Irish Breakfast

I’ve never been one for breakfast teas. They make me nervous. Are they a tea-lover’s equivalent to the black hole that is a cup of morning coffee? Are they robust? Aggressive? Some hideous demonic fiend, come to rip me from my comfortable sleep-deprived stupor? I don’t want that. Not at all. Leave me alone, scary black tea.

I love to force myself out of my comfort zone… really, I do, but I don’t think I truly left it by ordering this tea. It’s surprisingly mellow and non-confrontational, which is very misleading, seeing as the sticker for this tea consists of some dude in a chariot, clutching both a spear and shield. I was expecting to get shredded and then dragged along behind! I usually steep it underneath the recommended 4-5 minute mark but I think I would still be safe if I hit that time. It would be the perfect milk companion then.

Orange Pekoe is new to me, as are “Indian teas”. A peppery finish, while less new, is still a novelty, although I don’t always pick that up with this blend. A cup of this tends to be pointy and a tad bready- like a morning orange and bun. It has a zippy fresh quality that is invigorating, yet manages not to shred my tongue up with astringent talons. It’s pleasant and bright.

The liquid’s aroma comes off as pleasantly musky sweet. It tasted and smelled rather fine with the butter chicken yesterday. It’s been a good month for black teas!

I drank this whole bag before I realized I never stopped to write a tasting note. This tea grew on me pretty quickly. It’s a bit light compared to most Irish breakfasts, but still hefty enough to be a breakfast tea. I liked the flavor, and since it wasn’t as acidic as the average breakfast tea, it sat a lot better on my stomach.

Happy St Paddy’s Day. Since I really like Irish Breakfast, I picked this up at the store a few months ago. There is sweet scent, and a bit darker than I’m used to. The flavour is bold and smooth, with just a hint of sweet malt. Went well with my Irish cream bread pudding.