48 Tasting Notes
This tea is a mystery to me. I don’t know where it was grown or what subtype it is. I know it’s imported from India, and I know it’s an unflavored black tea. I also know it’s pretty good. It’s very straightforward. It has a robust flavor without as much bitterness as most similarly strong black teas.
A steaming hot mug of bitter water. There was strawberry in there? I sure couldn’t tell. There is also a very astringent mouthfeel. I never give up on a tea before I finish the first cup, or so I thought. I’ve been sitting here trying really hard to come up with any redeeming qualities, and I think I’ve found it: this tea is not poison.
This is a really nice light and sweet floral oolong. The flavors all come through and balance nicely. The fragrance is light and pleasant.
Preparation
I’m glad I liked it too. I didn’t expect to. I went in with a negative attitude because I get annoyed when anyone tries to paint teas as some sort of nebulous health amplifier/detoxifier/nonsense buzzword of the day (just the handwavy pseudoscience stuff mind you, I’m happy enough with the actual polyphenols and other genuinely proven benefits), and Sr. Stuart’s gave off that kind of vibe. But tasty tea is tasty tea however you dress it up.