From the dry leaves, I expected this to be a little bitter, one of those confrontational, drill-sergeant morning teas. Not so. This is smooth. Something gives a brightness on the sides of the tongue. Something gives a slight dry feeling in the aftertaste, almost like wine tannins? I don’t get particular notes—bread, wood, smoke, jam. But maybe I’m not awake enough yet.
Woke up one morning, January 2012, and simply couldn’t take coffee anymore. Every day since, have been amazed at how much better tea is—better tasting, better for my mental state.
Currently love black tea blends in the morning, sencha all afternoon, and white teas at night. Favorite retailers so far (not affiliated with any of course) are Den’s Tea, Harney & Sons, Butiki, Joy’s Teaspoon, and of course Verdant.
Other joys besides tea: books, travel, dogs, perfume, and Bikram yoga.
western U.S.
