Pamela Dean Send Message

No kidding — To me, the nuances of coffee in this rooibos-based tisane are more pronounced with milk and sugar than without. Very interesting. And besides, it tastes wonderful, helps with allergy problems, and won’t keep me up.

Trying a 2nd steep on these leaves, 3 min again. Very smooth and quite flavorful. I’m thinking white tea is underappreciated. It (or this one, at least) doesn’t tend to get bitter if not handled just so, yet it has a little piquancy — you just have to listen for it. =)

3rd steep, 3 min. I’m liking each successive steeping a bit more. This time there’s a hint of wood and sweetness, but not actually flowery. More flavor with less astringency. Smoother and richer, and finally, a thumb up.

Irish Breakfast, strong; / call it Super, yet it seems — / so Superfluous

Mixing black tea, a very decent peach flavor, soymilk, and stevia, I get the reliable flavor and focusing help I desire this morning. Alongside some seed and nut-rich granola, it’s breakfast.

late on this Spring night / windows open, book in hand — / mint tea pleases me

4 min in 185 degree water, glass infuser in cup. I am beginning to be able to distinguish the delicate, subtle flavors of a simple white tea. Tonight, the aroma has a bit of a tang, even as I appreciate the profound smoothness of the flavor. This is definitely growing on me.

Hooray! I didn’t over-steep it! My philosophy was to steep until I “got all the good out of it.” But if it’s undrinkable, or I have to add milk and sugar to everything, the tea journey becomes ridiculous. So I got a timer and summoned the ol’ self-discipline. And I like this tea without anything added. 2 min 45 sec, just like the man said. I’m so proud of myself ….. =)

On this 2nd steeping of 3 min, the leaves released some sweetness, with smoky undertones. I finished the cup without adding anything. Next time I do a first steep of this tea, it will be only 1 min, so it will be less harsh. As I learn how better to handle it and my palate develops, this tea might still get a thumbs up!

Monday morning is not a time to court uncertainty, so I appreciate the consistent results I get with this bagged tea — and it’s delicious. This has flavoring added, but it is done well. Oolong wonderfulness in a sachet? My answer is yes.