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SimplyJenW drank Keemun Black Tea – Grade 1 by Teavivre

985 tasting notes

Tea of the morning….

I finally broke into my Christmas tea. I will admit to ordering tea for myself for Christmas. Hubby knows I love my tea, but am incredibly particular about it. He was fine with me doing so. I think this was actually an order placed over Thanksgiving weekend. It was nice to fill out my Teavivre collection a little. The staples of my Teavivre teas are Bailin Gongfu and The Golden Tip Yun Nan Dian Hong. I purchased both in copious amounts when Teavivre had their 2 year anniversary sale. Now I have added in this, as well as the lowest grade of Dian Hong (which is such a value tea, in my opinion), The Panyang, and a refill of the Golden Monkey. I cannot help myself when it comes to China black tea, and Teavivre just does tea so well.

I think this is the first time I have purchased this, even though I had it early in my Teavivre sampling days. I have purchased grade 2 a few times, but I decided it was time to try another. I get notes of chocolate, but they are seriously tempered with a light smoke that is not anywhere near as smokey as lapsang. I also get an earthiness and a touch of astringency. Overall, though, it is a smooth cup. This morning I was struck by how much this reminded me of coffee. I used to be a coffee drinker, but now I am a tea drinker who occasionally has a cup of coffee. ;) That must be why I am always drawn to the lower grades of Keemun. I like the fancy ones, but I can never be without some kind of basic Keemun in my cupboard. I did notice the shorter leaves in this, and I measured accordingly. My teaspoons were on the scant side. It came out perfect.

Usual teapot method.

Preparation

Boiling 4 min, 0 sec 4 tsp 24 OZ / 709 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.)