Tea Review: Tencha (Harney & Sons)

Advent Tea Calendar Day 1

Tencha
Harney & Sons
Type: Green
Origin: Japan, Uji
Product Description: We are pleased to bring you this special offering, as Tencha is rare to find for sale, even inside Japan. Tencha is the base green tea for making powdered matcha. Dark in color yet light in the cup, this tea has a lot of body (or umami) and no roast flavors.

Temperature: 175° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 2 minutes

The dry leaves have a thick and savory aroma of ground nuts and nori.

The infusion is clear and pale green with an aroma that of spring-green, savory, and rich with umami and notes of nori and nuts. The taste is refreshingly green with savory-sweet umami and notes of edamame (cooked soybeans).

Though the recommended brewing temperature is usually similar to gyokuro (140°-160°), I prepared this tencha at 175° F and the results were very pleasing.  Steeping at 150° F brought out more sweetness, so I would recommend experimenting with temperature.  

Tea Review: Formosa Oolong (Harney & Sons)

Formosa Oolong
Harney & Sons
Type:  Oolong
Origin:  Taiwan
Product Description:  Formosa Oolong is the style of brown oolong that generations of Americans have loved, especially for its toasty flavor. Don’t worry about the stems; the tea is traditionally made this way in Taiwan.

Temperature: 195° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 3 minutes

The dry leaves have an aroma of oats, wood, and peaches.

The copper red infusion has a sweet and tart aroma of baked peaches and green vine.  The taste is moderately astringent with notes of fruit, wood, and nut shells with a long dry finish.

The first infusion provides the best results.

Tea Review: Gielle 1st Flush Darjeeling (Harney & Sons)

Gielle 1st Flush Darjeeling 
Harney & Sons
Type: Black
Origin: India, Darjeeling
Product Description: Not provided.

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

The dry leaves have an aroma of muscat grapes and oak wood.

The golden infusion has a heady floral muscatel aroma with notes of dried apricot.  The taste is brisk and floral with a mildly dry muscatel finish.

Though this tea is currently out of stock at Harney & Sons, the uniquely distinct profile of tea from Gielle Estate make it is well worth watching for the next resupply. 

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

Tea Review: Florence (Perennial Tea Room/Harney & Sons)

Advent Tea Calendar Day 13

Florence
Perennial Tea Room/Harney & Sons
Type: Flavored Black
Origin: China

Product Description: Our delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Tea, better known as Florence. We can't always be sipping hot cocoa while sitting in the Palazzo della Signoria. But, we can sip this decadent blend of chocolate and hazelnut and dream we are there.

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

The dry leaves are flavored with chocolate and hazelnut.

The infusion is orange-brown with a chocolate hazelnut aroma. The flavor is lightly nutty and chocolaty with a dry finish.

This tea has a delicious aroma with a mild flavor.  It is best enjoyed at one steeping and does well with milk.

This tea was purchased by me.

Tea Review: Paris (Perennial Tea Room/Harney & Sons)

Advent Tea Calendar Day 6

Paris 
Perennial Tea Room/Harney & Sons
Type:  Flavored Black
Origin:  Not Provided
Product Description:  Mike has enjoyed many a pot of tea in the famous Paris tea shops. In homage to the city he has created this blend reminiscent of one of their most popular blends. It is a fruity black tea with vanilla and caramel flavors, and a hint of lemony Bergamot. Our Paris tea is Kosher and contains caffeine.

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

The dry leaves are blended with vanilla, citrus, and bergamot.

The infusion is red-brown with an aroma of caramel, vanilla, citrus and even cherries.  The taste is sweet and mild, with hints of vanilla and a smoky quality.

It was especially nice to find that the bergamot was not overwhelming, resulting in a well-balanced blend of flavors and aroma. I found it enjoyable on its own as well as with just a splash of milk and it would make a fine dessert tea after a meal.  The low astringency and mellow flavor also make this a good tea to share with guests who might otherwise avoid black teas.  

This tea was purchased by me.