Kericho Gold

December Sipdown Prompt – a tea that was a gift

This prompt is easy because virtually every tea on shelf was a gift from either my kids or Ashman. I chose this one because it was the most recent gift, arriving two days ago in a card from gmathis. Thank you, gmathis!

I made this to drink with an afternoon snack of two pieces of Bissinger’s chocolates. As an individually wrapped teabag of a single type of tea (Kenyan), I didn’t know whether I would need to add milk to smooth it out or just what the quality would be.

I was really surprised to sniff the steeped tea and find really savory notes along woth classic malty black tea aroma. It was completely free of astringency or sourness while still tasting like a substantial black tea that could serve as a breakfast beverage easily and would take milk and sugar without flinching but is perfectly reasonable without.

This may be a contender to be a replacement for the London Cuppa for my daughter. Available online from a couple of sources, including one that has special loose leaf packaging and contributes to Kenya Kids Can.

Sydney is a 9-year-old (coworker’s daughter) who oozes with energy and affection. She trick or treated my office a few weeks ago and walked out with a bundle of my tea bags after a lovely chat about favorite varieties. She has recently been inducted as an Official Taste Tester for the Turkey Creek Tea and Cocoa Society. I made her a certificate and everything.

Today, her mom brought me a handmade-by-Sydney card and a box of these really nice tea bags from their last visit to family in Kenya. All bass notes, no brass or tenor, with dark malt and something vaguely fruity hiding at the bottom of the cup. Just what I need to keep me focused on a morning when no fannying about is allowed.

I have received this tea (bag) as a gift; so I am looking forward for it. Probably my first pure Kenyan tea.

Mug 300 ml, 3+ minutes of steeping.

In aroma I was hit by malt, but also some fruit notes? But mostly strong malt or/and typical “black tea” aroma. Something like breakfast blend. As it cools down I noticed also freshly baked bread aroma.

Liquor is nice, clear dark copper colour. I am amazed how it´s clear – I am not really expecting it in tea bag.

Taste is smooth and malty. In fact something I expected something like that in black tea. And as it is pure black tea, without any additives – it is great! Yeah, it tastes really like a breakfast blend (too bad that I am drinking it in 7 pm :D ) If I have honey, I can imagine put some in. I prefer teas plain, but bit of honey taste can make it even bit better. It goes bit bitter – but still, quite good to drink. If I have another tea bag, I will shorten a steeping time a bit.

If you have a chance to get it – I recommend!