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SimplyJenW drank Bailin Gongfu Black Tea by Teavivre

985 tasting notes

Tea of the morning……

I have quite a bit of this. Close to 200 grams open, and another 100 sealed. I was looking over my spreadsheets (come on now, we all need to admit we do this!) and since my first purchase of this tea, the price has doubled! While I do like it very much, I am not sure the return on this one meets the price tag anymore. I always considered it more of an everyday tea, and it is getting near in price to my absolute favorites. Life is too short to skimp on the tea! There is a significant change in my rating because for me, value does come into play for overall rating.

A hint of earthiness, cocoa, a good mouthfeel, but not anything super wonderful. I will happily drink what I have left, except that I might gift the unopened portion. I am unlikely to buy more at current price.

Usual method.

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Uniquity
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Every time I re-stock on Teavivre I compare it the previous price points. It is really neat to chart the increase on my personal faves. Although annoying, because they have all gone up 25 – 50% in the last four years.

SimplyJenW
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I agree! It is annoying. I understand that the market probably has something to do with it, but there are other vendors without that kind of difference. Still, there are things that Teavivre does so well, I am sure I will continue to buy there.

Uniquity
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Agreed. :)

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Uniquity
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SimplyJenW
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Uniquity
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Agreed. :)

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My motto: Drink the good tea!

Tea enthusiast, trying to keep up my cardio for the zombie apocalypse. I have come to accept that I am a western brewing black tea drinker as that is where my ‘tea heart’ lies. I started on loose leaf as a way to have my dessert and not suffer the caloric issues. Once I tried it, I was hooked.

I drink what I like, which is mostly China blacks, a few traditionally scented blacks and Earl Greys, plus a flavored tea here and there. I don’t mind spending a bit on premium varieties on occasion, but an expensive tea has to deliver. My favorite places to order are Harney & Sons and Upton Tea Imports. TeaVivre is great for Chinese tea.

My ratings are pretty subjective. If it falls under 70, I may not take the time to post about it unless I had something specific to say. If it is 70-80 I like it, but I will probably not rebuy. Favorites are over 80 and up, but sometimes the less expensive or more easily obtainable version of a similar taste will win out for my cupboard space.

Usual teapot steeping method: 24 oz teapot, 3 perfect scoops of tea (4 1/2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual mug steeping method: 15 oz mug, 1.5 perfect scoops of tea (just over 2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual pan method: 1 1/2 cups water, 2 perfect tsp chai (3 actual tsp). Simmer for 3 minutes. Add 2/3 cup skim milk. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Strain and sweeten.

Usual pitcher method:
5 or 6 Perfect Spoons of tea (this means about 7-9 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, brewed essentially double-strong in my 24 oz teapot for 4 minutes. Fill my Fiestaware Disc pitcher (about 60 oz.) halfway with ice. Add brewed double-strong tea to the pitcher. Stir it a little and enjoy. No additions.

(*SRP is my Sample/Stash Reduction Plan starting on April 12, 2012. I got so far, but just decided it was too fussy to keep track.)