80

267/365

Back to iced tea, after a bit of a hiatus. I honestly think it was just laziness, but there have been times over the last two to three weeks where I just haven’t been up for any faff at all. I think it’s partly because it’s been so hot, but I just have zero energy. I know that in the grand scheme of things, these SBT bags are really easy and convenient, but try telling that to my dozy, switched-off brain. I was having none of it.

I’m not really feeling much better today, but I finally reached the point where iced tea was a necessity in order to survive another week in my super-hot office (we don’t have air conditioning, and it’s 37 degrees in here most days…) I just have to keep telling myself there are only two weeks of this to go, and then I’m off to pastures new. Hopefully things will look better in a couple of months.

So. Iced tea firmly back on my personal agenda, and a few SBTs that are ageing in my cupboard. Only one thing to do! I chose Apple Cider because the flavours sounded most appealing – a couple of those I have left sound more wintery, and one is just plain weird, but I could see myself sipping on this one. It got the usual treatment – 3 minutes in water cooled to around 170, added to almost 2 litres of water, and then into the fridge overnight.

To taste, it’s pretty spot-on; well-defined apple, with a background of gentle spice (mostly cinnamon and maybe a touch of ginger/clove/cardamon). The green tea base works really well here, being nicely smooth and non-astringent, with a hint of butteriness. I feel like that’s enough to sum this one up, in all honesty – it’s a simple, straightforward flavour that comes across well and is deliciously easy to sip on! A favourite, for sure.

Of course, that means I get to be sad all over again because this one’s gone forever…

Preparation
Iced 3 min, 0 sec

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Bio

Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.

Location

Norfolk, UK

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