2170 Tasting Notes
I picked out three teas to bring to work today – two herbals and this one black tea. I knew even as I was putting them in my bag that this would be the one I would choose and likely drink all day.
Second Steep
8 ounces water + 205 degrees + 12 minutes, 30 seconds
Preparation
Oh man, I’m sore this morning. My husband and I have been doing yoga for the past month but yesterday was the first day we’ve actually been to the gym since probably September (!!). Yoga has made a huge difference in the way I feel lately (many thanks to Yoga with Adriene at https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene). I had been having some aches and pains and dizzy spells and since starting yoga those have started to subside. It’s a new love that feels exciting and full of endless possibilities. I only hope one day I’ll be able to think of it as a deep-rooted love, one that fits like a pair of worn-in sneakers but still fills me up and makes me whole.
I had a couple of cups of this yesterday and started to reach for something different just to break things up a bit, but in being honest with myself I knew that this is the tea I wanted to start my morning. Everything about it is just good.
Second Steep
8 ounces water + 210 degrees + 20 minutes
Yesterday’s happy accident led to today’s intention. I purposely steeped this second cup for twenty minutes. It didn’t turn out quite the same as yesterday’s (I think I added too much cream), but it’s still all chocolate and warmth.
Flavors: Chocolate
Preparation
I’ve had this many times before, but I’m not sure if I’ve logged it here. Since that first sip, this tea has become one I turn to often. The aroma pulls you in as soon as you open the bag. It’s chocolate, there’s no doubt, but also something else. Something more specific. It took me a few minutes to figure it out, but this is undoubtedly the same flavor I get from a Hershey’s favorite. It’s not just dark chocolate or milk chocolate, but chocolate syrup. What a treat! I added cream and it’s almost like deep, dark warm chocolate milk.
I’m thinking this morning about a home office, a dreamy space where I can find a little more creativity and light. We’ve been planning on redoing the guest bedroom (which is currently bubble gum pink thanks to the last owner’s young daughter) and I have so many ideas. We want to keep it comfortable for our guests, but I also want to make it a room where I can go for a little quiet time. My husband has his gaming room and I would like to have a space for myself as well. I’m currently camped out at the kitchen table with my laptop and while it does have a great view into our backyard, I would love to have a room all my own. It’s not about closing myself off or being alone, but more about being able to spread out and surround myself with things that inspire me. I’m looking for inspiration everywhere these days it seems.
Second Steep
8 ounces water + 205 degrees + 20 minutes
Oops, I got a little distracted and left this one to steep for twenty minutes. It didn’t seem to do the tea any harm though because it tastes exactly like the first cup. Creamy, smooth, and chocolaty.
Flavors: Chocolate, Dark Bittersweet
Preparation
I still have this in my bag from yesterday, and I’m glad to have another cup. I dropped the temperature by just a bit and the bitterness is completely gone. It’s a solid cup. I picked up on some citrus in the beginning, but now it’s mostly good black tea I’m tasting. I’m still getting some of that fruit flavor (maybe stone fruits?) but I don’t know if that’s part of the flavoring or the tea itself.
Side note: Does anyone do a bullet journal? I’m thinking of transitioning my planner into one. I’m not so artsy (some of them are beautiful), but they seem really detailed and organized with endless possibilities and great benefits.
Flavors: Citrus, Fruity, Stonefruit
Preparation
This was a sweet treat given to me by Nichole for Halloween last year. I love Earl Grey – it’s one of my favorites – and this one smells especially sweet and fruity. I steeped with boiling water per the instructions and I believe as a result this came out a touch bitter. Even so, this cup has a wonderful floral note to it that I’m really enjoying. I wouldn’t say that it tastes like other Earl Grey’s I’ve tried, but it’s lovely standing on its own.
Second Steep
8 ounces water + 212 degrees
I steeped this again with boiling water for several minutes and it is just as flavorful as the first cup. I might be tempted to go for a third.
Flavors: Bitter, Floral, Fruity, Sweet