K S Send Message

Forgot to read the recommended steeping parameters. I used quite a bit of leaf (for me anyway) and steeped in 175 F (got that right) water for about 4 minutes. Yeah, less leaf, less time would have probably been a good idea. This as they say, no lightweight. I get mineral, light earth, and a stout does of bitter edging on the too much side. Of course since I brewed it wrong it is my fault. Kind of reminds me more of a young sheng than a green eyebrow tea.

Haven’t had this in a while. It is so good. When I reach the bottom of the tin this is a definite reorder. Unlike anything else I have. All other lotus teas I’ve tried (the main being Tazo) are flowery. They are nice enough. This is altogether different. The green base is strong enough that it takes the lotus and produces a kind licorice/anise taste. I know a lot of hate both but this is so very very good.

Went out of town to get some parts for our broken lawn sweeper. Stopped at Texas Roadhouse for lunch. Cheddars is next door but it was lightly raining and you can’t park anywhere near the door – what architect thought that was a goo idea? Anyway, first time at the Roadhouse since Cheddars opened. Looks like the competition has hurt them some. They were the favorite restaurant in town a couple years ago. This worked as a bonus for me because they upped their game on the iced tea and switched to this one. It really is that recognizably different. If you aren’t a standard iced tea fan you might not care but I much enjoyed the change. Steak was good too. :)

Excellent as always. Usually have this for a morning cup. Today my son was over and I thought he might like it. His opinion? Tastes like tea. I tried to raise him better. :)

This is from Anhui province in China. It just says green tea on the ingredients. Looking at the leaf and the liquor I am pretty sure this is Huang Shan Mao Feng, but just guessing. The liquor is beautiful golden green. Very clear. This is crisp, a touch mineral, the good kind of bitter, and a nice vegetal taste. Lingering sweet after taste. This is very good.

So the sun is out, the temperature hit 40 F and its Thursday. I’m so predictable. I ordered this the same way as always but man it is way sweet. Don’t care. It’s good anyway.

Second attempt at this one. In the blender I used 1 cup of 2% milk. 2 oz of vanilla yogurt (per Lala’s suggestion), 2 packets of Splenda, a small tray of shaved ice (about 1 cup), and 1/2 tsp of tea powder.

The addition of the yogurt really helps as did cutting down the amount of powder. It still tastes a little like I imagine a protein powder drink tastes but much improved. It is very thick and creamy. It is not quite a replacement for my green tea frappe but I will definitely do this again. Next time I may use banana yogurt.

I am glad I bought way too much of this to last until next season because it may not be enough :) Had this as my bedtime cup. Looks like cutting back the caffeine yesterday may have helped or total exhaustion finally set in. Probably helped that last nights band practice was the most fun in ages. Slept like a rock while visions of electric guitars and candy canes danced in my head. Not really but nice image.

From last night. After only getting at most 4 hours sleep prior, I am stopping all caffeine really early. This was my first late evening cup. Wonderful as always.

I have been awake since 3:00 am. I wanted, no I need, black tea this morning but I didn’t want to open a new package. I have a zillion open right now. Couldn’t find a straight black open. So I decided Earl Grey. I have at least 6 Earl Greys including green, white, creme, mint, etc, but I don’t seem to have a single straight EG. How did that happen? I can’t justify another purchase right now. Well, I could but the wife would give me the look – you all know what I’m talking about, you’ve seen it from your loved ones. So I’m having Lady Earl Grey today. Wonderfully smooth Nilgiri base and creamy vanilla. I do wish the bergamot was a little more front and center and the vanilla less so. A good cup none the less.

My 1000 tasting note! It took me three years. I think Sil and Terri did it in 6 months :)