570 Tasting Notes
After my very dark Monk’s Blend, I decided to try a much shorter steep for this one. I think I would go even shorter. This is a good cup of Earl, but I let it sit too long and it lost some of the bergamot taste as it cooled. When it was hot, it was amazing. My wife aisling of tea suggested I line up all my various Earls and taste test to find the Ultimate Earl. I think I do not have that kind of time, but it is a tasty idea.
Preparation
I know why this is one of their most expensive teas. Of all the straight oolongs I’ve ever had, this is a solid second place, and definitely worth the money – I’m just too cheap to buy it except by the cup. I made a few cups of this tonight, and I love how the character of the tea changes with every steep. A nice light, smooth oolong, buttery on the tongue with a faint floral note that doesn’t get stronger or overwhelming with more steeps.
Started at three minutes, then thirty seconds longer for each steep, and tried to get the water around 90C, which is a little cooler than usual for oolongs but I know I can’t stand mine scorched.
Preparation
Why? Why does this one have to be discontinued? It is the perfect tea! And I’m down to about 30g! I think I might cry. Had an almost four-hour write-in today on the subway, so made a huge Thermos of it to take. It was blissful. Blissfully, wonderfully, amazing perfect. I will never get tired of this combination of flavours. And a Moroccan Mint just won’t do it – I need that earthy touch of pu’erh in there. Guh. I love it.
Preparation
Actually drank this a couple nights ago. The Monk’s Blend was delicious and flavourful, but I oversteeped it and it got bitter quick. This tea turned almost black in like thirty seconds, it was bizarre and kind of awesome. I would recommend less than two minutes for a steep, maybe even a minute.
Preparation
Hmmm. I’ve had jasmine greens before and enjoyed them, but the floral taste is overwhelmingly clashy in this tea. Makes me look forward to trying the rest of the Earls from Say Tea, but I don’t think I’ll be making this one again.
Preparation
Took my life into my hands and snuck some of this from my wife’s stash for my morning cuppa. Was amazing all the way to work and carried me right up to my first break. Think I understeeped it a little, but not by much.
Preparation
Am not having a good oolong day today. Wasn’t sure about this tea, because my experiences with Tealish have been hit or miss. Miss. Definitely miss. No matter how you prepare it, the caramel tastes burnt and the oolong is nearly invisible. Tried a couple different steeps to see if I could take away the burnt taste and no joy. Sad.
I’m working on a similar feature for my blog – especially since I’m not normally a fan of Earl Grey. Maybe you could contribute some of your thoughts? PM me if interested! :)
I recently did that with my Earls! It was a bit overwhelming, and it just made me realize how different they all were and how hard it was for me to pick out one as the ultimate.
Uh-oh. Methinks the task could be too great – especially for a non-Earl fan such as myself!
On the other hand, not being a fan could probably help you identify the one you really like (if there is one) easier because you’d be so much pickier. My problem is that I like so many of them!
That’s true. I’ll continue the quest, but it’s taking a bit…since I really don’t reach for an Earl Grey when I’m making a cuppa. :)
I intend to scientifically annotate the heck out of the experience, which is why I think I’ll save it for a day when I have absolutely nothing else going on.