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SimplyJenW drank China Rose Petal by The Tea Table

985 tasting notes

This will likely be my last tasting note on this one, even though I have several ounces left in my stash. It is one of my absolute favorites, but I have found a replacement that is just as good for much less. I did lower the ratings because overall, it is hard for me to justify recommending this tea to others when there is an alternative out there at a considerable savings. If I could find a redeeming quality about the company’s tiered shipping practices (shipping goes up as you purchase more tea by dollar amount not by ounce weight…this sucks for purchasing more expensive teas) with no set point for free shipping to help offset the cost a little, I would recommend this one, too. Ah, I did think of one perk…they do offer three free samples per order, but once you have sampled all that you are interested in trying, the shipping becomes annoying. The company offers great service, but so do other vendors. I would rather spend my money on more tea than excessive shipping. Practices like theirs just make me look for ways to buy elsewhere.

Onto the tea…good and reliable as always, even on a resteep. The rose is in perfect balance with the black china tea base. Second steep at 5 minutes.

Preparation

Boiling 3 min, 0 sec

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My motto: Drink the good tea!

Tea enthusiast, trying to keep up my cardio for the zombie apocalypse. I have come to accept that I am a western brewing black tea drinker as that is where my ‘tea heart’ lies. I started on loose leaf as a way to have my dessert and not suffer the caloric issues. Once I tried it, I was hooked.

I drink what I like, which is mostly China blacks, a few traditionally scented blacks and Earl Greys, plus a flavored tea here and there. I don’t mind spending a bit on premium varieties on occasion, but an expensive tea has to deliver. My favorite places to order are Harney & Sons and Upton Tea Imports. TeaVivre is great for Chinese tea.

My ratings are pretty subjective. If it falls under 70, I may not take the time to post about it unless I had something specific to say. If it is 70-80 I like it, but I will probably not rebuy. Favorites are over 80 and up, but sometimes the less expensive or more easily obtainable version of a similar taste will win out for my cupboard space.

Usual teapot steeping method: 24 oz teapot, 3 perfect scoops of tea (4 1/2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual mug steeping method: 15 oz mug, 1.5 perfect scoops of tea (just over 2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual pan method: 1 1/2 cups water, 2 perfect tsp chai (3 actual tsp). Simmer for 3 minutes. Add 2/3 cup skim milk. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Strain and sweeten.

Usual pitcher method:
5 or 6 Perfect Spoons of tea (this means about 7-9 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, brewed essentially double-strong in my 24 oz teapot for 4 minutes. Fill my Fiestaware Disc pitcher (about 60 oz.) halfway with ice. Add brewed double-strong tea to the pitcher. Stir it a little and enjoy. No additions.

(*SRP is my Sample/Stash Reduction Plan starting on April 12, 2012. I got so far, but just decided it was too fussy to keep track.)