English Breakfast Tea (Organic)

Backlog from a few days ago, at breakfast.

I’m not sure why I’m so sporadic with my tealog lately – some teas I’ll update as soon as I have them, and then others I’ll just…wait a day or so before posting. I even store the little details in my head because it’s just like opening the tasting note box at that moment takes so. much. effort. compared to just storing it in my head.

It makes so much sense, I know.

Maybe it’s just that as far as English Breakfast teas go, this was good, but not “100” good and worth shouting about? Because it IS good – a nice organic black tea that is strong and brisk and bright all at the same time – but it is not the best of its kind I’ve ever had. Especially at the 4 minute mark, where some bitterness starts to creep in as it cools and necessitates some sugar.

I’m thinking 3:30 will work as a steep time when I get around to this one again… same as when I retry the Assam Gold. Less time than I traditionally steep my black teas for, but perhaps that just means I’ll get more mileage out of them in resteeps? I will test that theory when I get around to it again.

As for rating this preparation, I will consider it a solid option, just not my first choice for a breakfast tea.

Sample package label:
“Our Traditional blend of organic and biodynamic fair trade black tea. This provides a superior organic black tea creating a robust flavor perfect for beginning the day. Brews a smooth malty cup with a clean finish. Ingredients: Organic Black Tea. Steep 3 – 5 minutes.”

I did not read The Tea Merchant’s website marketing description of this tea prior to tasting.

6-oz water with total dissolved solids (TDS) of 24 ppm, boiled, left to stand so only steaming hot
1 rounded Tevanna teaspoon

This tea has a fresh clean smell that reminds me of something more than just tea. But what is it?
Vibrant reddish hue

First Infusion:
3-min: Smooth but light-bodied with a clean finish. I then steeped it an additional 2-min.
5-min: Smooth & medium bodied, with light floral/fruity notes and a clean finish. At this point I can’t identify the floral/fruity notes. There was zero hint of bitterness or astringency.

2nd 5-min Infusion:
Lighter than the first infusion, but still very enjoyable. I debated whether to try a 2nd infusion. However, I’m glad I did.

First Impression: I typically think of English Breakfast Tea as a strong, full-bodied, wake up breakfast tea. While I am now more alert, I find myself craving something more full-bodied. Perhaps this truly enjoyable tea deserves a new name that better describes its character.

2nd Cup:
First 5-min Infusion:
Prepared as above, but with a heaping Tevanna teaspoon. Now we’re talking – much more robust! This definitely is English Breakfast Tea! Best of all, there is still zero hint of bitterness or astringency. My teacup was empty before I knew it. Well done!! Time for a …

2nd 5-min Infusion:
As you would expect, the heaping teaspoon also improved this infusion – definitely more full-bodied, but of course not as much as the first infusion of the 2nd cup.

Final thoughts: Thanks to The Tea Merchant for providing this generous size free sample. It’s a good thing that Joey Landford provided enough tea for more than one cup! I would urge The Tea Merchant to specify a heaping teaspoon on their packaging since they describe this tea as providing a “robust flavor perfect for beginning the day”. Such information may prevent tea drinkers from forming a less than favorable first impression of this excellent tea.