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SimplyJenW drank Laoshan Black by Verdant Tea

985 tasting notes

Tea of the morning.

I have had this one for too long. It is a prime example of my tendency to save the good stuff for a rainy (or snowy, as in today’s weather) day. It is still very good, but it should probably have been gone by now. The thing that struck me this morning was the chocolate smell that wafted from the bag when I opened it. I was at a point where I was not going to replace this, but now I think I will when the time comes. I do tend to shy away from the more expensive places to purchase tea, but there are some places that sell remarkable teas and you always get what you pay for. Verdant is one of them. This is a remarkable tea, even though I have probably had it for 2+ years by now. Proper storage always comes up, and this one has just been sitting in its original packaging in my dark cupboard that is on an inside wall. It does not seem any worse for not using fancier storage.

Notes of chocolate, slight malt, no smoke. Very yummy.

Usual mug method and going for a resteep.

Preparation

205 °F / 96 °C 4 min, 0 sec 2 tsp 15 OZ / 443 ML

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My motto: Drink the good tea!

Tea enthusiast, trying to keep up my cardio for the zombie apocalypse. I have come to accept that I am a western brewing black tea drinker as that is where my ‘tea heart’ lies. I started on loose leaf as a way to have my dessert and not suffer the caloric issues. Once I tried it, I was hooked.

I drink what I like, which is mostly China blacks, a few traditionally scented blacks and Earl Greys, plus a flavored tea here and there. I don’t mind spending a bit on premium varieties on occasion, but an expensive tea has to deliver. My favorite places to order are Harney & Sons and Upton Tea Imports. TeaVivre is great for Chinese tea.

My ratings are pretty subjective. If it falls under 70, I may not take the time to post about it unless I had something specific to say. If it is 70-80 I like it, but I will probably not rebuy. Favorites are over 80 and up, but sometimes the less expensive or more easily obtainable version of a similar taste will win out for my cupboard space.

Usual teapot steeping method: 24 oz teapot, 3 perfect scoops of tea (4 1/2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual mug steeping method: 15 oz mug, 1.5 perfect scoops of tea (just over 2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual pan method: 1 1/2 cups water, 2 perfect tsp chai (3 actual tsp). Simmer for 3 minutes. Add 2/3 cup skim milk. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Strain and sweeten.

Usual pitcher method:
5 or 6 Perfect Spoons of tea (this means about 7-9 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, brewed essentially double-strong in my 24 oz teapot for 4 minutes. Fill my Fiestaware Disc pitcher (about 60 oz.) halfway with ice. Add brewed double-strong tea to the pitcher. Stir it a little and enjoy. No additions.

(*SRP is my Sample/Stash Reduction Plan starting on April 12, 2012. I got so far, but just decided it was too fussy to keep track.)