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.

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.