tea (n.) \ˈtē\ 1. shrub (Camellia sinensis of the family Theaceae, the tea family) cultivated especially in China, Japan, and the East Indies 2. an aromatic beverage prepared from tea leaves by infusion with boiling water.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Scottish Breakfast Blend

I woke up this morning feeling quite groggy, and working the morning shift at the hospital leaves no room for dragging feet.  The Scots did it right with this blend, seamlessly blending a malty Assam, a crisp Ceylon, and a spicy Keemun.  I really enjoyed this brew with a spot of milk and some sugar.  The Keemun really adds a peppery zing to the morning blend.  Highly recommended.  Upton claims this tea is, "Blended to appeal to those who favor an eye-opening experience in the morning, this tea yields a cup with a round, full flavor, malty notes, and brisk character. A perfect choice to start the day."

TB14: Scottish Breakfast Blend
Origin: USA 
Steeping Suggestions:
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 212° (boiling)
Steep Time: 3 min.


Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Chun Mee (Moon Palace)

I was hoping to replace my old Chun Mee variety from the late SpecialTeas website, but alas this one does not quite resemble the sweet plum-like flavor of my favorite organic Chun Mee.  Upton informs us that, "Literally translated, Chun Mee means 'precious eyebrows'. [This is]One of our most popular China green teas. Steep about 2 minutes."  To me it seems slightly dusty and smoky, more reminiscent of a gunpowder green than a delicate and sweet Chun Mee.  I feel badly giving this such a poor review since it is a company bestseller, but it is not the flavor I was searching for.  Now that I have a 125 gram tin of it, I'm not sure what to do.  Maybe a teatime bath is in order...
ZG18: Chun Mee (Moon Palace)
Steeping Suggestions:
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 180º
Steep Time: 2-2¼ min

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Gu Zhang Mao Jian

Time to review a new green tea for the summer season.  When the heat wave hits, I tend to shy away from heavier black teas and gravitate towards light greens, oolongs, and whites.  This standard green tea was one of the top sellers on the Upton Teas website, boasting of its clean, simple, and sweet liquor.  Upton describes the blend as, "A green tea with deep flavor notes and good body, priced for everyday consumption. Rarely do we find a tea with this quality and flavor at this price level."  The leaves take on a vaired and wiry appearance, giving off a vegetal, sweet smell.  The brew itself is a clean, simple green.  Although not as pungently sweet as a Chun Mee green tea, it is a gentler alternative.  I recommend drinking this brew without sugar to enjoy its simplicity.
ZG54: Gu Zhang Mao Jian
Origin: China
Brewing Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 180°
Steep Time: 3 min.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Pi Lo Chun (Green Snail Spring)

I will be honest, I expected more from this tea.  Although the process of creating this tea is ages old- involving the careful, hand-rolling of each leaf set, I was not enamored with the flavor.  It was rather earthy and smoky for a green tea- lacking the bright, spring-like qualities I enjoy in other brews.  Upton claims, "The most tender buds are picked under carefully controlled conditions in the spring. One of the most prized of China green teas, only a limited amount of this special grade tea is available."  Not my cup of tea.
ZG92: Pi Lo Chun (Green Snail Spring)
Origin: China
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 180º
Steep Time: 3-3½ min.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Pomegranate Oolong

Made by Harney and Sons Master Tea Blenders, this silk pyramid pouch contains rolled leaves in the traditional ti-guan-yin style infused with pomegranate.  The dry leaves offer the powerful scent of tart pomegranate fruit mixed with a jade oolong vegetal base.

According to the merchant's description, "The full leaves of premium Ti Quan Yin oolong are deliciously infused with tangy pomegranate to create this inspiring yet complex full-bodied blend that brews into a sweetly fragrant, silky textured cup of tea.  The Ti Quan Yin oolong used is named after the Chinese 'Goddess of Mercy.' Legend tells of the goddess leading a devout farmer to a tiny, yet intriguingly aromatic tea plant that he nurtured and shared among neighbors with prosperity soon following."

Whether or not the legend is true, this tea came across as very plain to me.  It lacked the depth I typically enjoy in my oolong and presented a strange tangy aftertaste from the pomegranate fruit.  Not what I expected from Harney and Sons, who I might add blend a wonderful selection of black teas.

Pomegranate Oolong by Harney and Sons
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 1 pyramid pouch/8 oz cup
Water Temp: 190°
Steep Time: 3 min.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Floral Tie-Guan-Yin Superior

When I first opened this sample bag, I couldn't resist the intoxicating flowery aroma and became anxious for the water to reach temperature.  This brew was surprisingly light and delicate, and went well with a pinch of sugar. According to Upton Tea Imports, "This superior Tie Guan Yin selection has an appealing floral intensity with orchid-like notes in the aroma and finish. With leaves ranging from light green to dark olive and a light-ecru colored cup, this is an attractive and delightful treat."  I heartily recommend this Oolong for someone desiring a more orchid-flavored tea rather than the traditional grassy taste that accompanies lesser Tie-Guan-Yins.

ZO83: Floral Tie-Guan-Yin Superior
Origin: China
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 190°
Steep Time: 3 min.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Extra Bergamot English Earl Grey

Holy Bergamot!  Drink this treasure iced with sugar to keep the mosquitoes away during the summer months.  Add a bit of lemon to the iced mixture to really bring out the citrus-like nature of the bergamot oils.  Much more powerful than traditional Earl Grey teas sold at your typical supermarket.  Upton claims the tea is, “Specially blended for those who prefer a richly scented Earl Grey.  Our most popular Earl Grey. Rated ‘best overall’ by the Wall Street Journal's Catalog Critic.”

 TE11: Extra Bergamot English Earl Grey
Origin: Germany
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 212º (boiling)
Steep Time: 4 min.

Tippy Orthodox GFOP Assam

An excellent Assam. Just add milk and sugar and it is good at any temperature- hot, warm, cool, or iced.  I would describe this as a classic Assam tea with a malty flavor profile and honey-like notes.  I've introduced this tea to several of my family members and friends, and it has become a solid 'tea-time' favorite.  Even my boyfriend, new to loose leaf tea, enjoys this blend.  I always keep a tin of this on hand.  Upton describes the blend as, "A whole-leaf Assam with golden tips (young leaf buds). Characteristic maltiness and complex flavor. This is our most popular Assam."

 TA40: Tippy Orthodox GFOP Assam
Origin: India
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 212º (boiling)
Steep Time: 5 min.

Copper Knot Hongcha Black Tea

A complicated brew indeed.  Although a member of the Teavana lineup, I was impressed by its muscatel-like nuances and spicy aftertaste.  A little on the expensive side, but enjoyable nonetheless.  Tastes great iced or hot with a little bit of rock sugar or honey.  Teavana describes the tea as, “Hand-curled in an artful, spiraling knot, this golden and black tippy tea brews to a rich coppery-colored cup. Grown in the famed Yunnan Province of China at a 2,000 foot elevation, this exquisite tea is comprised of delicate pairings of single buds and leaf pairs. The taste is complex and full; this is a tea not to miss. Excellent as a morning or afternoon tea, it contains 20% of the caffeine in a cup of coffee. Good for multiple infusions.”  This infusion has many flavor similarities to Congou teas I've tried in the past- especially considering the muscatel and spicy notes.  I wish Teavana gave a little bit more background on the origin and style of preparation.  Unfortunately I think they focus purely on marketing strategies. 

Copper Knot Hongcha Black Tea
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 1 tsp/8 oz cup
Water Temp: 195º
Steep Time: 2-3 min.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Black Currant

Upon opening this tea tin of pyramid pouches, I found the seductive and powerful scent of sweet rose petals and fruit drifting in the air.  I was shocked by the 'flower bouquet' scent the currant berry offers.  This black currant tea finds a way to naturally blend the line between floral/rose oil black tea and tastes great with a bit of milk and nothing more.  Sold by Harney and Sons Fine Tea.  "John's first flavored tea. It has 'big' fruity, berry flavor. This full-bodied tea has become a traditional favorite in fine restaurants all over America."  This tea is a personal favorite for the sleep-deprived college student with 8am classes.

Black Currant by Harney and Sons
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 1 teabag/ 8 oz cup
Water Temp: 212º (boiling)
Steep Time: 5 min.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Darjeeling FTGFOP Special Blend

As a newcomer to loose leaf Darjeeling , I was very impressed.  This turned out to be a very flowery and complicated cup indeed!  I definitely noticed the classic muscatel flavors and flowery aroma that are usually associated with a good Darjeeling tea.  This served as a good introduction to the ‘champagne of teas’.  Upton describes this blend as, “A blend of select lots of Darjeeling teas produced without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The golden liquor has a delicate floral aroma and a mildly fruity flavor. The cup is smooth, and the finish is pleasingly pungent.”

TDB5: Darjeeling FTGFOP Special Blend
Origin: India
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 212° (boiling)
Steep Time: 3 min.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Snowy Peak Downy Tips

Alas another discontinued brew from Teavana, but what else is new?  If only they kept a more extensive catalog like other tea vendors.  This white tea is surprisingly dark, with orchid notes reminiscent of a more expensive oolong, but without the grassy aftertaste that often accompanies it.  It is much darker than any other white tea I have tried, so I'm not sure how to classify it. Teavana recommends a hot 195 degree brewing temperature, so I am beginning to suspect it has more in common with a fine black tea.  I will continue searching for an alternative from other companies, since I found its orchid and honey notes irresistible.


Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 1 tsp/8 oz. cup
Water Temp: 195º
Steep Time: 3 min.


Monday, April 11, 2011

Formosa Amber Oolong

A nutty, toasty oolong that eliminates the grassy aftertaste I often find in other jade tie-guan-yins.  This is my personal favorite of Upton’s basic oolong collection, and trust me I've run through the oolong gauntlet.  “With an oxidation level of approximately 40%, Amber Oolong (Wu-Long) teas produce a liquor that is darker than the Jade Oolongs, listed below. The flavor is slightly more earthy and robust.”

TT55: Formosa Amber Oolong
Origin: Taiwan
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 190º
Steep Time: 3-5 min.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Tippy Orthodox FBOP Assam

This brew appears to be a lighter version of the full leaf sister by Upton, Tippy Orthodox GFOP Assam.  It reminds me of the sweet black tea used for bubble tea.  It  brings back memories of lunch breaks in Harvard Square.  It is described as, “A uniform, broken-leaf tea with bold character and strong, malty flavor. Floral hints in the aftertaste make this tea a great choice for breakfast and throughout the day.”  I have to agree with this one.  A solid, basic breakfast tea.

A20: Tippy Orthodox FBOP Assam
Origin: India
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 212° (boiling)
Steep Time: 4 min.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Finum Medium Infuser

I've had this for almost 2 months and it works great.  I find it much easier to clean than my old 16 oz. Teavana Perfect Tea Maker.  Plus the leaves can drip dry in a second cup for multiple infusions.  Soggy leaves no more!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Jianxgi Golden Tips

A light floral taste on the pallet. Smooth. Add a pinch of sugar to really bring out the orchid. Extremely tippy!  Upton's description follows: “This Jiangxi province Ning Hong Jing Hao has a delicate orchid aroma and a soft, sweet flavor that lingers on the palate. The complex cup has a pleasing balance of strength and flavor. Attractively priced for a select, hand-made tea.”

K92: Jianxgi Golden Tips
Origin: China
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 212° (boiling)
Steep Time: 5 min.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

White Orchard


Very aromatic upon opening the pouch with silk tea bag inside. Strong peach and melon scent. Brews rather strong for a white tea.  Hints of fruity flavoring while drinking. Use sugar to bring out flowery notes.  Hard to taste the white leaves over the fruit medley. Excellent as a cooled tea with sugar. Sold by Mighty Leaf.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Red Rooibos and Lemon Grass

I have seen similar attempts from other tea companies, but sometimes you just can't mess with the goodness of simplicity.  Lemon Grass has been a long-time favorite of mine since childhood.  Tangy, yet smooth in nature, it boosts the natural sweetness of the red bush tea.  A simple and excellent blend to try.  Add honey if desired and brew using typical herbal blend temperature.
  • 1/2 tsp Rooibos Superior Grade Organic (SpecialTeas #950)
  • 1/2 tsp Lemon Grass, Course Cut (Upton Teas #BH65)
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 1 tsp of mix/ 8 oz. cup
Water Temp: 212º (boiling)
Steep Time: 10 min.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Halmari CTC BOP

Upton describes as, “A bold CTC style tea with rich flavor. The dark liquor will readily take milk. Especially suited as a bracing morning tea.”  It must be the famous crush-tear-curl method that I don't like.  I've tried other teas like this before and I find them overly harsh.  Stick to the full leaf or broken versions. 

TA27: Halmari CTC BOP
Origin: India
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 212° (boiling)
Steep Time: 3 min.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Certified Organic Peppermint

A refreshing cup indeed!  Mix with any green tea using a 1:1 ratio for a study boost, very similar to Moroccan Mint teas.  According to Upton this herbal infusion is, "Fresh tasting, highly aromatic, with a very round peppermint flavor."


BH46: Certified Organic Peppermint
Origin: USA
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 1 g/cup
Water Temp: 212° (boiling)
Steep Time: 8 min.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Banaspaty Estate FTGFOP1 Organic

Dry leaves smell earthy. During infusion, the brew smells like freshly-roasted peanuts. The liquid tastes harsh even with milk and sugar. It's missing that flowery taste and aroma I value in an Assam.  According to Upton, “This modestly priced Assam is a great value, with uniform leaf and a moderate amount of tip. The medium-bodied cup has rich flavor, with smooth, malty nuances. This is an excellent choice for those seeking an organic Assam for any time of day.”  Ultimately my vote goes towards a more flowery, honey-like assam, so I'm afraid I have to give this one a thumbs down.

TA26: Banaspaty Estate FTGFOP1 Organic
Origin: India
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 212° (boiling)
Steep Time: 4-5 min.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Green Tea Tropical


Green tea that is not boring.  The tropical fruit notes –pineapple and guava- complement this tea, rather than overpowering.  A harmonious mix that transports you to summer days in the dead of winter.  Sold by Mighty Leaf.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Sessa 'B' Estate STGFOP1(S)

An exceptionally flowery and creamy Assam! It balances the maltiness with sweetness well. I will definitely consider buying a larger packet after trying the sample!  According to Upton, "While this whole-leaf tea displays only limited tip, the pleasant cup has a creamy-smooth character with a rich complexity that suggests a more expensive tea. This is a special Assam tea at an everyday price."

TA25: Sessa 'B' Estate STGFOP1(S)
Origin: India
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 212° (boiling)
Steep Time: 4-5 min.