What a rush! wow!
I was in a hurry, unsure of what to order, and hadn’t even tried my customary test sip to see if it needed sugar/milk, which I decided to go with just in case… they make the tea scalding hot, no way was I doing that! So when I got into the office and sat down to enjoy my cuppa, I really had no idea what might be assailing my tongue.
My first sip, I thought: eeeeps! I oversteeped. That’s what I get for morning chitchat.
Second sip: It’s not bad, despite the oversteeping!!
Third sip: I added sugar, but it tastes like there’s none at all. Still, I like it this way!
Fourth sip: ohhh, I really like it this way. I think I’m in love!!
Yes, I did it!!! I found a black tea that I LOVE! well, a plain black, “unflavoured” version anyhow. Extra points for being the first (not counting Marco Polo, but then that one was chosen for me, not that I am begrudging it at all, I’m just taking extra pride in finding this one myself!)
The company website has no description so I don’t really know what’s in it. I think Ceylon?
Anyhow, I can’t remember much in terms of specifics from this morning, but it was malty, and super bold with very little astringency. I could swear there was just a hint of roasted-ness but that was probably the oversteeping. Oh, and my favourite part, the complete novelty part, is the raisin finish!! I’ve noticed raisin notes before, but never this strong, and usually not with milk in them, or as a finish. Yum!
They have another tea that I tried ages ago, which was also amazing. That’s two for two! I wish they had more variety, this is the closest looseleaf shop to my work, and so much better than Teaopia! alas, I will have to settle for their mere ten teas.
This is You :-D
Profile
Bio
Let’s see… I’m a tea and workout fanatic, I work in HR, and most of my friends consider me to be an egg. White on the outside, Asian on the inside :)
-from philosophy to food, I love it all
Otherwise, what you see is what you get! I can be very straightforward and yet shy.
Also, I’ve started taking tea sommelier classes and it is an absolute blast! Well, so far I’ve only finished the first out of eight courses, but I am really looking forward to the next one.
Anyhow, if your curious as to how I rate things, this is how I work…
0-25
Like eating dirt, or some other unsanitary indelicacy that mentioning in my profile here would likely get me banned.
I don’t think I’ve found cause to banish a tea to the wasteland yet though so who knows what it’d inspire ;P
25-50
You know that expression “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater”? I imagine drinking that water would be terrible enough to warrant this rating!
I’d never make my enemy drink this, but perhaps I’d throw it at them. Good thing I don’t have any enemies!
50-70
This is “tea”?? I tried finishing the cup… but my body rejected it. There may be others who enjoy this tea, but it’s beyond me!
70-80
I tried liking it, and I can almost get there! I certainly don’t hate it, but something is holding me back. Allergies? Men in white suits? who knows… certainly not me!
80-90
Lovely tea! Not my all time fave but close. I likely wouldn’t repurchase, but may decide to based on many factors: price, accessibility, whether it fills a “tea gap”, medicinal applications, and how often I crave it.
Every once in awhile I find the sweet spot that bumps these up to 90+. Those are the days I need to buy a lotto ticket!
90-95
Sweet Camellia! this is realllly good tea! Don’t talk to me until I’ve finished my cup…
95-100
Tea of the gods. I would do anything to get my hands on more of this liquid gold!
Location
Toronto (Mississauga, but I work in TO)
