75 Tasting Notes
My sister got this in a mixed set (nice find at TJ Maxx over Christmas break) and gave me this one. The flavor is much more interesting and complex than I expected. I prefer more orange and clove in my warm holiday flavors, but this has enough of similar ideas to satisfy.
Preparation
Finally digging into the samples my sister gave me for my birthday.
I steeped for about 3 minutes, after reading comments here that 4 seemed too long. I tasted the tea plain, and the maple was very subtle, but present. Otherwise, a nice black tea. Added some half&half and a dash of maple syrup from the bottle I had just purchased this morning.
I really like Teajo’s Black Manas (http://steepster.com/teas/teajo-teas/30729-black-manas), and my supply is getting very low, so I thought I’d see if my local tea shop had anything similar. I asked for a malty black, and of the three offered, this one smelled most like the Black Manas. I brewed a cup this morning, and I enjoyed it, but not as much. It will do for now, though. I mainly wanted a nice black for mornings when I don’t feel like having coffee.
Mom & Dad brought back a box of this for me when they went to Ireland last summer. I’ve been slowly sipping my way through it. This has become my morning coffee alternate when I don’t have time to brew a cup of pour-over coffee or my travel mug is dirty. It’s not too bitter, particularly when I add a little honey and milk. I don’t know if I’ll buy another box when this one is gone, but I am enjoying it for what it is.
Another sample from Shmiracles.
This one smelled… funky, in an almost unpleasant way, when I opened the package. Once brewed, it tastes okay, but only vaguely like cookie dough. I added some honey and cream, and it’s closer to cookie dough, but I don’t know if I’d identify that if the label didn’t tell me it was supposed to be cookie dough.
Another sample from Shmiracles. I think I will have to buy more of this.
One of the things I love about coconut in teas is that it doesn’t take much to make the flavor sing. And, the coconut implies a fattiness that mellows out the flavor texture of the tea leaves, much like adding milk.
After a few sips, I added a bit of dark rum, sugar, and milk. Delish! Will keep this in mind for wintery night treats.
Another sample from Shmiracles!
I was surprised by how dark it was when the steep time was up! A little astringent on its own. Gonna add some milk and a little honey to see how it changes.
The milk gave it a chai vibe. I noticed subtle hints of dark chocolate, too. Next: a second cup from the same leaves.
Second cup is less intense. Possibly should have made two cups worth the first time.
