My Overall Impression (Score of 85 %)

Unfortunately, Summer is now over.  We are into the start of leaf change in the northern areas of the state and it’s getting that Fall chill in the air.  I LOVE IT!!  This is the best season.  The garden is winding down after a successful growing season.  Fall Apples and the orchard are in full swing.  The holidays are coming.  For me, this is just an exciting time.

With my recent travel schedule, I was not able to get an article out (apologies).  However, I took some time and dug through my stash to see if I could find something big to sample.  Kenya Nandi Gold was hanging out in one of my bins, so I decided to try it.  Opening the package, I found the tea a bit muted (I did purchase it in ’22) but the first cup produced a deep rich colored nectar.  Teasource was right in their note of dark earthiness.

The first cup was great, but I wondered if the leaves were not showing their true worth for their age.  I pulled some fresh leaves and lightly toasted them (this will be another article in the near future) just until I could smell the dried leaves perk up.  I then brewed these using the same method.  It was livelier and produced a deeper richer color.

What are my thoughts?  This was a terrific value, and I hope Teasource brings this back (currently out of stock).  It’s a lovely brew that I know will work better paired with the food suggestions below.  I’d purchase it again gladly for this time of year.

What do I think this Tea’s Personality is?

• Let’s hangout during a perfect MI Day at 65F with low 40’s at night. Place this into an insulated mug watching sunset or stargazing looking for the Northern Lights (which never showed ☹).

The Price

The price on 7/18/22 is $8.50 for 2 oz (w) or 56 grams.

Broken down:

• 56 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 18 brews
• 18 brews from package = app. 47 cents per 8 oz cup or app 24 cents for a second brew

Terrific value for the price point and this brewed gaiwan style will be an interesting take to see how many brews could be obtained.

Aromas

• In the package, it shows a lightly smoked/toasted malt with a dusty nose texture. It had something vegetal in the mix which reminded me of a cross between celery and fennel.
• It showed hints of licorice, cloves, a cooled firepit (you know what I’m talking about) with no fruit.
• Once brewed, it showed a rich toasted malt with hints of 5 Spice, vanilla, musty leaves and again an old firepit/grill.
• After toasting the leaves, these aromas in the brew were heightened.

Flavors

• This brew has great depth in the toasted malt character with a light toffee sweetness. It reminded me of a meat/beef character that was unseasoned.
• Add on some good umami and mushroom characteristics and a flavor that I describe as similar to summer squash which makes it interesting.
• It also shows hints of toasted malt used in beer (such as roasted barley) and a touch of nutmeg.
• This is on the drier side but definitely pleasant (as in not drying your palate completely).
• I love the acidity and tannin levels. For a rich brew, these are both moderate and very approachable.
• This tea lies on the line of almost full body which I love. It will make it much easier to match with food.

Scores

• Aromas (4.3/5)
• Flavors (8.3/10)
• Overall impression (4.4/5)
  • Total score = 85 percent (17.0/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• Any mushroom dish paired with this will be wonderful. I love to sometimes cold smoke them and then use them in a sauté.
• This brew just screams ‘Make a ribeye medium, slice it and place it on Ciabatta and some type of earthy sauce and eat to be happy.’
• I would really love to try this with a Stilton. Yes, it’s big enough to stand up to it but I’m looking at the contrast with the saltiness of the cheese.
• It’s Fall. If you never had a beef and barley soup on a cold day, you have not lived.