59 Tasting Notes
I wish there we could include emoticons with the ratings. This tea is beautiful!
I’m noticing that Lupicia’s fruity teas have a strong fruit flavor in the bag but are generally very light (and natural) in flavor. The flavor in this is definitely white peach with a solid oolong base. It’s slightly sweet with no astringency.
Preparation
Let me start by saying, I haven’t met a green tea I didn’t like.
I’ve been sticking with the black teas from my Lupicia Book of Teas, but I needed a break. The green tea I tried today is the Sencha “Tanegashima.”
My palate for tea isn’t strong (many of them taste the same to me) but I immediately noticed that the tea smelled milky (Lupicia notes that there is a sweet vanilla-like aroma) that transferred over mildly in texture. I can’t quite articulate the subtleties of this tea, but it left an impression.
I enjoyed this tea, and would consider buying after I go through all of my samples
Preparation
I’ve been wanting to try Lupicia’s Yume tea for quite some time. I was not disappointed!
For a black tea base was toned down with the strawberry and vanilla notes. The notes were stronger scent wise than taste. For me the rose was barely there, but I am used to strong rose flavors in the teas that I usually drink. I am admittedly a big rose fan. This tea is ideal for spring. I would definitely consider buying this.
I did try this tea hot and cold. Cold brewing did nothing for it.
Preparation
Lupicia’s description of La Belle Epoque: " A unique blend of Darjeeling and full-bodied black tea. It has a trace of nostalgic aroma."
Not quite sure what “nostalgic aroma” is supposed to mean, but I’ll take it. I wasn’t horribly into the First Flush and Second Flush Darjeeling samples I tried, but I really like La Belle Epoque. I steeped for the max recommendation of 3 minutes. It’s definitely full-bodied but it also has a nice crisp taste. Upon the first whiff, I didn’t have high hopes (I thought it smelled kind of like Tetley’s) and was expecting a bold, heavy and highly astringent tea, but was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t leave me my mouth feeling dry.
Preparation
I enjoyed this tea! The scent of apple is very strong when dry, but the flavor is very light and doesn’t overpower the black tea base. The general feel is a crisp, fresh black tea with just a hint of natural sweetness. Astringency is light, but I think I over-steeped.
This tea just makes me want to curl up with a good book and enjoy. Not something I’d mechanically drink whilst number crunching at the office.
Preparation
I decided to try the Darjeeling The Second Flush back to back with the Darjeeling First Flush. Taste wise The Second Flush is a heavier (but still light) than the First Flush, and has a mild roasted flavor. However, it’s also more astringent, which isn’t to my liking.
Preparation
Acquired Darjeeling The First Flush as part of Lupicia’s 2015 Book of Tea.
Lupicia suggests steeping the tea for 2 to 2.5 minutes. Because I enjoy a stronger flavor, I did a full 2.5 minutes.
To me the tea was the epitome of “aiight.” Not great but not bad, and certainly not memorable. It was on the lighter side for a darjeeling, slightly fruity, and ever-so-slightly astringent.