Well, this smells rather nice. I was alarmed when I saw what looked like dust floating on the surface after I removed the infuser, but on closer examination I decided it was a like skim of oil — or bergamot, I suppose. Which is in its own way a little alarming as well.
I’ve just realized I can’t see the color very well in my new tea mug. Should have bought a white one instead of a blue one. But I can dip out a teaspoonful and see that it’s a bright, golden amber color.
But oh my gosh it’s bitter. Did I steep it too long? Did I use too much tea? Or, since this is one of those unopened samples I bought a year ago, is it just too old even though it’s been sealed in a foil-lined packet? Advice from more experienced tea samplers hereby solicited.
Anyway, yuck.
Preparation
People who liked this
Comments
It’s been a while since I personally tried this one, however, according to my notes, there is some bitterness to this tea, and perhaps it was amplified by the longer steep time (I steeped my cup for just 3 minutes). I would recommend cutting back the steep time to 2 1/2 to 3 minutes to see if that improves the flavor for you.
I saw that — both your mention of the slight bitterness and then, after I posted my comment, that you had steeped it for a shorter time. I think I’ll dump this cup and try a second steeping with my eye on the clock. It’s really undrinkable as is.
Nope. No bitterness, but no flavor either. I’ll start over another day with the rest of the sample and a shorter steep time. Thank you, Ms. LiberTEAS.
Tried the shorter steep time and posted a new tasting note. Much better! But I think I need to try raising the steep time, and judging by the amount of tea left in my sample, I think I did use too much tea in my first try.
It’s been a while since I personally tried this one, however, according to my notes, there is some bitterness to this tea, and perhaps it was amplified by the longer steep time (I steeped my cup for just 3 minutes). I would recommend cutting back the steep time to 2 1/2 to 3 minutes to see if that improves the flavor for you.
I saw that — both your mention of the slight bitterness and then, after I posted my comment, that you had steeped it for a shorter time. I think I’ll dump this cup and try a second steeping with my eye on the clock. It’s really undrinkable as is.
Nope. No bitterness, but no flavor either. I’ll start over another day with the rest of the sample and a shorter steep time. Thank you, Ms. LiberTEAS.
Tried the shorter steep time and posted a new tasting note. Much better! But I think I need to try raising the steep time, and judging by the amount of tea left in my sample, I think I did use too much tea in my first try.