This is a tasty and competent black tea. I’ve enjoyed other Christmas teas more and the fact is that my personal tea aesthetic wants to be overwhelmed by the spices of Christmas. Instead of just an overtone or two and a slight note, I want to have my socks knocked off by the holiday effect.
But for many drinkers, less is more and you will like this a lot. Just because I don’t do subtle does not mean this tea will not be wonderful for you.
I really love big, bold, brash teas. Smokiness enthralls me. I don’t seem to do subtle.
I don’t do rooibos.
My rating system:
0-30:
Never again in a hundred million years
31-55: This tea probably has some redeeming qualities but I won’t would not seek it out again.
56-70:
Shows some promise but also has a fundamental flaw. I probably owe these a second taste but am unmotivated.
71-80:
Good with at least one strong quality; I probably would not buy it but would drink it cheerfully.
81-90: Worthy contenders; they might be ranked 100 on somebody’s else’s scale. I like them a lot but have not fallen in love. Will probably buy and use.
91-95: These are the true loves, the chosen ones, the ones I dream about and crave. Unless they are in a limited edition—la! how you tease me!—I will always keep in my cupboard.
96-100: I cannot be separated from these teas and would develop a panic attack if I were to run out.
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“She is too fond of books and it has turned her brain.”
Elderly dowager. Quintessential cat lady.
Tea which must be in stock always:
Black Dragon LS by Upton Teas: My choice every morning.
Florence & Lapsang Souchong by Harney & Sons
a good Gen Maicha
Samovar: Russian Blend, Maiden’s Ecstasy, Ryokucha
Mariage Frères: Confucious, Vivaldi, Eros, Aida, Marco Polo
American Tea Room: Brioche
Leland Teas: Bogart
Life in Teacup:
An Xi Tie Guan Yin Grade II modern green style & also Charcoal Style
In the midst of the middle of the heart of nowhere in particular.
