Some mornings are no-nonsense; this Monday is one of them. No time for blends. Time for serious faces, email, and caffeine.
This black tea, which I received this month in my Simple Loose Leaf box, is a yummer. (Nope, “yummer” is not a word — or is it NOW a word? Language evolves, guys. Start using “yummer.” Let’s see if we can get it to catch on).
I knew immediately that this tea was from India because of its slightly spicy and raisin-y tones. The name “Karakundah” also helped — the name didn’t ring as Asian. Turns out that this estate is the highest commercial tea estate in the world.
Make sure to share that fact at your next party. You’ll be swarmed with friends in no time.
This black tea’s powerful rich and malty flavor from a single teaspoon made it clear to me from the get-go that it was a high quality pick. And, lo and behold, it turns out that it’s an “orange pekoe,” which is the highest quality of leaf on the grading scale. (The lowest quality is “fannings and dust,” which I’ve heard is what they throw into commercially-available pre-bagged cheap tea.)
Overall, this pick has gusted me into Awake Land in a quality, unfettered way. It met and, I daresay, exceeded my expectations. Nice work, you high-elevation pals. I tip my cap to you.
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Simple Loose Leaf
Description
Karakundah tea estates, found in the Nilgiri region of India, produce some of the highest grade black teas in that region. Commonly known for the medium-bodied cup of tea, Karakundah black teas are highly sought after on the world stage making this tea a prize for international buyers. Serve with or without milk and add sugar to taste.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Empress Rajini/Simple Loose Leaf
“When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground,” Cersei famously said in the first season of Game of Thrones.
If you think fighting for dominance isn’t for you, try Empress Rajini. She seems to have her tea game on point. Think of all the tea you could have if you were in charge. Delicious, delicious tea.
I steeped this cup to go along with a donut I procured from the break room. (Why are there never, say, apples in there?)
The blend looked flowery and rich and dark, a perfect compliment to my chocolate-frosted confection.
And BOOM, I was right. This rose-lavender-fruit confection was the perfect counterpoint to the black tea in the blend and the chocolate from the donut. The whole thing was an IMMACULATE pick-me-up. Delicious. Wonderfully balanced, sweet, and ladylike.
I suspect Rajini is a fair and beloved empress.
If you don’t want to risk your life to rule, you could just buy the tea from Real Simple Loose Leaf, I guess.
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Simple Loose Leaf
Description
Black tea, lavender, and rose petals with mango and peach flavor
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Lily Yin Hao/Simple Loose Leaf. . . . .
This is a green tea with lily blossoms. The blossoms stand out as a gorgeous orange against the deep, mossy green and white needle twists.
The resulting flavor is light, with a delicate vegetal tang. I think that I can taste trace amounts of the flowers, but this might be in my head because I saw them. The tea is a bit astringent, and leaves a light aftertaste.
I think it’s a pleasant way to start a morning. It’d go nicely with some meditation or the reading of a compelling nonfiction book. (I always associate green tea with spirituals, yogis, and intellectuals.)
Lily-infused tea is “thought to help with blood pressure,” which sounds dubious (SHOW ME THE PEER-REVIEWED STUDIES), but I feel very mellow today as I sip it. Very nice.
This is part of my last box of Simple Loose Leaf’s sample box, and I must say, I’ve been pleased with the offerings overall. It’s a fairly inexpensive box (as they go), with varied options. I feel pretty comfortable recommending the service if you’re interested in sampling a few different options without fully committing to full-size servings, un-tasted.
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Simple Loose Leaf Tea Company
Description
This tea was part of Simple Loose Leaf Tea Co’s monthly tea subscription.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Grand Keemun/Simple Loose Leaf. . . .
Kee-mun, Kee-mun, Kee-mun…tell me…ya love me! Grand Keemun from Simple Loose Leaf Tea Company is a mighty fine…no muss-no fuss…sort of black tea to start your day!
I’ve only had a few teas from Simple Loose Leaf and so far I have enjoyed all of the ones I have tried.
Grand Keemun black tea comes from the Qimen County of Huangshan City, in China. The name Keemun comes from an older spelling of Qimen, pronounces “Chee-men”. Learn something new every day, eh? But what about the ‘senses’ of this tea?
This is a lighter black based tea with stone fruit – peach, maybe – and slightly smoky notes on the nose with a gentle, malty, non-astringent taste reminiscent of unsweetened cocoa.
This is the sort of black tea that would most likely please the masses. I would be proud to have it in my ‘share with friends’ section of my tea collection – any day of the week!
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Simple Loose Leaf
Description
Grand Keemun black tea comes from the Qimen County of Huangshan City, in China. The name Keemun comes from an older spelling of Qimen, pronounces “Chee-menâ€.
Keemun is a lighter tea with characteristic stone fruit and slightly smoky notes in the aroma and a gentle, malty, non-astringent taste reminiscent of unsweetened cocoa. Best served hot with a spot of milk.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Purple Jasmine/Simple Loose Leaf. . . .
You know the song “Things that Make You Go ‘Hmmm’ “? This is a tea that makes you go “hmmm.” Its combination of flavors is really unique, in a way that I’m about 90% sure I like.
This tea combines Kenyan purple tea and green Jasmine tea together. I’m not sure what made a person do this. Probably it was a lazy Thursday and the brewer said, “why not?”
Purple tea is known for its antioxidant properties. It’s grown in Kenya; the high UV levels there cause chemical reactions in the tea leaves. It tends toward the green end of the spectrum, in its alleged health benefits, low caffeine, and delicate flavor. The purple tea adds a delicate, sweet flavor to this tea.
Jasmine green tea is a more vegetal and flowery flavor. You probably know Jasmine from going to Chinese restaurants and getting it served to you as the default when you ask for tea.
When combined with the purple, you get a yet-sweeter Jasmine. It’s like Jasmine with vanilla added. It’s really cool, and I’m glad I have some. It’s a smart, refined, sweet blend.
I started with “Hmmm,” and then settled on “Mmmm.”
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Purple
Where to Buy: Simple Loose Leaf
Description
This tea is currently not on the website but click below for more information about this company!
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!