Thanks so much again for the swap, AJRimmer! This is how I’ve never run out of new teas to write tasting notes for… there has always been teas that are new-to-me because of so many swaps over the years. :D This is actually tastier than I expected. The rooibos is okay – but it does have that woody flavor that reminds me of a barbecue sauce for some reason. But then there are fruit cubes in the blend that add a nice sweetness to the rooibos. The fruits: papaya and mango, for a fun twist on the name PAPANGO. (You can even get these papaya and mango cubes separately from S&V for pretty cheap if you want to try them that way. I have tried both the mango and papaya before and they are delicious.) So a few cubes in a teaspoon along with the rooibos lends plenty of sweetness to a refreshing cup. You can even add more of the fruit cubes to the blend if you wanted. The second steep is full of flavor too. I really appreciate that S&V blends their own teas (and SO MANY blends) because I am guaranteed to find unique teas from S&V, more than any other tea shop. I hope everyone at S&V is doing okay during these tough times.
Steep #1 // 1 1/2 teaspoons for full mug // 20 minutes after boiling // 2 minute steep
Steep #2 // just boiled // 5 min
2020 Sipdowns: 32 – TeBella – Almond Shortbread
Comments
Hmm maybe I need to try your brewing methods on some of the rooibos blends I’ve been having trouble with (it’s very helpful that you include those details!)
Yeah, if anything, the parameters are the reason I write tasting notes to remember what worked/didn’t for future steeps.
I’ve learned sometimes cooler water/ less steep time is much better. I was reading a past tasting note today for an oolong I had in the past and I was thinking “I steeped an oolong like THAT?!?”
oh and Happy Mom’s day to all of you moms out there.
Hmm maybe I need to try your brewing methods on some of the rooibos blends I’ve been having trouble with (it’s very helpful that you include those details!)
Yeah, if anything, the parameters are the reason I write tasting notes to remember what worked/didn’t for future steeps.
I’ve learned sometimes cooler water/ less steep time is much better. I was reading a past tasting note today for an oolong I had in the past and I was thinking “I steeped an oolong like THAT?!?”
Also, Cyndi from S&V responded to my e-mail and all at S&V are doing ok!