While I enjoy sharp, bold, smoky teas I don’t drink them often enough to justify buying loose leaf; I buy it by the “to go” cup. With covid lockdowns last year, and me no longer working in the immediate vicinity, I missed my annual ritual of going down to New West’s River Market and picking up a cup to go in the fall/winter months. I didn’t mean to go today either, but when the transit gods lead you somewhere you graciously accept your blessings. I managed to pick up my sister’s preferred Double Earl Grey at the same time, so win-win!

That’s how I ended waving away the bus driver I didn’t expect so soon, while clutching a cup of slightly over-steeped smoke tea (I’m not bringing this almost-sentient campfire on board to harass fellow passengers, no. lol. My tea’s name is Calcifer). I only had to wait an extra 10 minutes for the next one. It was chill and it let me spend extra time in my favourite place, overlooking the Fraser Delta as the sun dips below the horizon (ie- 22nd Station. I don’t know why this place makes me so happy but it does).

Flavors: Astringent, Malt, Smoke, Sweet

ashmanra

That sounds divine!

Crowkettle

It was a wonderful end to already fantastic day :)

gmathis

Oh, to live in a place where you can buy good cups of tea in shops!

Crowkettle

I don’t take advantage of the privilege enough! :)

Evol Ving Ness

Neither do I much, aside from my Hong Kong style milk tea in Chinatown excursions. Occasionally, in normal times, tea at the Art Gallery (because they have Sloane Teas. I figure since I have mountains of good tea at home, why spend/drink elsewhere. Also, usually I have a travel mug of tea with me.

Crowkettle

I should probably make notes for the abundant supply of restaurant (and food court) masala chai around here. I also take that for granted.

Like you, I’ve so much of tea at home..

Crowkettle

Also, didn’t know that about the Art Gallery. They just got bumped up the list of priorities next time I visit that city.

Evol Ving Ness

Yup, the AGO, in the restaurant/cafe in the basement. Careful of the proximity to children’s programs. It is not always a peaceful time.

Tiffany :)

That sounds so nice to enjoy a nice cuppa tea in a nice place… I’m usually carrying 1-2 cold brew pitchers + 3-4 travel mugs of tea a day but that’s just my personal problem.. :)

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Comments

ashmanra

That sounds divine!

Crowkettle

It was a wonderful end to already fantastic day :)

gmathis

Oh, to live in a place where you can buy good cups of tea in shops!

Crowkettle

I don’t take advantage of the privilege enough! :)

Evol Ving Ness

Neither do I much, aside from my Hong Kong style milk tea in Chinatown excursions. Occasionally, in normal times, tea at the Art Gallery (because they have Sloane Teas. I figure since I have mountains of good tea at home, why spend/drink elsewhere. Also, usually I have a travel mug of tea with me.

Crowkettle

I should probably make notes for the abundant supply of restaurant (and food court) masala chai around here. I also take that for granted.

Like you, I’ve so much of tea at home..

Crowkettle

Also, didn’t know that about the Art Gallery. They just got bumped up the list of priorities next time I visit that city.

Evol Ving Ness

Yup, the AGO, in the restaurant/cafe in the basement. Careful of the proximity to children’s programs. It is not always a peaceful time.

Tiffany :)

That sounds so nice to enjoy a nice cuppa tea in a nice place… I’m usually carrying 1-2 cold brew pitchers + 3-4 travel mugs of tea a day but that’s just my personal problem.. :)

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Bio

I started my Steepster loose leaf adventure back in 2012. I can’t say I’m completely new anymore, but I still view oolong as a magical, extraterrestrial creature that unfurls in water.

My favourites are teas like Milk Oolong, Silver Needle,and Japanese Sencha/Gyokuro, or fruity and floral flavoured ones. However, I generally enjoy ALL the teas, including a good old cup of Earl Grey or Breakfast blend.

FAVOURITE INGREDIENTS/NOTES:

DESSERT FLAVOURS
Vanilla, Maple, Caramel, Butterscotch, Cream, Toffee, Nougat, Marzipan, Butter

FRUIT & BERRIES
Citrus Fruits, Passionfruit, Banana, Pineapple, Melons, Blackberry, Raspberry, Currants, Elderberry, Persimmon, Rhubarb..

SPICES
Ginger, Turmeric, Clove-forward chai, Cardamom

AROMATIC & HERBACEOUS NOTES
Sandalwood, Frankincense, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Mints

FLORALS
Lavender, Jasmine, Rose, Lilac, Violet, etc.

VEGGIE/GRAIN NOTES
Spinach, Grass, Hay, Cucumber, Rice, Sweet Potato

Less Preferred Flavours/Ingredients:
Stevia, Apple, Cocoa Nib, Almond, Licorice, Cinnamon-forward blends, Chinese Sencha

Subjective Rating System:
I don’t give a lot of low ratings out, since a) I tend to grab tea I know will appeal to me, and b) I don’t have a lot of strong dislikes.

90-100: Favourites. The Desert Island Teas.
80-89: Loved teas. Possibly staple-worthy.
70-79: Good teas, but I’m less likely to repurchase. Minor quibbles.
60-69: Ok teas. Likely a few preference and/or quality issues.
50-59: Cup of meh. Will do in a pinch.
11-49: Varying levels of undrinkable tea.
1-10: Nightmare tea from the chaos realms. This tea is the embodiment of the primordial swamp, an unholy abomination. It’s very gross and I’m almost positive it doesn’t exist.

Location

BC, Canada

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