Backlogging this Ceylon Tea from my late October 2002 order. I really enjoyed the tea from this estate. A broken leaf style wth a nice dry aroma. Cup color was truly medium gold. What I remember most is a full mouth feel with a definite minty flavor. This struck me as unique, because I had no idea a Ceylon tea could exhibit this quality! Cup aroma was less minty than the actual flavor.
If oversteeped, this tea could get bitter, and occasionally I added a bit of sugar. What a fine, memorable tea from a good estate. I wish Upton’s would restock this tea! Since it is such a memorable tea, I remember thinking of rating it at 4.5 stars, or an 88.
I ordered this tea from Upton’s again in early May 2006. This new lot was not as good as the previous lot. Here’s my review from their site:
(12/8/2006)
Dry Leaf: Good, Infused Leaf: Good,
Liquor: Good, Value: Good
“This tea is a good tea…although I remember the previous lot to be more flavorful. Still after a recent cup I find a full, slightly lemon-like taste. Good with a bit of sugar. Tasty & good when you just need a change of pace.”
As you can see the 2006 lot was lemony, and lacked the minty characteristics of the previous lot. I gave the 2006 lot 3 stars, and probably would actually rate it between 68 to 73.
If I combined ratings of the two lots that would mean a rating of 80; but, I want the rating to reflect the first lot! Hey, it’s my review and my perogative…….so let it be written!
Steep on steepin’ on……. :)~
Reviewed: Sat, 09-03-2011
