Tea Review: Fairhope Tea Plantation Black Tea (Single Origin Teas)

Fairhope Tea Plantation Black Tea

Single Origin Teas
Type: Black
Origin: USA, Alabama, Fairhope
Product Description:

Tea production in the US can trace its history back to the 1700's, however, recently it is under-going a renaissance. Much of this effort is due to a single man, Donnie Barrett. Donnie has been cultivating tea since the 1980's and has given away thousands of tea plants to hobbyists, researchers, and other tea growers (including us!). For most of the Fairhope Tea Plantation's history, Donnie has used the proceeds to fund the local museum and given back to his community. Now in his retirement, he is finally selling his own tea.

Temperature: 208° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 3 minutes

The dry leaf aroma has notes of fragrant wood and nut shells.

The liquor is orange amber with a rich aroma of baked squash and green vine.  The taste has notes of nut shells, baked vegetables, and green beans with moderate astringency and a dry finish.

After the initial infusion, the aroma became richer and the astringency mellowed, allowing for a longer steeping time.  The aroma brought to mind late summer and early autumn.

This tea was received as a gift from a third party.

Tea Review: Vietnam Black OP1 (Single Origin Teas)

Vietnam Black OP1
Single Origin Teas
Type: Black
Origin: Vietnam (Northern)
Product Description: An unusual black tea with a faint spiced aroma. Freshly dried black pepper and cinnamon tastes overlay this full-bodied black. A good tea for the winter, or for making Chai!

Vietnam is one of the lesser known tea producing countries. Ranked as the 6th highest producing country for tea, we enjoy the unique spicy terroir of this brew. Our Vietnam Black OP1 does not come from a single farmer, but a cooperative in northern Vietnam.

Temperature: 208° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 3 minutes

The dry leaves have a smoky aroma with notes of sweet plums, spices, and a faint hint of flowers.

The copper red infusion has an aroma of baked fruit, brown sugar, and green tomato vines.  The taste is moderately astringent and sweet with a lightly fruity finish.

Though the first infusion has the fullest flavor, a second and even a third infusion are still enjoyable if less defined.

This tea was received as a gift from a third party.