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After hearing some discussion on Osmanthus Oolong, and a small gift from QuiltGuppy, I was able to have a cup of this today. It has all the qualities I like in an oolong. Silky feel, yellow liquor, that in between black and green flavor, joined with a very subtle hint of floral. The oolong base in this reminds me of some of the Milk Oolongs I have tried.

Thanks again QG, for allowing me this new and somewhat different tea experience.

(the sound of spoons tinking lightly against teacups)
Ahem, Ladies and Gentlemen, I hereby declare it “Royal Wedding” tea time.
Thank you for your attention to this fine blend. For more information, see previous notes.

Starting my day off with a cup of this. Such a fine tea and the longer I keep it, the better it becomes…
See previous note for more information.

As usual, thanks be to QuiltGuppy!

I have been saving this sample, courtesy of our friend QuiltGuppy. My mother has been in and out of the hospital the last two weeks, we got a good report this morning so it is time for something new and good! Eight at the Fort covers so many of my interests. It was originally blended for a historic meeting, one of the attendees was from my home state, and it is black tea (still my favorite.) I find this a little on the complex side, it is hard to tell the eight teas, they blend and fit together very well. Dry, it is a little on the long side for black tea. I think Darjeeling is there, that wine note jumps out. The maltyness of Assam is also easy to find. The color as noted, looks reddish like a Ceylon. I really like this, and I think it could be better than my previous beloved Prince of Wales from Twinings.
One review mentioned it is a contemplative tea, I think I will give that a try…

Second steep, I added a little leaf. The flavor has great depth, and I gave in to the subliminal messages of days past, discussions of cheese toast and mustard. The Queen pairs very well with a little rye toast, some cheddar and yellow mustard. “Pairs well” may not actually cover it. How about “incredible”, as I dip my last morsel in mustard, then follow it with a sip of tea. I have read that cheese toast was a treat for British sailors at sea. Hard to imagine a cold north wind from the Atlantic right now, but I understand how this was a desired meal. My first fresh peach of the season completed this wonderful little lunch. Long live the Queen!

As is the case for so many of us, I have to thank QUILTGUPPY for the chance to try this.
I love rich, full-bodied black tea. This blend is so smooth, yet it seems to have a little extra up it’s sleeve. You can tell that flavor is there, it just isn’t in your face.
I may try a little milk or cream with this just for effect, but it stands well on it’s own.
It is a beautiful golden elixir when steeped.

A keeper for sure!

Keeping the peach theme going…yet another fix from QuiltGuppy, generous she is. The peach is there, but understated. The cream is faint. I am picking up a trace of smoke in the black tea base. I like smoke, but was caught off guard to find it here. I tasted three distinct times and it is there. Odd but good. Reading the peaches & cream label, I expected bold flavors. This is ok, nothing wrong with it, just not what I expected.

Ok, it is not quite midsummer, and I usually avoid anything decaf, but the peach in this one is very good, the black tea flavor is there as well and overall I like it.

Thanks be to QuiltGuppy.

Like Jenn, I have QuiltGuppy to thank for this. Also, like Jenn, today seemed like a good day for this. I love the delicate nature of this blend. It almost demands the best china to be used when serving. So I broke out an heirloom cup and saucer and made it my profile picture. That is Royal Wedding in the cup. (I did this days ago, but just felt inspired enough to log it)
I love the color of it after steeping, a rich gold in my cup. There is a hint of vanilla or maybe a note of honey. I agree with Jenn, the floral aspect is very light. This tea is formal, detailed, even complex, but wonderful. I can count the white teas I have tried on one hand, if they are all this good, I may be adding to the list!