Tea of the afternoon…..
I finally made it to my winter break! We have a few little side trips to make, but mostly we will be home for the next few weeks. Bliss! This is my celebratory cuppa, and I just realized that I still have a whole tin of it left. More to celebrate! Also, winter looks like it has officially arrived at our house. I think we got round 9 inches of snow yesterday. Bring it, Old Man Winter! I have my tea to keep me warm!
This is my tea first love. It has been so long since I have had a cup of this, I was worried that it would not appeal as much. Some of the teas I thought I really liked over the past few years are pretty much in the ‘meh’ category as of now. This one, however, has stood the test of time. I love it just as much today as I ever have. It is my tea perfection by which all other black teas seem to be compared. I do reserve this one for special days, and I definitely think that might be contributing to my feelings about it. Whatever it is, I am going with it! Notes of cocoa, malt, slight smoke, and just…..magic.
Usual teapot method. I do measure the perfect teaspoons on the scant side for this one.
Preparation
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ooo…sounds like I’d love this one!
nice
I wonder how Keemun Mao Feng by Harney & Sons comapres with what I’m drinking now, Keemun Panda #1 from the Whistling Kettke? Have you also tasted KP#1?
Not anywhere near Keemun Panda #1. If I recall, KP#1 is much more earthy and slightly astringent. Keemun Mao Feng is smooth with just a hint of smoke and lots of cocoa.
Keemuns come in several grades. I am pretty sure the KP#1 is stocked by many tea sellers….if I had to guess, I think it comes from Metropolitan Teas, a wholesaler. The more tea I drink, usually you do get what you pay for. KP#1 runs around $15 a pound….this one currently sells for $10 for 2 oz.
In your experience, which of the Keemuns is the best value – highest Steepster score for the cost? Thanks
It all depends on your preferences. Tea is a personal journey. There are definitely teas that are not worth the money to me. If you are happy with the KP#1, enjoy it and don’t let anyone talk you out of it! I remember it being too smokey for me at the time I tried it, but it might be different now. (I do think there are less expensive places to buy it than the Whistling Kettle, but it is always good to support them if they are local to you.)
Oops…misquoted the price on this. It is $20 for 2 ounces. When I bought mine in 2011 it was $24 for 4 oz.
I’m currently enjoying KP#1. Yes, it’s slightly astringent, and a little smokey, but nothing like Lapsang Souchong. However, I’m open to suggestions & new tea experiences that are afforadable enough for an everyday tea.
No, the Whistling Kettle is not local, but they do have quantity discounts & free shipping with a minimum order. I’d be interested in more cost-effective dealers.
KMF $96/lb – 2011, Now – $160/LB. That’s inflation! The average US salary didn’t increase that much during the same period.
LooseTman: check out Dyland and Missy’s reviews of all the Teavivre Keemuns, they are a bargain, and tasty, just depends on what sort of Keemun you like best. This Mao Feng is excellent, though. If you sign up for Teavivre’s free tasting and review program you can request a same of each Keemun and try it for yourself!
ashmanra: Thanks for the heads-up about Teavivre’s Keemuns & their free tasting and review program!
Ashmanra, I’ve greatly enjoyed Teavivre’s free tasting and review program. What a great concept – a win-win for TeaVivre & their customers! Thank you for this recommendation!!
NEWS: TeaVivre will be offering Keemun Mao Feng next year.
ooo…sounds like I’d love this one!
nice
I wonder how Keemun Mao Feng by Harney & Sons comapres with what I’m drinking now, Keemun Panda #1 from the Whistling Kettke? Have you also tasted KP#1?
Not anywhere near Keemun Panda #1. If I recall, KP#1 is much more earthy and slightly astringent. Keemun Mao Feng is smooth with just a hint of smoke and lots of cocoa.
Keemuns come in several grades. I am pretty sure the KP#1 is stocked by many tea sellers….if I had to guess, I think it comes from Metropolitan Teas, a wholesaler. The more tea I drink, usually you do get what you pay for. KP#1 runs around $15 a pound….this one currently sells for $10 for 2 oz.
In your experience, which of the Keemuns is the best value – highest Steepster score for the cost? Thanks
It all depends on your preferences. Tea is a personal journey. There are definitely teas that are not worth the money to me. If you are happy with the KP#1, enjoy it and don’t let anyone talk you out of it! I remember it being too smokey for me at the time I tried it, but it might be different now. (I do think there are less expensive places to buy it than the Whistling Kettle, but it is always good to support them if they are local to you.)
Oops…misquoted the price on this. It is $20 for 2 ounces. When I bought mine in 2011 it was $24 for 4 oz.
I’m currently enjoying KP#1. Yes, it’s slightly astringent, and a little smokey, but nothing like Lapsang Souchong. However, I’m open to suggestions & new tea experiences that are afforadable enough for an everyday tea.
No, the Whistling Kettle is not local, but they do have quantity discounts & free shipping with a minimum order. I’d be interested in more cost-effective dealers.
KMF $96/lb – 2011, Now – $160/LB. That’s inflation! The average US salary didn’t increase that much during the same period.
LooseTman: check out Dyland and Missy’s reviews of all the Teavivre Keemuns, they are a bargain, and tasty, just depends on what sort of Keemun you like best. This Mao Feng is excellent, though. If you sign up for Teavivre’s free tasting and review program you can request a same of each Keemun and try it for yourself!
ashmanra: Thanks for the heads-up about Teavivre’s Keemuns & their free tasting and review program!
Ashmanra, I’ve greatly enjoyed Teavivre’s free tasting and review program. What a great concept – a win-win for TeaVivre & their customers! Thank you for this recommendation!!
NEWS: TeaVivre will be offering Keemun Mao Feng next year.