80
drank Criss Cross Berry by RiverTea
2238 tasting notes

Today’s work cold brew. This one had been in my desk drawer for a while, and while I’ve enjoyed drinking it hot this past winter, I feel like I’m done with that method of preparation now. My last cup was a little underwhelming, with less of the cranberry I’ve come to expect. Probably it’s getting a little old.

Anyway, cold brewing gave it a new lease of life, and also used up the last of the leaf, so a win either way. I used 2 tbsp of leaf in 2 litres of cold water, and it overnighted in the fridge for around 10 hours. This morning’s result is a pale-ish straw colour, which completely belies the fact that it has tons of flavour. I’m getting lots of cranberry again, and there’s an underlying juicy sweetness that reminds me a lot of pineapple (which I’m sure I’ve never tasted much in this blend before). It helps to cut some of the tartness/sourness from the cranberry, anyway. The green tea base is very subtle and smooth, with no bitterness or astringency (which is always my biggest worry when I cold brew green tea overnight).

I’m really pleased with how this one worked out, and it seems like a fitting way to say goodbye to a thoroughly lovely blend.

Preparation
Iced 8 min or more

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

People who liked this

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

Profile

Bio

Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.

Location

Norfolk, UK

Following These People

Moderator Tools

Mark as Spammer