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SimplyJenW drank Berry Blues in White by Custom

985 tasting notes

I completely forgot to drink my coffee this morning. I was trying a sample I received in a swap early this morning and completely forgot my coffee. My single, lonely, necessary cup of coffee. Needless to say, I have had a caffeine headache all day, and it finally dawned on me where that headache came from…at 8:30 pm at night. Yes, life is getting a little too hectic. Time to slow down and ‘smell the roses’.

Anyway, since it is now around 9pm at night, and a light amount of caffeine will likely help, I settled on this choice as it has a white tea base. This one is pretty amped up as far as the blueberry notes, and the hibiscus from the Berry Blues is strong enough to taste and see, and definitely strong enough to add a little bit of sour with the sweetness of the blueberries. When the tea is prepared hot, the white tea base really does not come into play much, as I think the hibiscus might be just a little too intense. I may change the ratio slightly next time, but it really is quite refreshing iced just the way it is.

4 tsp in my jumbo mug with 16 oz water.

Preparation

185 °F / 85 °C 4 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.)