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I’m typically not a fan of “plain” (unflavored) black teas… not sure why, but my tastebuds need/want/require flavor. But this is the one tea that is the exception to my “rule.” Even though it’s technically a “plain” tea, you can immediately smell and taste the cocoa aroma/flavor in your first whiff and then first sip. I do usually add some sweetener to this (says the sweet-tooth queen) but honestly, that’s just me. This is sweet enough on its own. I love the cocoa wake-up flavor. Now if I could just get my body to accept the fact that it’s A.M. and I should at least appear to be awake for work, I’ll be all set. ;)

Kashyap

black teas are full of ‘flavors’…Yunnans have malty, citrus and sometimes leather and blueberry notes….Ceylon are brisk with tannins, dark fruit leather, carob….Darjeelings of white grape skin, flowers….Kenya and Tanzania of spice and earth….and Quimen/Keemun of plums and mulled wine….they are so rich on thier own and lush with memories they unlocked if we listen…slather them with chemical compounds and synthetic flavor oils, toss in pesticide laden dried fruit and flowers…and its a chemical bath…and no longer a dance with nature and weather….i’m glad you could find a way to appreciate the dragon pearls…i hope it frees you to find more nuances in your cup that are natural and raw and not made in a lab :)

KeenTeaThyme

Hey, those easily offended – I don’t always notice the flavors of other “plain” teas; every one’s taste is subjective. No reason to get upset. I respect your reviews, all I ask is that you respect mine.

Kashyap

i’m lost…was sombody offended?
your right..everybody’s taste is subjective…from time of day, to diet, to raw genetics….

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Kashyap

black teas are full of ‘flavors’…Yunnans have malty, citrus and sometimes leather and blueberry notes….Ceylon are brisk with tannins, dark fruit leather, carob….Darjeelings of white grape skin, flowers….Kenya and Tanzania of spice and earth….and Quimen/Keemun of plums and mulled wine….they are so rich on thier own and lush with memories they unlocked if we listen…slather them with chemical compounds and synthetic flavor oils, toss in pesticide laden dried fruit and flowers…and its a chemical bath…and no longer a dance with nature and weather….i’m glad you could find a way to appreciate the dragon pearls…i hope it frees you to find more nuances in your cup that are natural and raw and not made in a lab :)

KeenTeaThyme

Hey, those easily offended – I don’t always notice the flavors of other “plain” teas; every one’s taste is subjective. No reason to get upset. I respect your reviews, all I ask is that you respect mine.

Kashyap

i’m lost…was sombody offended?
your right..everybody’s taste is subjective…from time of day, to diet, to raw genetics….

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

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Bio

Hello fellow tea fans!
I’ve been a tea enthusiast for years but just recently started brewing my own. I’ve created some blends, and enjoy researching about new teas. I combined my love of tea and writing to create a tea-devoted blog, Keen Tea Thyme. I have been writing for most of my life and am a former journalist with a degree in Communications and Social Psychology, and a minor in Writing. Journalism is in my blood, so that means I’m inquisitive by nature, will double-check sources and/or get a second opinion as needed, but also fair and balanced in my reviews. If my reviews seem more positive, energetic and have high ratings, it’s because I love tea. :)

If you are a tea company, I’d love to review some your tea! Free samples are always welcome so I can fully enjoy the freshest selections. I’m also open to tea swaps as I always have too many teas on hand to drink & would love to share with other tea enthusiasts! :)

My Simple Rating Scale (as of Feb. 2011)
>50: I’m NOT a fan. I could barely finish the cup, if I even did. I wouldn’t even recommend this to my worst enemy. Not worth my time nor yours.

51-65: Good aroma, good flavor. Just nothing pops to give the tea that special kick. Recommended to try; our tasting palates differ.

66-79: Yes, finally, tea – unique flavor profiles, great aroma & flavor. Recommended to try; our tasting palates differ.

80-99: These are cupboard essentials – delicious, aromatic and perfect everyday teas. Re-steepable (beyond at least one steeping). Highly recommended, fun for all ages.

100: These are my favorites, the ones I would take with me if stranded on a desert island. Beyond Highly Recommended.

Just Launched: Keen Tea Thyme @ Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KeenTeaThyme

Check out my shop at Tea Trade:
http://keenteathyme.teatra.de/

Be “keen” on tea at Keen Tea Thyme, my blog:
http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com/
Reviews, blogs, tea leaf readings, puzzles, contests and more.

And check out some of my blends from Adagio:
Toasted Marshmallow
http://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=15394&sid=0349b21a92100a51134eea7fc2b52f2d&scrollTop=0

Vampire Lemonade
http://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=15766&SID=01971e73a2cbaa7c0b09962b355fdeb8

If you have a signature blend you’d like me to try, we can swap teas! PM me for details! :)

Happy Brewing! :)

Location

Frederick, MD

Website

http://keenteathyme.blogspot....

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