My Overall Impression (Score of 82.5 %)

First of all, I love T7 Teas offerings as I’ve stated before.  They are a great value and produce an amazing cup of tea.  There is a bit of confusion as on the bag I purchased, as it instructs to brew at 195 F (which I did btw).  On their website, it calls for 212 F or boiling.  Brewing at the higher temperature brings out more malt and aromas but I followed the package directions like you would.

Secondly, its more expensive than Yunnan Sourcing Black Pearl on a per cup basis.  You are getting a better value for their tea.  As of 3/15/23, T7 Pearls normally costs $26 for 3 oz (85 gm).

Broken down:

• 85 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 28 cups
• 85 gm cost $26 or 93 cents per cup

Typically, I double steep all my teas (use the tea twice) so I can get 56 cups or approximately 46 cents per cup.  This is a reasonable price for a great cup of tea and the subtle tones make it a value.

Aromas

• In the bag, toasted leaves with some malt.
• Hints of toffee, caramel, oregano, parsley, hazelnuts, walnuts, and cocoa powder.
• In the cup, It’s a flat bell curve that has great toasted malt aromas with a hint of thyme, vanilla, toffee and walnuts.
• You can detect a whiff of dry grass initially and then it disappears.
• There is an aroma of walking through a nursery and brushing up on a fern with your hands.

Flavors

• This is a dry brew with medium acidity and tannin.
• It’s a warming mouthfeel that leads to a medium body on the palate.
• I love the toasted malt with hints of biscuits, walnuts, and thyme .
• It reminds me of eating beef without any seasoning…same flavor profile.
• Great mouthfeel showing hints of tobacco similar to after smoking a cigar and what’s left on your palate.

Scores

• Aromas (4.1/5)
• Flavors (8.2/10)
• Overall impression (4.2/5)
  • Total score = 82.5 percent (16.5/20)

Foods to Pair

• Beef fajitas lightly seasoned that would pair with the flavor of the brew and mouthfeel.
• A simple BLT that would combine the toast essence while the acid reduces the fat on the palate.
• Steel Cuts oaks for breakfast with a hint of cream as the flavors and mouthfeel would be paired.
• Farro cooked risotto style for the mouthfeel, flavor profile and sweetness.
• Bulgar pilar with smoked chicken to pair the mouthfeel, flavors, sweetness, and acid levels.
• Peek Freen Family Shortcake biscuits that would pair with the flavor, mouthfeel, sweetness, and acid.