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SimplyJenW drank Keemun Mao Feng by Harney & Sons

985 tasting notes

Tea of the afternoon…..

I am late on the tribute day for John Harney, but for me the tribute would have gone well on past one day. I really attribute Harney & Sons and this particular tea for beginning my true love for tea. I felt like once I had tried this one, everything changed. Prior to drinking this one for the first time, I was content with drinking mostly flavored and lower quality teas (not saying those are bad things, just different from where my tea journey ended up leading). This was the tea that showed me the complexity and richness that can come from a well crafted black tea. As for the company in general, I have found their service to be above and beyond the norm, and their tea wonderful quality for the price, even though every blend might not have been for me. I truly appreciate John Harney’s legacy.

I just opened a new tin of this today. I must have not opened a new one once I finished the last, so it has been a while since I last had this one. It is still wonderful. Notes of chocolate, slight smoke, malt. Great body. Still one of my absolute favorites.

Usual teapot method.

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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.)