This is one of the teas recently purchased from Culinary Teas. There was a lovely fragrance when I opened the package to see this tightly curled broken leaf tea. I brewed it as directed at 212 degrees, for four minutes. [The recommendation was for three to five minutes] Next time I will brew it for only three minutes. My second cup, having cooled a bit, had a somewhat bitter taste even though I had removed the tea ball from the pot at the end of the brewing time. I tried it both straight and with milk and agave nectar. I definitely prefer it straight. It will make a very nice everyday tea and I will probably use it for afternoon tea. It isn't quite brisk enough to get me started moving in the morning ... need my Irish Breakfast or some other nice strong Assam for that. I recently read, on another tea blog, about Welsh Breakfast tea blends. I'd never heard of them before but will have to search them out to compare with my Irish.
I have come to the conclusion that Culinary Teas, though pleasant enough, will not be replacing SpecialTeas in my tea-loving heart. I'll be making a list of some of the other tea vendors listed in the blogs I have been reading and continue my search for a reliable source of quality teas. I have also ordered a copy of Teatime magazine to see if I might want to subscribe. Blogs and magazines will be my focus as I continue my self-education.
I just discovered your blog - I love it. Keep up the good work. May I suggest Upton's Tea. They have a huge selection, offer cheap samples and they are excellent in Blacks and greens and some Oolongs. I've used them for 20 years. Harney's and Simpson and Vail also have samples and excellent tea. I find Life in Teacup superb for Oolongs and greens and you always get to buy by the oz or 2 oz.
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