80
drank Laoshan Black by Verdant Tea
42 tasting notes

It’s teas like this that make me want to do YouTube reviews. When I opened the sample pack, I was standing alone in my kitchen and I said aloud, “Oh yeahhhh! This could be it.” I’m always looking for my favorite “plain” black tea. Upon smelling the dry leaves, the first thing I noticed was chocolate. It also had a lovely soft, creamy smell. I stood in my kitchen just making sounds of satisfaction. Very YouTube worthy. During the first steep, it smells the same in the pot. When I poured it into my cup, the smell was a lot more toasty. The chocolate and creaminess went away. This is weird, but it reminds me of Cheez-Its, or like, a burnt cheese cracker. It’s smooth, and there is no bitterness. The aftertaste is reminiscent of cacao. It’s interesting, but not my favorite. I like the complexity and strangeness of this tea better than I liked Teavana’s English Breakfast (my only other experience with “plain” black tea.) I’ll update with further steepings… :)

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 3 min, 0 sec
Bonnie

How did you brew this?

sweeTEApie

Western method, 205*F for 3 minutes…

Bonnie

Good, Western is best and never under leaf or it’s not tasty. I prefer mine with cream and sweetened to bring out that cocoa more, but that’s me. I always start plain..then sweeten then add milk with a new tea just to see how the flavor changes. I’m curious.

Bonnie

Oh BTW I used to enter pie contests (won in every contest I entered…dumb luck) and my daughter is a bread baker at the local Summer and Winter Market’s.

sweeTEApie

I just saw these comments! Oooh, always a thrill to meet a fellow pie baker! Congrats on all the wins… I’m sure it wasn’t just luck! It’s not easy making a blue ribbon-worthy pie. :D

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Comments

Bonnie

How did you brew this?

sweeTEApie

Western method, 205*F for 3 minutes…

Bonnie

Good, Western is best and never under leaf or it’s not tasty. I prefer mine with cream and sweetened to bring out that cocoa more, but that’s me. I always start plain..then sweeten then add milk with a new tea just to see how the flavor changes. I’m curious.

Bonnie

Oh BTW I used to enter pie contests (won in every contest I entered…dumb luck) and my daughter is a bread baker at the local Summer and Winter Market’s.

sweeTEApie

I just saw these comments! Oooh, always a thrill to meet a fellow pie baker! Congrats on all the wins… I’m sure it wasn’t just luck! It’s not easy making a blue ribbon-worthy pie. :D

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

Profile

Bio

My name is Cassie. I’m 27 years old, married to my best friend, and we have 2 cats! I am a professional baker, and I own a bakery with my mom.

I sipped my first cup of “real” loose leaf tea on October 5th, 2013, and I’ve been hooked on it ever since. I love trying new flavors, anything and everything to find out what I like. I’m always looking for suggestions… Where to buy, which to try, steeping methods, tea accessories and gadgets, etc. :)

MY TASTE
*I grew up drinking iced tea in the South, so black tea will always have a place in my cupboard.
*I am obsessed with cinnamon! Anything loaded with cinnamon will become a favorite of mine.
*I like fruity teas, especially if they are tart. I love hibiscus and rose hips.
*I also like dark, strong, toasty teas, but preferably nothing smokey.
*I don’t do chamomile. Never. Ever. EW.

I’m open to try anything. Suggestions are welcome. :)

MY RATINGS
[#’s are solely based on personal preference.]
Less than 50 : Pour it down the drain
50-64 : Finish the cup // Never drink it again
65-74 : Not a bad cup // Would not repurchase
75-94 : Quite tasty // Would consider repurchasing
95+ : Delicious // Will never run out <3

Location

Virginia, U.S.

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