45 Tasting Notes
After reading SimplyJenW’s tasting notes on this tea, I added it to my order this week when I was reordering my standard breakfast Keemun. I knew I’d love it, and I’m pleased to say I was right! The smoooooth, cocoa-y flavor made me smile involuntarily at the very first sip, reminding me of other China black cocoa-y favorites that I’ve saved for special moments. What a thrill to find one that’s affordable enough to enjoy every day — although I’ll probably still reserve it for weekends, to preserve its “special” status.
Preparation
On weekends at home I fall into an unfortunate habit of overcaffeinating myself. That’s the inevitable result when a lover of “hard-core black teas” [tm SimplyJenW] is close to the kitchen all day and repeatedly thinks, “You know what would be great now? A(nother) pot of tea!”
I just brewed my third pot of the day. I ended up second-guessing my choices for Pots 1 and 2 — which involved four different Ceylons, as it happens — but I know that won’t happen with Pot 3, good old Organic China Black FOP. Rich and mellow, a little cocoa, a little vanilla, and nothing I could possibly regret … well, except for the extra dose of caffeine.
Preparation
Ohhhhh so good. I ordered a large-ish bag of this after tasting a sample. This morning I made a little pot of it, and I broke out in a big smile after the first sip. Rich, mellow, a little spicy but not identifiably peppery. I will be drinking this for breakfast again tomorrow morning, no doubt about it!
Preparation
I tasted this tea last weekend and had to add it to my cupboard ASAP. The rose is present in just the right amount, and there’s a bit of stevia leaf to lightly sweeten the brew. It’s ideal for relaxing with just before bedtime.
This is the first tulsi-based tea I’ve had, and it’s made me interested in trying pure tulsi (holy basil). I think I’ll be adding at least one variety of this herb to my next Upton order.
Preparation
I had been eyeing this one based on Upton’s description and took the plunge and bought a full bag after reading SimplyJenW’s tasting notes on it. I made it for breakfast this morning and am very glad I added it to my (real-life) cupboard! It’s right up my Keemun alley: toasty rather than smoky, and soooo good to start the day with. This will be my breakfast choice on many a winter morning, I am sure!
Preparation
This tasting note isn’t for Decaf Ceylon by itself, but for what I’ve come to think of as Decaf and a Pinch. I’ve lately gotten in the habit of drinking Decaf Ceylon as my evening brew, blended about 3:1 with a non-decaf, usually flavored tea. It is particularly delicious with a bit of Florence or Tower of London. Tonight I’m enjoying it with a little Elyse’s Blend for that honey note.