215 Tasting Notes
To me, a black masala chai has black pepper, so i added that. Out of milk, i added powdered creamer. Then came the Equal sweetener knockoff. This is what happens when i dont get out to the store. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this creamy, spicy hit of black tea!
The first time I drank this, i over-steeped it and hated it. This time i did better, with cooler water and 2 min steep, and squeezed the tea bag GENTLY. Added some sweet. This time i like it. It cant compare with Stash’s mangosteen green with matcha, but i do love diversity.
[see my later entries on this tea. Lack of experience affected this one] Hot water 3 min in glass gaiwan. Somewhat vegetal, with no bitterness or astringency (actually kinda flat) and the aroma is mostly coconut. Medium yellow-green liquor, slightly hazy, with medium body. I’d have liked a bit more pineapple or even citrus for some oomph. All-in-all a mellow cup, mostly as described, to which I added nothing. Dont know yet if i like it.
Maybe it’s just that the pu-erh in this tea bag is extra mellow, but perhaps the chrysanthemum petals have the effect of banishing the barnyard aspects of the pu-erh. However it happens, this is a light amber liquid with nice earthiness and a subtle floral aroma. Boiling water, scant 3 min steep. I like this. Nice change of pace. Got it in a sampler — might buy it sometime.
Nice and smooth drinking. Boiling water, 5 min steep, milk and sweet’ning. I bought a bunch of assortments on clearance and shared them with a sort of tea sisterhood, including my sister, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. We fancy ourselves having daily tea parties across the miles. And I feel a bit of the same camaraderie with my fellow Steepster-ites. Well then, to tea!
I follow in the teacups of teaequalsbliss in agreeing that this is a nummy, nummy tea! The bergamot blossoms out and rules this cup as the queen of citrus-y perfumes, which she is. I made her milky and sweet, as well. Quite uplifting to my spirits! Yes, nummy as the dickens …..
This loose tea has chamomile, ginger, and rose petals, all of which the alike-named tea bag lacks, among other differences. With the look and aroma of a great potpourri, this is a fluffy tea, so i used 2 tsp. for my cup. Boiling water on it, steep 7 min. It makes a bright, clear yellow liquid, and I had mine hot with sugar. Satisfied my yen for dessert. Tangy, yet sweet and soothing.
Confession: after I’ve had my several steeps of these exquisite leaves, I will pick out and eat the buds and smaller leaves. Yes, it’s that good and tender, like the best buttered asparagus or artichoke with a vase of sweet flowers on the table. Enjoying Tea has a good price for Ali Shan, and it seems to me to be the same batch as Adagio has right now. Enjoy!
My favorite green tea — probably because I sense no astringency or bitterness — just luscious ripe fruit flavor, mostly pear. 3 min steep in water of appropriate coolth = a medium amber color liquid with a tiny bit of cloudiness. The green tea gods may shed a tear, but I drink for my enjoyment and health, not to humor them!
