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“Backlogging tea of the morning….. (SRP #46) I really do like this one. I almost bought without sampling just because many of those who like similar teas than me are fans of this one. But then I...” Read full tasting note
“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...” Read full tasting note
“Many thanks to Lady Londonderry for this tea!!!!! I had a wee bit of this before with Rose Scented, but this morning is the first time I’m tasting its true character. It’s really nice! Wine-y, a...” Read full tasting note
“The aroma is sweet and light, somewhat of apricot. The liquor is medium-colored and has a notably clean taste, that of archetypal “black tea”. It has no astringency, mild sweetness, and a nice...” Read full tasting note
Well-twisted leaves with golden tips, producing a liquor that has the character of a non-smoky Keemun. The Burgundy-like flavor notes end with a sweet, clean finish.
Origin: China
Company description not available.
China Yunnan Imperial FOP Organic Black Tea
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Claus Kröger, HamburgBacklogging tea of the morning….. (SRP #46)
I really do like this one. I almost bought without sampling just because many of those who like similar teas than me are fans of this one. But then I remembered that I had many versions of a good basic black tea in my cupboard at this time. So I opted for a sample to see if it would be good for purchasing at a later date.
For those who are not fans of the smokey notes in Keemun, this one is for you. Lightly chocolatey, malty, a hint of caramel, and a light bit of bite at the front of the sip to make it interesting. I do think it is worthy of having a place in my cupboard, but I need to pare down the stash of good basic blacks for a little while longer. It is going on the list.
Usual teapot method. Lightly sweetened.
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.
I have a sample of this one coming my way…. ;) If you like it, I am sure I will!
I’m sure you will too, Jen! Don’t expect any fireworks; this one is just my very good tea friend that never lets me down. :-)
Is it back in stock? I love this one!
Jacqueline, I got my current bag of it less than three weeks ago, and it appears to be in stock on the website, which they are good about keeping up to date.
Goodie! I think I’ll get some and also that Spring Dragon oolong you recommended. Yummy!!!
Oh – one more thing! Do you have a favorite ceylon from Upton that you think might be good for classic iced tea?
My favorite overall is the Kenilworth Estate OP (the “biscuity” one), but I think the Dimbula BOP might be a better choice for iced tea.
Thank you! This order is going to be the Lady Londonderry Special :)
:)
Many thanks to Lady Londonderry for this tea!!!!!
I had a wee bit of this before with Rose Scented, but this morning is the first time I’m tasting its true character.
It’s really nice! Wine-y, a sweetness – I’m getting that pastry cinnamony flavor I get with some teas – but it’s a little thin. I think I was wimpy with the leaves. I also let it brew a little longer than I usually do (5 min) and I’m getting the teeniest bit of astringency.
I need to make this again with a bit more leaves, and stop the steeping at 4 minutes. If I can preserve the pastry notes – mmmm! This would be a super bargain, and it’s organic to boot! I could see this as being a wonderful everyday drinker!
Oh! And before I forget – completely unrelated to tea – I have another guest post at the blog I wrote the Bronte tea post at. This one is about John Adams and…mushrumps!
http://unputdownables.net/2011/06/10/life-liberty-and-the-pursuit-of-mushrumps/
I had a feeling you would like this one! And do try it with a pinch of the Keemun Mao Feng sometime; they blend together beautifully.
P.S. I enjoyed your post and the recipe! I agree that sherry is wonderful in soups. My favorite lentil soup recipe (tomato-based) calls for a quarter cup of dry sherry added at the very end, and that addition gives it a certain je ne sais quoi.
Mushrumps it is, from here on out! We dined at The King’s Arms tavern in Colonial Williamsburg, and loved that the waiter gave us a great lecture on the foods and why they were served as they were, what the colonials would have cooked and how. I also LOVE their ingenuity – folding tables, hidden drawers, convertible furniture! What a time!
any chance the vendor is likely to disclose where the tea actually comes from in China or what varietal leaf it comes from? China BOP sounds like a generic mix or a low grade tea that they are blending for profile….but I bet it makes great cold steeped iced tea
I assume it’s a blend, and Upton lists it in the category “Other Congou,” to distinguish it from the Keemuns. Full description:
“Well-twisted leaves with golden tips, producing a liquor that has the character of a non-smoky Keemun. The Burgundy-like flavor notes end with a sweet, clean finish.”
Don’t dismiss it on the basis of the generic-sounding name; this one is well worth trying. It is a staple in my cupboard.
I dont’ dismiss the tea I question the nature of those who would keep us from truly appreciate its origins….golden tips is usually an indication of the ‘dayeh’ varitetial of camillia sinesis sinesis….though not always…..‘congou’ means ‘finely crafted’ …
Kashyap All of my dealings with Upton have been very good. I’m sure if you asked, they would be forthcoming with more information. I don’t think they are trying to hide anything – I see them more as no nonsense New Englanders :)
I love a single source tea, but blends have their place as every day drinkers for me. I really like this one, Queen Catherine from Harney, etc. I work at an art school and take classes too – I can’t drink $24 a tin Keemun Mao Feng every day (although I’d like to. I dream about it every day to tell you the truth!)
The aroma is sweet and light, somewhat of apricot. The liquor is medium-colored and has a notably clean taste, that of archetypal “black tea”. It has no astringency, mild sweetness, and a nice body. Not a complex tea, but not boring.
Thanks for the comparison to Keemun. I’ll make a note to check this one out!