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SimplyJenW drank Hong Tao Keemun (ZK12) by Upton Tea Imports

985 tasting notes

Tea of the morning….

And this has come to take up residence in my cupboard. For some who are tea addicted, that might not seem very significant, but I am on the “paring down the stash” phase rather than the ramping it up. Additions to the stash at this point have to be exceptional to secure a place there. I am sure it is just part of the progression.

Leaves are medium length, with a good sprinkling of bright golden tips (brighter than the product photo in my opinion.) Very light on the notes of smoke, but everything else fits the profile of a good Keemun. This one also has a heavier mouthfeel than most of the Keemuns I have been drinking. It was the heftiness and body that made me pull the trigger on the purchase since the last version of Keemun in my cupboard was kind of thin. Yes, this one costs a little more, but it is worth it!

Usual teapot method.

Preparation

Boiling 4 min, 0 sec

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SimpliciTEA
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Samples excepted, I’m totally with you on this one: “I am on the ‘paring down the stash’ phase rather than the ramping it up.”

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SimpliciTEA
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Samples excepted, I’m totally with you on this one: “I am on the ‘paring down the stash’ phase rather than the ramping it up.”

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Bio

My motto: Drink the good tea!

Tea enthusiast, trying to keep up my cardio for the zombie apocalypse. I have come to accept that I am a western brewing black tea drinker as that is where my ‘tea heart’ lies. I started on loose leaf as a way to have my dessert and not suffer the caloric issues. Once I tried it, I was hooked.

I drink what I like, which is mostly China blacks, a few traditionally scented blacks and Earl Greys, plus a flavored tea here and there. I don’t mind spending a bit on premium varieties on occasion, but an expensive tea has to deliver. My favorite places to order are Harney & Sons and Upton Tea Imports. TeaVivre is great for Chinese tea.

My ratings are pretty subjective. If it falls under 70, I may not take the time to post about it unless I had something specific to say. If it is 70-80 I like it, but I will probably not rebuy. Favorites are over 80 and up, but sometimes the less expensive or more easily obtainable version of a similar taste will win out for my cupboard space.

Usual teapot steeping method: 24 oz teapot, 3 perfect scoops of tea (4 1/2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual mug steeping method: 15 oz mug, 1.5 perfect scoops of tea (just over 2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual pan method: 1 1/2 cups water, 2 perfect tsp chai (3 actual tsp). Simmer for 3 minutes. Add 2/3 cup skim milk. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Strain and sweeten.

Usual pitcher method:
5 or 6 Perfect Spoons of tea (this means about 7-9 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, brewed essentially double-strong in my 24 oz teapot for 4 minutes. Fill my Fiestaware Disc pitcher (about 60 oz.) halfway with ice. Add brewed double-strong tea to the pitcher. Stir it a little and enjoy. No additions.

(*SRP is my Sample/Stash Reduction Plan starting on April 12, 2012. I got so far, but just decided it was too fussy to keep track.)