I just revised my rating system and did away with precise points within ranges (see my profile for details). I will be re-rating all teas from older notes as I have time (because I’m too OCD to leave the old ones alone :p )
So this tea, not bad, not bad at all. I’m not much of a beer person, or any alcoholic beverage for that matter. I drink in the rare social setting for appearances and use beer as a functional “supplement” at the goth clubs I used to go to with my husband in Florida (no such fun here in Wyoming :(. . but let me tell you, when Im 40, I’ll still go out when opportunity presents. . no shame! haha!!. .b/c that is what beer is for)
So back to the tea. It definitely has an ale smell about it in the dry leaf and the final brew. The flavor, though, is mostly Vanilla and Rhubarb and this is alright with me! I’ll have to try it with sugar sometime too, b/c I’m not too concerned about where the hops meander off too if I do).
Besides the hops component, I was also afraid of the Keemun base. From what I’ve experienced of straight Keemuns, I don’t like them for being too smoky. But maybe some are moreso than others? Or maybe the flavors here work to tame it. I dunno, but it’s good anyway, so I’m glad that I took a chance.
Finally, semi-ralated to the tea. I got my first glass tea pot! A tiny 12oz one with a metal handle from Teavivre. I had to use my black friday points before they expired, so it was a quick decision. I was worried about the functionality of the swinging detachable handle, but it works if I hold it and the lid taut while pouring. I’d still rather a side handle, but there were no 12oz pots of that design. But enough complaining! I got to set my tea leaves freeeee! and it. was. AWESOME. Like science and art all together in a glass beaker. I’m probably going to brew a lot more tea than usual now until the excitement wears off. . .if it ever does.
