Steepster Select #003 Discussion (SPOILERS)

I received my package yesterday. So far, I have tried the Pu-erh, and it is really incredible. This was a very creative package – I love the theme of migration.

I too started with the Pu-erh. For my first steeping I just unwrapped it and put the nest in a tea strainer as I would with loose-leaf. Pouring the hot water in created a lot of fine debris that fell through the mesh. This is just an aesthetic concern, I suppose, and the tea was especially earthy.

For my second round, I took some advice I saw on the forums to run the nest (inside a tea strainer) under cold water for 30 seconds before steeping. This removes a bit of the fine dust that gets through the strainer, and also leads to a smoother, less pungent brew. Not necessarily better, just different.

I haven’t gotten to the others, but great choice on the diyi cornfields! The smokiness and subtle corn flavor (and strong aroma) really get me in the mood for fall.

The Roasted Kukicha is very creamy and nice. I couldn’t get much flavor out of the second steep, but the first was very yummy -enough that I might buy it for that one cup alone each time.

Cant wait to try the teas. I want to try out the pu-erh then to the green. I love the theme. I must say I was a little surprised and apprehensive about the pu-erh. The ones I have tried I have not liked…but I’m looking forward to this.

I tried the Bai Mu Dan last night. I’m a big black tea drinker and I don’t have much experience drinking whites. I was immediately in love with the creamy aroma before brewing and it did not let me down once I tasted it. I just tried to savor another cup while I wrote this but I ended up gulping it down.

I can’t wait to try the Kukicha later today. I love roasted, smoky flavors. I tried the pu-erh first but I did not care for it. I used to enjoy pu-erhs but I think my palate has changed a bit over the last year. I’ll still give it a few more tries.

And I’d just like to say that I love the Steepster Select program! I started a little postcard album for the tasting notes. For these two months I’ve participated, I’ve spent the whole day giddy with excitement about the package waiting for me at home. I love the themes, the surprise, and the chance to expand my tea world. I was in a tea rut before I signed up.

Am I suppose to unwrap to pu-erh?

My mother took pity on me and sent the teas to school. The Kukicha was much creamier than I expected and fit the weather on campus quite well. Can’t wait to try the puerh but it has to wait when I actually have the time to enjoy it and not be sidetracked by midterm stuff. I loved the theme on this one and the teas fit it perfectly.