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SimplyJenW drank Keemun Heng Ru Organic (ZK18) by Upton Tea Imports

985 tasting notes

Third tea of the morning……

Yes, another value priced Keemun. This one is a little more complex than the English Breakfast from Harney. Very slight smoke, more toasty actually, stronger cocoa note than Harney. No astringency. This one seems to be where I am leaning, but all of the complexity of this one is in the front notes of the taste. The end notes are rather smooth and kind of simple. I am not looking for a huge kick at the end, but a little nudge would be nice!

I am beginning to wonder the differences in the tea based upon the year and the weather experienced during that growing season. I really only have harvest information on one company’s tea…… The leaves look very similar in shape and the amount of tips in the last few tasted today, except for the Heng Ru which has slightly finer leaves.

Usual mug method.

Preparation

Boiling 4 min, 0 sec

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LadyLondonderry
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I’ve been drinking this one just about every morning and loving it. I guess it has about as much complexity as I can handle while I’m still half asleep.:)

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LadyLondonderry
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I’ve been drinking this one just about every morning and loving it. I guess it has about as much complexity as I can handle while I’m still half asleep.:)

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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.)