyJenW] is close to the kitchen all day and repeatedly thinks, “You know what would be great now? A(nother) pot of tea!”

I just brewed my third pot of the day. I ended up second-guessing my choices for Pots 1 and 2 — which involved four different Ceylons, as it happens — but I know that won’t happen with Pot 3, good old Organic China Black FOP. Rich and mellow, a little cocoa, a little vanilla, and nothing I could possibly regret … well, except for the extra dose of caffeine.

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 5 min, 0 sec
SimplyJenW

I have a sample of this one coming my way…. ;) If you like it, I am sure I will!

LadyLondonderry

I’m sure you will too, Jen! Don’t expect any fireworks; this one is just my very good tea friend that never lets me down. :-)

JacquelineM

Is it back in stock? I love this one!

LadyLondonderry

Jacqueline, I got my current bag of it less than three weeks ago, and it appears to be in stock on the website, which they are good about keeping up to date.

JacquelineM

Goodie! I think I’ll get some and also that Spring Dragon oolong you recommended. Yummy!!!

JacquelineM

Oh – one more thing! Do you have a favorite ceylon from Upton that you think might be good for classic iced tea?

LadyLondonderry

My favorite overall is the Kenilworth Estate OP (the “biscuity” one), but I think the Dimbula BOP might be a better choice for iced tea.

JacquelineM

Thank you! This order is going to be the Lady Londonderry Special :)

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96

Ohhhhh so good. I ordered a large-ish bag of this after tasting a sample. This morning I made a little pot of it, and I broke out in a big smile after the first sip. Rich, mellow, a little spicy but not identifiably peppery. I will be drinking this for breakfast again tomorrow morning, no doubt about it!

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 5 min, 0 sec
Jim Marks

Oh how I love this tea. I love this tea so much. If I wasn’t already married, I would become a full time activist to demand my rights to marry this tea.

LadyLondonderry

:-). I can already see I will be using up my current supply of this much, much too quickly!

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89

After an exceptionally lazy morning of lingering in bed until 11:30 (!), I needed a good slap in the face to wake me up. Queen Catherine arrived to do the job and fortify me to face the rest of the day. Well done, Your Majesty.

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84

I tasted this tea last weekend and had to add it to my cupboard ASAP. The rose is present in just the right amount, and there’s a bit of stevia leaf to lightly sweeten the brew. It’s ideal for relaxing with just before bedtime.

This is the first tulsi-based tea I’ve had, and it’s made me interested in trying pure tulsi (holy basil). I think I’ll be adding at least one variety of this herb to my next Upton order.

Preparation
180 °F / 82 °C 4 min, 0 sec

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91

I had been eyeing this one based on Upton’s description and took the plunge and bought a full bag after reading SimplyJenW’s tasting notes on it. I made it for breakfast this morning and am very glad I added it to my (real-life) cupboard! It’s right up my Keemun alley: toasty rather than smoky, and soooo good to start the day with. This will be my breakfast choice on many a winter morning, I am sure!

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 30 sec
SimplyJenW

I am so glad you like this one…..I am drinking it right now, too!

LadyLondonderry

Me too — I actually made a second pot of it and brought some to work with me in my thermal mug. I think that tells you how much I like this one. I couldn’t tear myself away from it!

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81

This tasting note isn’t for Decaf Ceylon by itself, but for what I’ve come to think of as Decaf and a Pinch. I’ve lately gotten in the habit of drinking Decaf Ceylon as my evening brew, blended about 3:1 with a non-decaf, usually flavored tea. It is particularly delicious with a bit of Florence or Tower of London. Tonight I’m enjoying it with a little Elyse’s Blend for that honey note.

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec
JacquelineM

I have to try that ratio!

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100
drank Gong Fu Black by Zhi Tea
45 tasting notes

Ah, what bliss, starting my Sunday with this most satisfying tea! By now I am convinced that this actually IS the same tea as Panyang Bohea Supreme, just going by a different nom de the. Having a supply of it makes my cupboard and my tea-drinking life complete.

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I am a nearly lifelong tea drinker, a habit to which I ascribe much of my good health and good humor. I enjoy all types of tea but find special comfort in strong black teas lightened with a splash of unsweetened almond milk.

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