I’m drinking both the 1st and 2nd flushes from Castleton this morning. 1st flush is very green and floral, 2nd flush is darker (though still not dark enough that I would feel inclined to add milk) and has a richer, deeper flavour. I’m mostly just sitting here, sipping, thinking “ok, I guess this is that muscatel flavour I keep hearing about”. Tastes like tea. ;)
Well it has been over a year and everyone I know thinks my tea obsession is a bit out of hand, so… I guess I’m not a total newbie anymore. :)
I’m drinking a lot more pure tea these days, though I still love a good flavoured blend too. Current favourites: Chinese and Taiwanese blacks, fresh Chinese greens, oolongs both green and roasted, sheng puer.
I really love companies that buy directly from tea farmers, and have an emphasis on quality and sustainability. Favourites: Verdant, Whispering Pines, Eco Cha, White 2 Tea. I live in a small town in the middle of nowhere, so I buy almost all my tea online.
For hot tea, I’m usually brewing in either a 100ml gaiwan, or a 10oz mug with a steeping basket. For cold tea, I cold brew overnight in 500ml mason jars.
My cupboard on Steepster doesn’t include small samples, just the ones I have at least 15g of. So if you see something you’re interested in, I probably have enough to share. :)
Northwestern Ontario, Canada
