80

There has been so much written about this tea I doubt I really have much to add. I was hoping to love it more than I do. This is a traditional Dian Hong black tea that was WILD-PICKED from the remote mountains of southern Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China. Oooh… wild picked is pretty awesome in and of itself.
The leaves are beautiful golden, downy, and soft. They smell like sweet malt chocolate and graham crackers. The liquor is extremely smooth and brews up a tan rusty orange color. The scent of the brewed leaves is sweet and light. I am surprised by the different tastes each steep brings. I tried the short quick steeps as suggested on the Verdant website but personally felt it needed more time. This is WAY LIGHTER than most blacks. Too light for my taste buds so quite honestly wishing I did not buy so much.
Made me ponder if the “Original” Golden Fleece was a cut above the current one being sold…

Flavors: Apple, Chocolate, Graham, Malt, Sweet Potatoes, Vanilla

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 2 min, 0 sec

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Bio

Janee here,
Tea lover…actually quite more on the obsessed side.
Nurse. Vintage Kitchen Glass Collector. Wife, a mom & a gram of 4 sweet littles.
Faith. Nature. Music. Baking. Gardening. Mid Century Modern. Love dogs. Love my old farmhouse.

Black and Oolong teas have my heart. I prefer a high quality loose straight tea.
I certainly don’t mind a well done flavored tea or a good tisane especially in the evenings though I am not a fan of artificial flavors, stevia, or yogurt/ chocolate bits added.
I in general don’t care too much for rooibos and honeybush blends… though a couple blends have surprised me in a good way.

How I rate: IMHO all of our ratings are pretty subjective…Keep in mind I am in no way an expert…but I am an enthusiast for sure! I love the experience.

95-100 Bliss, nirvana, a slice of heaven, I need this in my cupboard
90-94 Excellent, hands down would stock up…love in a cup
80-89 Very good- Would probably purchase again without regrets…delicious
70-79 Decent. OK. I would not refuse a cup if offered but I also would not go out and purchase.
60-69 Meh. Definitely would not purchase
59-50 Not for me, I would never purchase
<50 Just say NO. Can not fathom finishing the cup.

My usual teapot steeping (western) method: 30 oz teapot, 3-4 perfect spoons of tea, freshly boiled filtered water, 1-6 minutes depending on the type of tea. Occasional milk or cream but I prefer straight with no sweeteners/additions.

My usual mug steeping method: 16 oz mug, 1-2 perfect spoons of tea, freshly boiled filtered water,1-6 minutes depending on type of tea.

Teaware I use:
I own too much. I like using the Tea Press from DavidsTea when on the go. I often use the Perfect Steeper from Teavana or DT.
I heart my Japanese Iwachu Tetsubin cast iron teapot. It stays warm, it’s beautiful, and it adds to the experience. I have a few english antique teapots I love as well.

Location

Illinois

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