Zenjala Tea Company

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Recent Tasting Notes

92
drank Citrus Sorbet by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

I used yesterday’s leaf and steeped three more cups (total of five – 12oz mugs). The last still had nice floral flavor and the lemon and lime were still mildly present.

Rehashing a bit the first cup was so lemon lime it tasted fake – like you would expect from a flavored tea bag. Maybe if I used a short first steep it would be greatly improved. The rest of the cups were excellent and highly floral like a high mountain oolong with lemon lime more in the background. I think the base is Huang Jin Gui (Golden Osmanthus) and it is very nice. Really like this one. If I can figure out how to improve cup one I may up the rating even more.

CHAroma

Well, it is an oolong so you could toss the first cup like lots of people do.

K S

That’s just crazy talk! lol. I do this with puerh sometimes, but only as a last resort.

CHAroma

Hahahaha!! I completely agree! But I’ve heard this is a common practice, so I thought I’d mention it. :P I never throw out tea unless it’s completely gross and undrinkable, which fortunately isn’t often.

K S

I don’t remember the last cup I couldn’t drink. I can’t even remember the last cup of aweful tea I have had. In the world of tea, I have been smiled upon :)

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92
drank Citrus Sorbet by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

Not a full review yet. I opened the bag and it was heavily lemon lime. Kind of too heavy to the point of smelling artificial. The first cup was not nearly as heavy as it smelled but I couldn’t make up my mind about it. The oolong base was coming through but in the background.

As I steeped cup 2 I noticed how full of leaf the press had become. This time the lemon lime are greatly reduced. This is a good cup.

As the cup cooled the highly floral oolong bagan to shine. Sweet, sweet honeysuckle. Now this is a great cup. I don’t have time to take it further tonight but I think this will go a lot longer.

Until I get to see what comes next I won’t rate it. The first cup was a mid 70’s. The second strarted mid 80’s and became a solid 90.

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93
drank White Monkey by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

I haven’t been writing many notes lately. Nothing seems to have flavor right now. Since 90% or so of flavor is smell, I assume some allergy thing is robbing me of my enjoyment. I first noticed it with the Mao Feng a few days ago. I thought I under leafed. Now I am not so sure. Big bold flavors like from bottled and highly flavored stuff are still detectable. Subtle teas are just lacking. This white monkey is maybe two years old and that may be part of the problem today. I have always enjoyed it every time I have brewed it. Today all that is present is sweet and a mild earthiness. Looks like I’ll have to put it back in storage for the time being. Maybe I’ll switch to hearty black or flavored teas for a few days.

gmathis

It’s just summer…I think most of us go through a tea slump this time of year.

donkeyteaarrrraugh

I’m having the same problem, but I think it’s the medications they have me on (Pulmacort/Dymista….both steroids that go straight into the lungs and nose/sinuses) Everything has a dulled mineral (rock/metal) taste to it….sigh….I’ve just switched from Yunnans to Assam this morning….it has helped. Do you have D&A’s Tiger Assam? Might fit the bill today!

K S

I just read your Assam note and started to comment. I am using generic Flonase. It works well but until my body adjusts the subtle teas that I love are lacking. Time for a hearty Ceylon Earl Grey. That will cut through anything.

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93
drank White Monkey by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

Another I haven’t had in a long while. The dry leaf looks similar to bi luo chun. Technically a green this taste more like a white with melon notes but it also has a buttery taste. Feels thick. This appears to be the same tea as sold by Teas Etc. If you like greens and whites this is very good.

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93
drank White Monkey by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

I have thoroughly enjoyed this tea every time and in every way I have prepared it. It’s familiar and different at the same time. Technically a green tea, this looks like a white and is even labelled as white. Today I decided to try my hand at cold brewing for the first time after reading a Vicony Facebook post on cold brewing white tea. I steeped about 3 hours. This pretty much looks like water in the cup. The taste is really good. This tastes more green prepared in this manner. It’s kind of Dragonwell meets Bi Luo Chun. It starts crisp then turns buttery followed by the good kind of lingering bitter bite of a Chinese green. This is an awesome tea that tastes different using different methods. At the moment the cold brewed version is my favorite. Really good.

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93
drank White Monkey by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

Not sure what I really did different today. I put a mug of water in the microwave for 1:40. It boils at about 1:55. I poured the water over the leaf in my press. Helped my wife for a couple minutes. Nothing seems out of the ordinary – maybe the water is a little cooler and maybe the steep is a little longer. Regardless, the result is delightful. Imagine halfway between Yunnan Dian Hong Golden Tips and White Peony. That is what I got today. It has generally tasted more white peony but with heft. It has always been really good anyway, but this is awesome.

Took the day off trying to get the necessary paperwork to apply for my pension so I will at least have some income after the impending permanent lay off. I am still waiting on a copy of our marriage license to arrive in the mail. I also tried to secure some help getting my oxygen when the job and insurance ends. Nothing but roadblocks. All in all a less than stellar day. Tea helped. As did the drive. One of the most gorgeous fall displays ever. Southern Indiana is so beautiful with its rolling hills and farm land.

gmathis

Praying for provision to sneak up on you from behind :) Rest when you can in between hassles.

Ysaurella

hope you’ll get all you need K S. Tea is a faithful companion

TeaEqualsBliss

OMG! I just found a random envelop with your name on it! Eeeeeek! Still want it? I can mail it today!

Sil

I hope that everything works out for you. :(

K S

Thanks all. I’ll stop dragging you all through this with me when I get over the shock.

TeaEqualsBliss – If you like sure, if you have someone else in mind to send it to, that’s cool as well. I have a lot of tea but like everyone else here, trying something new is always exciting.

gmathis – sometimes the blessing is in the sustaining through the drought. Yep, I remember saying it. Still holding on to it. Somehow, I believe, help my unbelief, comes to mind. I’ve read the endof the book. It ends really well!

gmathis

Amen. Swap you a prayer for timely travel home. It’s been a crazy great week in the kids’ writing ministry world, but I am tired and miss my guys.

K S

gmathis – done and done.

ashmanra

You aren’t dragging us through! We are walking along with! Praying things get better and easier fast!

mrmopar

just remember what job went through in the old testament. sometimes it takes heat to forge soft metal to steel. you are on the prayer list and we all hope it gets better and you better stick around here!

K S

mrmopar – Thanks. I feel like I am well on my way to stainless steel (kidding). No plans to stop hanging. This is kind of my safe place. Nothing but love and support here :)

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93
drank White Monkey by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

Sipping this tonight and trying to learn a little more about it. IF my research is correct this is technically a green tea, but it is listed as a white and sure looks like a white. It also has many of the light delicate characteristics of a white but has more heft. I think this is also known as white monkey paw. What ever it is or what name it goes by, this is delicious. Love it.

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93
drank White Monkey by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

Between White Peony and Silver Needle in complexity but with unique characteristics I haven’t seen in a white tea before (hint – chocolate). A longer review on my blog http://theeverdayteablog.blogspot.com/2012/07/zenjala-tea-company-golden-monkey.html

Preparation
180 °F / 82 °C 3 min, 0 sec
K S

I can’t believe I got the name wrong on my blog. I had it as Golden Monkey. White Monkey is correct and it is an interesting white. I think the link still works.

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92
drank Bohea by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

Today I prepared the last of this one. I made it last two years. I’ve changed my mind, this is my favorite from Zenjala. I am moving White Monkey into that second spot. This has a wonderful smoky aroma but it is not super intense. This is a milder version of lapsong souchong. There is also a hint of malt in the dry leaf. Brewed this is kind of sweet. It’s very easy to drink with no bite or astringency that I am catching. The smoke is more in the smell. You can feel the tea gently along the sides of your tongue. There is a fruity woodsy presence. This was one of my early ventures into loose leaf and it still stands the test of time. One day I will have more of this.

Veronica

I need to try this one! Yesterday I had the Bohea from Harney and Sons, and while it was nice it was missing the smokey note.

K S

Read the reviews for this one and the one from Teas Etc. Pretty sure they are the same tea.

Veronica

I’ll check out Teas Ect. Thanks!

ashmanra

Oooo, I love Bohea! I have the Pluff Tea one right now.

K S

Pluff Tea? Is that from the Bigelow plantation in Charleston?

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92
drank Bohea by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

I have had this ounce for almost two years. The last time I had it I thought there was enough for 1 more session. Turns out there was enough for two. O happy day! It still has its light smoky goodness. The base is starting to suffer from poor storage. It is in a mostly empty tin. Tins should have a vacuum pump in the lid. Is that possible without it costing a fortune? Anyway much love for this even in its weakened state.

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92
drank Bohea by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

I can’t believe how long I have managed to nurse this ounce of tea along. I even sent a small sample out once long ago. I still have enough for one more round. I originally got this because it is historically considered the tea thrown overboard in the Boston harbor. Then I learned Bohea is a mistranslation of Wuyi. I think of Wuyi as a dark roasted oolong which this is not. Then I learned that Wuyi is an area in the Fujian province. Fujian black tea is one of my favorite teas, so this makes some sense. The description says this is the original lapsang. It is lighter in smoke than modern LS. It is obvious but not in the scary way. It is very sweet. The base comes through strong with honey and caramel notes of a solid Fujian. I now remember why I am so protective of this – it is wonderfully delicious.

Veronica

… aaaand on to my shopping list it goes.

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92
drank Bohea by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

My second favorite from Zenjala – the first being White Monkey. This one smells so wonderfully smoky. Just a year ago I was whining about half this amount of smoke. This is so good. Right now I am dunking peanut butter cookies stuffed with M&M’s. I would be jealous if I were you. An excellent combination by the way. Pronounced Boo-hee this is apparently a mistranslation of Wuyi. Once an expensive highly prized tea that fell into disrepute after being tossed into the Boston harbor, paving the way for Starbuck’s to make a killing selling overpriced coffee. Tunes: CCR – Bad Moon Rising, Barry McGuire – Eve of Destruction.

canadianadia

mmmm….Peanut butter cookies stuffed with M&M’s sounds delicious, and so does the tea.

gmathis

I’ll second the mmm!

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92
drank Bohea by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

Smoke and malt. That is what I get when I open the tin. Steeped for about 4 ½ minutes. I recall this one took me by surprise. It is the first smoky tea I found to be delicious and enjoyable. Today, the brew is a beautiful dark caramel. Smoke and fruit scents are rinsing in the air. Cool down so I can drink you! Finally… Ahhh. Yep, still a good one. I don’t notice the malt in the sip. This is smoke and fruit.

ashmanra

This one is yum yum. You sent me some!

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92
drank Bohea by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

My how my tastes have changed. I asked for this one not knowing what it was. The name just sounded interesting and it was thrown overboard in the Boston harbor :) I opened the tin and could smell smoke. Uh oh. So I take 1 scoop of leaf and steep 3 minutes (the instructions said 4-5, but I was afraid), Last fall my first Keemun threw me. I didn’t know if I liked it or what to make of it. So here I go again. Wow, it doesn’t taste like an ashtray. There is a woodsy kind of smoky thing going on. This tea is sweet. The smoke and sweetness linger long after the cup is gone. There is no bitterness. No astringency. This is really good. No one is more surprised than me. I had three cups. Go me!

Preparation
Boiling 3 min, 0 sec
ashmanra

Go you! Now you need to try Baker Street Afternoon by Upton! It will make you sing.

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92
drank Creamy Earl Grey by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

I just read one of my previous tasting notes on this one and I’m glad I did. This is over a year old but stored well. I thought maybe it was losing its flavor as the vanilla is pretty light. Turns out that is how this always was, I just forgot. I like it that way as to me vanilla easily overtakes a cup and dominates. So if you are a vanilla fiend this won’t cut it for you. If like me, you prefer it stay a background note this is quite nice. The bergamot is flavorful but also on the light side. I have enough for one more cup.

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92
drank Creamy Earl Grey by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

Strange, I don’t even remember having this one! I last steeped it about 5 months ago. Opening the tin releases bergamot and vanilla – there is no doubt this is creamy Earl Grey. Sipping is a much quieter experience. My notes show I earlier interpreted this as medium bergamot flavored and also as light. The vanilla I have noted from light, to I can’t taste it. I am not sure why the confusion. Both the bergamot and vanilla are easily detectable, very flavorful, and medium/light :) The base is not lost. This is a really nice tea. I just find it strange that it never left an impression. It deserves better. I must have been in my Earl Grey must eat your face off mode at the time.

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92
drank Creamy Earl Grey by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

Up and moving (sort of) since daylight – its only 6:58 now. Bagel, cream cheese, and creamy earl grey. Excellent start to an excellent day?

This is light on the bergamot and the vanilla. That does not mean it is without flavor. Hint of citrus up front, tiny touch of bite later on, and light vanilla in the background. Easing me into the day. Ow yeah.

Now its time to go rock the casbah, or maybe just the congregation.

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92
drank Creamy Earl Grey by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

This is a nice Earl Grey. The bergamot is a little lighter than I normally want but the addition of just a touch of vanilla is a great trade off. Normally vanilla overpowers everything, so I am impressed by the more subtle approach here.

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92
drank Creamy Earl Grey by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

Today I could taste the vanilla. I didn’t catch it last time. It is very light. The bergamot is nice and medium but the light touch of vanilla makes it very smooth. This is a really good Earl Grey.

My wife is having gall bladder surgery tomorrow. The hospital just called wanting enough money up front to buy a small car. Are they serious? Don’t they remember they took all our money last year? sigh. I need tea. Oh, and they aren’t getting a dime until it clears insurance.

gmathis

Take care of both of you, including packing yourself some decent teabags for the waiting room. We’ll be praying here.

ashmanra

Like the tasting note, dislike the stress. Praying for you! Sent your tea today!

Scott B

Hopefully your wife qualifies for laprascopic gall bladder removal-it’s much easier on the body than the standard procedure. I had mine removed that way a couple years ago and it was a piece of cake. Good luck!

Sorry about the insurance hassle. I’m still trying to get my insurance company to pay for reading glasses I got a year ago!

Bonnie

I know how the costs are! My copay this year cou;d have bought a car too! Wiped out my savings! However, I’m no longer blind!
God be with you and your wife!

Hesper June

You both are in my prayers!

K S

Thanks all. You’re all wonderful. Gmathis – its raining! lol.

Charles Thomas Draper

I wish your wife well. I just had my hospital stay and lost my insurance May 1 after being insured for 25 years.

K S

Thanks, and sorry Charles.

Michelle

Ouch. I hope she has a safe surgery (I hesitate to say good, but I hope it’s as pleasant as a surgery can be…) and gets well soon.

gmathis

Left my windows partially down in the parking lot at work as an act of faith ;)

Azzrian

LOL I hear you – I have the worst time with Insurance, hospitals wanting money etc.

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92
drank Creamy Earl Grey by Zenjala Tea Company
1719 tasting notes

I can’t figure out how to grab the pictures off Zenjala’s website. The teas come in a nice tin. When you open the inner pouch the bergamot fills the air. I love the smell of bergamot in the morning. When steeping the scent of the tea is stout. Assam, Ceylon? I don’t know but it smells inviting. Although the bergamot and tea scents are strong this is not an overpowering cup. Bergamot is medium strength and you can still taste the tea. I don’t get the creamy reference in the taste, but then I have been living off the chocolate mint puerh lately. It does have a creamy texture, maybe that is what they mean. Not bitterness. A nice light bite. At any rate this is a solid Earl Grey with what seems to be cinnamon notes, though there is no cinnamon in this. 2 steeps. Quite nice.

Preparation
Boiling 3 min, 0 sec
Barb

I tried to be a smarty but I couldn’t grab the picture either. I looked at the page source and I think they store their stuff in Amazon’s cloud so there is no local file to get a URL for.

The tea sounds interesting!

Hesper June

I agree, the smell of bergamot in the morning is just divine:)

LiberTEAS

Pic added. :)

K S

Please explain how you captured the pic. I need to do the chocolate mint fusion and I have 4 more I am sampling.

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91

Sipdown.

First off, to the north thousands are without power with 12-16" of snow. We only ended up with maybe 2" of snow and some icing underneath. The -9 F temp is way better than it could have been as the winds are fairly light. We dodged this one. Yeah!

This tea – so you know how you have some high quality expensive teas you keep that make you swoon, and you have some cheapster Steepster bags or low cost loose you always keep around because they are so comfortable? Well this is the middle ground. I smell the puerh more than I taste it. The chocolate is more the base flavor. Peppermint blends with the chocolate for comfort. The spearmint is just barely the predominate taste – or maybe I think so because I don’t crave it in tea. It works well in the combination.

I wish the puerh had a little more presence. As is typical of tea with real chocolate in it, this is murky. That being said, it is warm and comforting on this very cold day.

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91

The mint really has lasting power in this one. Peppermint on top with spearmint underneath. The chocolate curls disappear in the cup and add a good back flavor – which is about as chocolate as chocolate teas ever get in my limited experience. I am not really picking out the puerh in this first cup. A year ago I wrote I did. I’ll check again in the second cup. This is good enough to require another steep.

K S

Apparently I won’t get a second cup. I just dumped the basket all over the carpet. :(

Sil

doh!

Rie

I hope your carpet is at least pleasantly minty now. :D;

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91

This is the third day in a row with this neat puerh. Today only one cup with yesterday’s leaf to see if it could handle it. This is the 4th cup from the leaf and I steeped about 6 minutes. It looked a bit weak but was still quite chocolate and puerh flavored. If you can’t tell I like this one a lot.

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91

Zenjala is a new company to me. This one sounded so good I had to try it. I have added chocolate mint to puerh for over a year and like it. This one has real curls of dark chocolate mixed in with the puerh. It smells so good in the pouch. I am putting together a longer review for the blog but for now let me say this is awesome. Spearmint makes me nervous but in this one it is light and well blended with the peppermint, chocolate, and puerh. The longer you steep the more present the chocolate becomes and the less pronounced the mints. The puerh base adds a pleasant taste and shu aroma. I used sweetener as I think chocolate and puerh both beg for it. High yum factor. I steeped 3 times and I am pretty sure it would go more.

Preparation
195 °F / 90 °C 4 min, 0 sec

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