Todd & Holland

This is one of three favorite black teas from Todd & Holland (www.todd-holland.com), along with Abbot’s Blend and German Breakfast. I like Lady Bedford after dinner or in the afternoon; it’s not a morning tea for me.

Wow, tis been awhile, 4 years, since I entered this tea into the database. Looks like I’m the only one who ever reported it. Now I’m reporting the last of its gone. Still a pretty good tea…not my favorite, but I’ve come across Many worse.

Rediscovered this sitting on the back of my tea shelf. Its been at least a year since I last drank it. Medium dark in the cup and a medium mouth feel. Malty, mild, smoooooothhhhh. Some astringency, but no “bite”, leaving just the faintest sour tickle on the edges of the tounge. A very fine tea.
I got this as part of a sampler set for Christmas 2009. I recommend a sampler of it, as Todd & Holland charge a dear fortune for their teas. Fortunately, T&H recognizes that samplers are good for business and they have an extensive set.

2nd infusion – decidely weaker. Woodsy flavor. Definitely overbrewed the the first cup, leaving nothing notable for a second. (Edit: I take that back, once it cooled down enough to get a full mouthful, the flavor was there. Much lighter than the first cup. Definitely overbrewed the first cup!)

1 teaspoon (as opposed to tsp) about 4 minutes in moderately hot water. Brews dark and flavorful. Slightly tannic…probably should have taken it out a little past 3 minutes. A bit heavy in the mouth (not bad, just different than say…a Ceylon), but the flavor last a good 30+ seconds after swallowing. Think Irish/Scottish breakfast teas. (Edit: don’t let this one go cold…not as good)

Drank it last night with some friends and will have it iced this morning. Black pepper should be in more teas. Doesn’t have an overly powerful strawberry taste, but I love the black pepper-black tea combo. Wonder if I can just add black pepper to my normal black tea…