63

Hesitant approach
Behind the black is hidden
A sweetness unnamed.

So the wonderful Cheri (Cheri0627) was determined to change my opinion of darjeelings (which, until now, has been in the red), so she sent me a whole BOX of different ones to sample! This is my first tentative try. I also made sure to try and follow Amanda’s (Amanda ‘SoggyEnderman’ Wilson) suggestion about a cooler water temperature.

The dry leaves are very fragrant-a pleasant mix of floral and wood with an emphasis on floral. The wet leaves also smelled wonderful-and strongly! The liquor is a dark burnt orange.

I steeped for 3 minutes and was met with an interesting flavor. Not unpleasant, but I spent the whole cup searching for a flavor that was hiding behind the more standard “tea.” Was it fruity? Nutty? Floral? I settled on sweet, but that’s as far as I got. As it was worth exploring, I tried another steep.

I was planning on steeping for equalish time. But, as happens at work, time got away from me and threeish turned into 6! And as a further disruption, I didn’t get to it until it was cold. For a cooled second steep, I’m impressed with its drinkability. That hidden flavor is still there, but on the very last end of the swallow.

Flavors: Floral, Sweet, Wood

Show 3 previous comments...
TeaNecromancer 10 years ago

Hehe, I was helpful :D If you are still wanting to experiment with the Darjeelings, when I get home from travel I should send you a few of my favorites.

MushroomBugg 10 years ago

Heh, as I’m learning that they aren’t all terrible, I’ll always take tea!

TeaNecromancer 10 years ago

Hehe, awesome! Now, let’s see if I remember this conversation in a couple weeks when I am home :P Feel free to remind me and I can get you a little package together

Cheri 10 years ago

I usually do mine at about 195° for 3 minutes. The different flushes taste different. I’m pretty sure I sent some of each flush.

MushroomBugg 10 years ago

You sent quite the array! I figure I’ll try at least one new one each day. _ Should keep me occupied.

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TeaNecromancer 10 years ago

Hehe, I was helpful :D If you are still wanting to experiment with the Darjeelings, when I get home from travel I should send you a few of my favorites.

MushroomBugg 10 years ago

Heh, as I’m learning that they aren’t all terrible, I’ll always take tea!

TeaNecromancer 10 years ago

Hehe, awesome! Now, let’s see if I remember this conversation in a couple weeks when I am home :P Feel free to remind me and I can get you a little package together

Cheri 10 years ago

I usually do mine at about 195° for 3 minutes. The different flushes taste different. I’m pretty sure I sent some of each flush.

MushroomBugg 10 years ago

You sent quite the array! I figure I’ll try at least one new one each day. _ Should keep me occupied.

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Bio

I’m just starting out on my tea journey. There is so much to learn. O.o

First stop: try as many of the free teas around me as possible!

My ratings:
0-15 I couldn’t even finish the cup
15-35 I regretted brewing the cup
35-50 Drinkable, but not enjoyable
50-60 Drinkable
60-75 Recommendable, enjoyable, also intriguing
75-85 Wonderful, hits-the-spot
85-95 I’d love another cup and I’ll push one on you, too
95-100 The best tea ever

Location

Washington, USA

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