96

Thank you Jason for this Sample Tea

This is the first review on this NEW WHITE TEA from Verdant
(Only saying this because this is not one of the tea’s that is gone!)

It’s Saturday and for most of the day, I’ve been considering this one tea.
First I needed to add it to Steepster, then make sure my palate was clear and my mind still.
The lighter tea’s are more of an effort for me. They are delicate, and for some strange reason, cause me to go places deeper…reaching for elusive flavors that sometimes flutter past me so fast that I can hardly keep up with them.

My preparations were simple. A 5oz. Gaiwan, Spring Water, small sipping bowl and tea. The color of the infusions was not spectacular ranging from pale green to light green. The scent was lovely. Others will follow and discuss this more. I followed the exact steeping instructions on the Verdant website, 20 seconds, 15 seconds, 25 seconds.

The tasting of this tea was a complete experience. An adventure of remembering a time and event without losing touch with the reality of
the tea experience taking place at the same time.

I began with the first sip which sparkled with effervescence, dancing on my tongue like the sun rays on the sea.
There was the softest hint of pine and lilac ending in bread baked in a hot brick outdoor oven.

This is what did it. The flavor and scent that was hardly there and like a small hand reaching out, pulled me into a memory.

Corfu. I began to see that beautiful Greek Island again with the pines and flowers and….

The second steep was stronger than the first. It sparkled then splayed a dryness like linen sheets from a clothesline…slap across my tongue and gone. Here again there was the soft floral flavor spreading like a vine and wrapped around the pine taste trying to come out but still barely there. The taste of semolina was strongest at the finish.

I remembered going to Paleokastritsa Monastery on Corfu perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. Walls washed with white and tan, abundant bougenvilla flowers and many happy monastery cats laying about. I approached an old Heiromonk and placed my hands palms up in the form of a cross indicating that I was asking for a blessing. He was from the U.S. and had retired to this Greek Monastery(a common practice especially after a Priest is a widower http://flic.kr/p/cfhUGo ). He blessed me, we chatted in the shade under the trees and I went my way. It was such an ancient, beautiful and peaceful place…smelling of flowers, pine and baked bricks and bread. Monasteries always have tea for guests.

My final steepings were very, very tingling on the tip of my tongue and sweeter. A great deal of semolina and creaminess with a hint of salt. I could tell that there was a rose floral flavor in these pourings and a bit of tannin at the finish, although not much.

I had a decision to make. The salt is what prompted me to make this decision. Should I add some sugar? It is vulgar to some people I know…but this is MY cup and I am not a tea snob. I believe that if there is any saltiness in a tea, a little sweet will often enhance the flavor.

So…I…Did…IT….

NECTAR We have a place in Colorado that is beautiful called
Garden of the Gods. This is the tea version of the place!
Grand Canyon, Niagra Falls…whatever your AHHHH! is…this flavor is that AHHHHH!

http://youtu.be/q2pgPkZZZOg Music

This nectar flavor is where I began my journey back to Corfu with the sun shining on the clearest water I’ve ever seen, and pine trees dipping to the Ionian Sea. Flowers, pink, red and purple, white washed houses and Greek Taverna’s all along a narrow road leading up to a beautiful Monastery. Calm and unforgetable.

TEA!

Here are some pictures, Corfu..
http://youtu.be/WuUHIoo7raA

Azzrian

Ohhh I have been to garden of the gods!! Lovely place! I will have to get this – if they still offer it that is.

Bonnie

This just came out! I just put it on Steepster!

ScottTeaMan

Now that’s a good review. :)) 97

Bonnie

Awe thanks Scott. Missed you yesterday.

ScottTeaMan

What was yesterday?!?

Indigobloom

wow this sounds amazing. Kudos to you for adding sugar, I’d do the same. Just a tad!! :P

Indigobloom

why do you always inspire movie memories Bonnie! singin’ Mamma Mia now… (worse than Brosnan I tell ya)

Bonnie

You were missed Scott! That’s the point!

ScottTeaMan

Thanks Bonnie! :))

Azzrian

Oh wait thats right it IS new thanks for reminding me. :)

Kittenna

I wish I could write reviews like you, Bonnie. I guess in part I don’t have the life experiences from which to draw upon, but I also don’t have a way with words the way you do!

Bonnie

Krystaleyn thank you! Remember I don’t go to school like you either, already worked 30 years and don’t have a husband or boyfriend or roommate or kids etc. You’re right about time creating many experiences. Many good and some horrors.

jason

Yay Bonnie, Happy Saturday! (I realize that it is now Sunday but that doesn’t change a thing) I am glad that you were able to enjoy this one, beautiful review too!!

Bonnie

Thanks Jason! I know you’ve been to the Greek Islands too and can visualize!

Autumn Hearth

Yes nectar! I know I had read this a month ago, but didn’t reread anyone’s notes before posting mine. But yes I was totally going to use the term “nectar of the gods”. I need to revisit Garden of the Gods.

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Comments

Azzrian

Ohhh I have been to garden of the gods!! Lovely place! I will have to get this – if they still offer it that is.

Bonnie

This just came out! I just put it on Steepster!

ScottTeaMan

Now that’s a good review. :)) 97

Bonnie

Awe thanks Scott. Missed you yesterday.

ScottTeaMan

What was yesterday?!?

Indigobloom

wow this sounds amazing. Kudos to you for adding sugar, I’d do the same. Just a tad!! :P

Indigobloom

why do you always inspire movie memories Bonnie! singin’ Mamma Mia now… (worse than Brosnan I tell ya)

Bonnie

You were missed Scott! That’s the point!

ScottTeaMan

Thanks Bonnie! :))

Azzrian

Oh wait thats right it IS new thanks for reminding me. :)

Kittenna

I wish I could write reviews like you, Bonnie. I guess in part I don’t have the life experiences from which to draw upon, but I also don’t have a way with words the way you do!

Bonnie

Krystaleyn thank you! Remember I don’t go to school like you either, already worked 30 years and don’t have a husband or boyfriend or roommate or kids etc. You’re right about time creating many experiences. Many good and some horrors.

jason

Yay Bonnie, Happy Saturday! (I realize that it is now Sunday but that doesn’t change a thing) I am glad that you were able to enjoy this one, beautiful review too!!

Bonnie

Thanks Jason! I know you’ve been to the Greek Islands too and can visualize!

Autumn Hearth

Yes nectar! I know I had read this a month ago, but didn’t reread anyone’s notes before posting mine. But yes I was totally going to use the term “nectar of the gods”. I need to revisit Garden of the Gods.

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Bio

Colorado Grandma 73 3/4 as of January 2022

Grandmother to 10. (we all drink tea!)
I began teatime in the Summer when my children were little. We took a break from play for tea and snacks every day. My children loved tea time.
There are several tea houses close to my home and a Tea Festival in Boulder. Fort Collins/Loveland is a bit of a foodie area. We are famous for breweries (Fat Tire is one brand).
Rocky Mountain National Park is 40 minutes away.
Our climate is semi-arid with LOTS OF SUN AT 5000 feet. (Heavy Winter snows start in higher elevations). Lived my until 2010 in Northern California.
I am very involved in my local Greek Orthodox Church. Recently I ignited a group for racial reconciliation.
I suffer from Migraines and Light sensitivity.
My family is Bi-racial (African-American, Scots) and Bi-cultural.
I’ve worked at a Winery, was a computer tech, been Athlete and Coach, Vista Volunteer. Love healthy food! Love travel and have been to Scotland, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Malta, Peru, Croatia, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska.

Location

Loveland, Colorado

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