Wandering Monk is amazing simplicity at its best

My Overall Impression (Score of 90.75 %)

I have been on the road so much the last few weeks that is hard to get time to write articles or even slow down to enjoy a good cup of tea.  My travel mug (which I absolutely love) is just not the same as a classic up and saucer.  When I get the chance, I do take notes on all of the new teas I’m playing with. 

I was able to visit the Teasource Store in MN recently and of course loaded up on a ton of options.  Wandering Monk caught my eye for some reason.  Honestly, I was so tired from work that day that when I went in, I let my subconscious take over during selection time.  Thank God I did.

Can I tell you how great it is to enjoy something this good? Something that slows you down right down from the first sip?  Some may consider this a simple brew.  I consider it magic.  Anytime you can get me to drink 3 cups of tea back-to-back tells you something about the quality of this brew.  This just matched my flavor profile with its great aromas and flavors but mostly its simplicity.  You drink this and relax….done.

I love this tea and I tried brewing it in different ways to see if I could make it better.  Nope….just follow my directions above.  Also…no milk or sugar.  These destroy this tea.

What do I think this Tea’s Personality is?

• “This is pure liquid malt driven whole wheat bread in a glass. I would love this in my travel mug to sip on while taking a long hike to relax in a mind-numbing complete chill state.”

The Price

The price on 5/6/26 is $12.22 for 2 oz or 57 grams.

Broken down:

• 57 gm / 2 gm for steeping = 28
• 28 brews from package = app. 43.6 cents per cup.
• If brewed twice the cost is 21.8 cents/cup.

Just phenomenal for something this good.  Again, I’m always shocked when people purchase tea bags thinking it will be cheaper.  It’s not!!!

Aromas

• Opening the package, you are greeted by a deeply rich fermented tea that shows soy sauce notes.
• It has a dusty nose that shows deep toasted charcoal qualities and reminds me of blackened meats from the grill.
• This is tied in with beautiful soft molasses / fig newton / brown sugar tones. It also shows toasted wheat (like used in beer) and subtle hints of golden cane syrup.
• No fruit or vegetable in this one; look more earthy notes.

Flavors

• This is so freaking smooth on the palate, even after a 4 minutes steep (just showing suppleness and satin qualities).
• Very clean with rich caramel malt notes. It shows hints of nuttiness and tobacco smoke.
• Off dry with its brown sugar / molasses essence reminding me of a classic British Tea.
• Very refreshing mouthfeel and the acid is mouthwatering.
• Beautiful medium level tannins are in line with its structure and smoothness.

Scores

• Aromas (4.4/5)
• Flavors (9.1/10)
• Overall impression (4.65/5)
  • Total score = 90.75 percent (18.15/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• First of all, British crumpets. Sugar brined salmon sandwich
• These when made well are simple clean eating tasty delights especially covered with high quality butter.  I want something clean and simple to match up with this brew.
• I’m a fan of finger sandwiches with tea. However, most of them are not terribly good.  Yes, I understand the tradition of watercress or cucumber sandwiches and I wholeheartedly love them.  But can’t we think outside the box?  My father taught me that if you can get a protein between two slices of bread (or anything remotely similar) that you can make a sandwich.  So why not make an open-faced finger sandwich with brown sugar brined salmon and cream cheese?
• This brew screamed deeply malted pancakes (or waffles for those who are shape driven) with sorghum if you can find it. Just a great match with flavors and textures.
• Yes, I’m a chef. Yes, I can cook.  However, a piece of fried chicken that has been brined in buttermilk southern style would be amazing with this.
• I love madeira so any madeira-based dish will match up with this tea beautifully. Think of the flavor patterns, acidity and structure?
• Easter just passed but I love to smoke hams in the backyard. I found a recipe on Meat Church that takes a cooked ham (not the crappy stuff) and smoke it until it shreds.  Take this with a kaiser roll, appropriate condiments and a brown sugar clove glaze drizzled over it and I know you will be happy.
• For dessert options, think of spiced pound cake, rum balls or even a malted shortbread cookie with a sweetened molasses/sugar glaze.