I had a mug of Darjeeling Goomtee this evening around 6pm, which is rather late for me to be drinking a black tea. But it was storming, I had just gotten over a headache, and I was feeling tired. So I allowed myself one.
I’ve been increasing the amount of tea leaf I use lately with enjoyable results. In my supposedly 8oz mugs, except they aren’t 8oz mugs. Since realizing this, I’ve measured the amount of water I usually put in them and am finding more are 10-12oz, with some of the pottery ones being much bigger. I am measuring mugs as I go and adjusting the amount of leaf accordingly, also with enjoyable results. I do tend to prefer my teas on the lighter side and the lower end of steeping times, but this change just seems to bring out the flavor more rather that producing the result of a longer steep. So there will be some small text at the bottom of my posts to aid in the memorization of the approximate volumes of my small collection of about a dozen mugs by repeat writings and readings of the information. Ignorable by all ya’ll, as it is just for my usage.
I also remember reading that darjeelings may like a slightly lower temperature than is normally used for black teas. So I tried steeping tonight at 200° F instead of my usual 205° F that I use for black teas and tisanes.
This mug was smoother and fuller than I remember this darjeeling being with the typical darjeeling taste being more toward the end of the sip. As it cooled, a more darjeeling flavor came through. I really like how this mug came out and it will prolly make me want to reach for this tea more. I’m interested to try A&D’s Napal like this now. I may also try an even lower water temperature of 195° F.
2nd steep: 6 min.
Went to my husband when he woke up before going on night shift. He was running late so I forget to ask him how he liked it. I believe this is the first time he’s had this tea.
Like a lower water temperature for this one. Also, 4 min seems to be the preferred time for the 1st steep.
Dark blue pottery mug = nearly 12oz. One and a half even teaspoons.
