My Overall Impression (Score of 87 %)

I’ve been travelling a great deal the last few weeks for my new job.  You know I love tea, so I travel with it extensively.  The one problem is finding decent quality water at the right temperature.  Either the water is boiling (which works for certain teas) or most of the time, I find water (especially on breakfast buffets) that’s lukewarm (maybe 175 F).  Therefore, I try to carry two teas with me that can be used in either realm.

Today’s tea from ITeaWorld is their Yunnan Black.  This tea was perfect during my last trip as the water temperature was perfect (Yes, I’m a chef so I carry a thermometer with me).  While I found the nose a bit muted (similar to other Yunnan Black teas), it really bloomed on the flavor profile.  It’s exceptionally soft and creamy (like heavy cream) on the palate with beautiful hints of several flavors that keep you intrigued.  It’s a great price for this quality.

The price as of 12/5/23 is $11.99 for 100 gm.

Broken down:

• 100 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 33 cups
• 33 cups from package = 36 cents per cup

Typically, I double steep all my teas (use the tea twice) so I can get 56 cups or approximately 18 cents per cup.  You can steep this one for a third time without a loss of flavor.

Side Note:  If you order the sample package, keep the packages in an airtight container.  Even though they are portioned into a plastic sealed portion bag, you still may want to consume these quickly.

Aromas

• In the bag, it’s muted but you can smell the toasted malt (bit oxidized) with no discernable fruit.
• It does have hints of cloves, tobacco, molasses, and cocoa powder. It also reminded me of a grill outside, just after you open it before you light it.  Just a nice hint of smoky meat.
• Once brewed, the toasted malt and cocoa powder bloom and shine. You also get stronger notes of molasses and brown sugar.
• This is followed by hints of tar, wet leaves in fall, red plum, something floral (orange blossom?) and the cold grill aroma again.

Flavors

• It shows great toasted malt, with notes of baking spices, toasted oak, and cocoa powder.
• It also shows hints of tobacco, toffee, leather, black plum and 5 Spice powder over the profile.
• This brew is incredibly soft and creamy on the palate. It does show medium tannins and medium acidity which are nicely balanced with each other.
• It’s dry on the sweetness level but pleasant.

Scores

• Aromas (4.1/5)
• Flavors (8.8/10)
• Overall impression (4.5/5)
  • Total score = 87.0 percent (17.4/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• Christmas molasses cookies would be an amazing pairing with this tea. Make sure that you go light on the molasses and any spice (like ginger), so you do not overpower the tea.
• I would love to start an event with this tea and serve charcuterie options like a cold smoked meat platter, terrines, or pates. Some of my favorites are Pate de Campagne, Pork Terrine, or a duck confit pate.
• I would love to make a beautiful smoked veal consommé to serve with some brunoise A small portion as an appetizer would be perfect.
• I love Thomas Keller’s chicken pot pie recipe. However, I would reduce some of the vegetables in the mix, smoke the chicken and use milk infused with this tea.
• Years ago, there was an incredible magazine called Lucky Peach. This magazine had a recipe for lacquered duck that was just beautiful.  I used to make this every year for my kids except I used glucose instead of honey.