89

Continuing on my 52teas binge…

This tea smells delicious, all the darn time. Fresh out of the bag, brewing in a big old western style pot, cooling slowly in my cup… a very, very good smell. The freshness of the mint, plus the indulgent sweet smell of the chocolate (which I can actually pick up pretty distinctly in the smell). This would also make a good candle, although it would probably be less tasty as a candle.

Tasting this tea, the flavors seem to move along in waves. The first hint is chocolate, then the mint comes forward, and fades away to the smooth, malty black tea before chocolate round two (which tastes like a chocolate liqueur flavor at this point). From what I’ve tasted in other teas, chocolate seems like it might be a bit tough to master in a tea flavor. Frank does it nicely here, and the mint is at a great level where it accents the chocolate, as opposed to overpowering the cup. A long, lingering fresh mint taste stays in the mouth after a swallow.

Overall, another very impressive tea from 52teas. It doesn’t quite instill the mad-squirrel frenzy in me that the Cherry Cheesecake Genmaicha did, but I’m definitely glad it’s in the permanent collection and I don’t have to have palpitations thinking I’m never going to see it again.

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 3 min, 0 sec

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Bio

My fiancé and I are beginning to enjoy tea infusion, and it’s slowly becoming an interesting hobby that the two of us can share. Maybe not slowly… it’s somewhat amazing how much tea you can buy when everything looks shiny and new.

Tea Rating system:

90 – 100: This is a tea I will always have on hand at work, and at home. I will leave it on altars as offerings of perfection.

80 – 89: This, or one of it’s close cousins, will likely be in my cabinet at home. When this tea runs out, I will buy more. I’ll always wonder if there is something better, but be too afraid to look to stray from home to find it.

70 – 79: Definitely good, but not a clear winner. I enjoy it, I’ll finish it, but I probably won’t buy it again until I’ve exhausted all other versions of this product from any reputable retailer. Though, it may enjoy a resurrection for custom blending.

60 – 69: This tea is okay, but definitely not something I’m going to brew again. I’m going to give what I have left away.

30 – 59: I didn’t finish drinking this tea. I actually poured it out, and went for something else. I’ll still give this tea away, but I’ll do it with a warning and a plead for forgiveness.

0 – 29: This tea is riding securely towards an iceberg at the helm of the failboat. I’ve taken this out of my tea tin, and laid it on a napkin as potpurri. I do not consider it fit for human consumption.

Location

Tacoma, Washington, United States

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