10 Tasting Notes
And then there was Grand Keemun. Delicious Chinese black that falls short only to the legendary Royal Yunnan. this one is a little lighter, but if you fell in love with the R.Y. , you will find an affair with the Keemun to be a guilty pleasure! ;)
Preparation
VERY aromatic! The tea that keeps on going and going and going! I get about three to four steepings on average from this otherworldly ambrosia of rose and lemongrass without sacrificing flavor, each pot just as good as the last. The delicate oolong is just the icing on the cake. Highly recommended for oolong fans.
Preparation
Now here is something special, another of my favs. Here we have a traditional Chinese green. Earthy and slightly bitter, however takes on a smokey essence and serves to be a great green tea base if you are planning on doing some of your own blending. I am particularly fond of the gunpowder with peppermint and spearmint. Take this blend and steep for 3-4 minutes and enjoy with an Irish cream coffee creamer for a delicious shamrock latte. If you want to make it REALLY Irish, use instead Bailey’s Irish Cream and let the good times roll.
Preparation
I am a simple guy with simple tastes. I prefer the teas unadorned with fruits, fluff, and extras. This is not to say I can’t treat myself to a flavored tea once in a while! However, if you are going to have a tea, have a TEA! In its truest of forms, Camilia sinensis itself. The Royal Yunnan is bar none the greatest of the pure Chinese blacks. Full, malty, and sweet. Goes great with meals and salty dishes, or if you just need an afternoon “pick-me-up” look no further. Easy to brew and lacks the bitterness found in many of the Indian blends. Simply put, if you are looking for an all-around, anytime black, your journey is over. Fill your holy grail with the noblest of black tea elixirs!
Preparation
This is hands down my FAVORITE of all the green teas, flavored or otherwise. I order mine by the pound from Tea Licious every couple of months or so. It is a lovely Japan green with a full buttery flavor with a sweet, delicately vegetative aftertaste. Goes down smooth and always a pleasure, it really lives up to it status as the “precious dew”. highly recommended!
This post made me smile. :D