3575 Tasting Notes
Wanted an unflavored decaf for evenings. Tried Decaf Assam by Harney and Sons, but it was weak and watery. Alas! This one is just as weak and watery. I had heard that decaf Ceylon orange pekoes were the only unflavored decafs that tasted like real tea, and now I must agree. Both Harney and Sons Decaffeinated and Southern Season Decaf Orange Pekoe are great teas, so I guess Ceylons just hold up better to the process. Not buying this one again.
Preparation
When you want a Pepsi, you get a Pepsi. There is no difference between one bottle and the next, no nuance between bottlers and distributors. A Pepsi ISN’T a fine champagne. But sometimes you want a Pepsi.
That’s how I feel about this tea. It isn’t bitter, it isn’t too strong, it isn’t expensive. It is a decent cup of tea when you want some tea and every batch will be the same. Don’t steep it too long! These sachets are sized for a 6 to 8 oz cuppa, not for 12 oz like Harney sachets.
Preparation
I must be growing up! When I first started drinking tea I didn’t know the difference between astringency, bitterness, and smokiness. I loved smooth Ceylons and other teas that had very low astringency best. I thought I didn’t like most breakfast teas, but now I am beginning to like a little smokiness in the mornings to buck me up for my day. This one has that touch of smoky flavor, but is still smooth and satisfying. May have to get a refill for this tin after all…..
I wonder why I don’t drink this one more often? This is truly delightful – delicate, complex, smoother than smooth. There is absolutely NO astringency, a light vegetal aroma but not much vegetal flavor, and sweet light raisin notes. I served it to a friend who is new to teas and doesn’t like greens, and she loved this one even though it is very similar to an oolong in many ways. Even the second steeping was applauded, making this tea an even better bargain. Some people say they re-infuse up to five times, but I find three is my limit.
Preparation
Good stuff! Drank this right on the heels of a pot of Irish breakfast from the same source. This was a little stronger, somewhere between an Irish and English Breakfast in taste and temperament. I think I will be keeping this around.
Preparation
Tried this one iced yesterday because it was so everloving hot here! Served it with a plain but very creamy homemade cheesecake. I thought it made a lovely iced tea. Gentle flavor, not so sweet that it becomes difficult to pair with foods.
Preparation
Definite improvement now that I have weighed the leaves. It takes about 4 1/2 teaspoons to make the appropriate weight for my 22 oz. pot. I steeped it for the full five minutes this time, added milk and sugar, and all three who shared it said they liked it. It is a good evening tea for when I am not wanting the sweetness of Vanilla Comoro. (Has that happened yet, though?) This one was really a gift for my youngest daughter since she loves Irish breakfast but I don’t like giving it to her in the evening.
