My Overall Impression (Score of 91.5 %)

I love my job as I get to travel and explore.  One of the best finds so far has been New Century Tea Gallery in Seattle.  I just happened to find it when I went to another shop around the corner.  As a tea drinker, just walking in, I knew I had found my happy place with their selection.  Now to be honest, I was only planning to purchase one tea (that’s always the case, right?).  However, they did something most shops are not doing….they gave customer service.

I was able to sit down and try the tea (Golden monkey) that I was initially looking for.  However, it became a lesson.  A ONE HOUR LESSON FOR FREE!!!  I was able to sit and try this brew (and several others) and just learn and absorb.  This is what I love about some tea shops.  The experience and ability to learn/grow.

This tea when you look at the purchase price is a shock.  However, break it down to portion size and it’s fully acceptable.  Especially at the high points I gave it.  This is a freaking gem of a find.  Purchase it as it’s so worth the value.

What do I think this Tea’s Personality is?

• This brew screamed “Eat Buttered Peas on toast. Make a big pan of these to enjoy with me.” 😊

The Price

The price on 10/19/24 is $31.25 for 2 oz (w) or 56.69 grams.

Broken down:

• 69 gm / 2.5 gm for steeping = 22 brews
• 22 brews from package = $1.42 per 8 oz cup or 71 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 bag, it shows muted seaweed, celery, hay, parsley tomatillos and white pepper
• It also has hints of dried green onions, mustiness (like a bookstore), green wood and cut grass.
• Once brewed, it pops with briny seaweed notes, cooked celery, spinach, and bean sprouts.
• Small hints of cantaloupe, parsley, and sage round out the aromas for me.

Flavors

• The flavors are a cross of Nori sheets, celery, cooked broccoli stems with notes of sugar snap peas sauteed.
• Buttery smooth texture that is highly balanced between the acidity, body, finish, and sweetness.
• Just a long-lasting wonderful depth on this profile that just hangs out with you.
• Surprisingly, the acidity is medium as it rinses your palate clean quietly.
• It’s a bit off dry (do not over steep to get bitterness).
• I loved the medium tannin strength as it just adds to the teas structure.
• The body on this is moving more towards a medium plus.

Scores

• Aromas (4.5/5)
• Flavors (9.1/10)
• Overall impression (4.7/5)
  • Total score = 91.5 percent (18.3/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• This is one that I slow down to fully enjoy when I need some ‘Me’ time on its own. It’s THAT GOOD!!
• I tried this the other day, and it was amazing. Sauté eggs however you like them (scrambled for me) and cover them with some homemade Verde sauce and cheese.  Unbelievable flavor combination.
• Growing up, friends of mine used to serve buttered peas on toast. I thought they were out there….until I tried this tea.  I did manage to get a few peas together from the garden to try this with this brew.  Almost a perfect match.  (I get it now how good this dish is).
• A butter lettuce salad with a light dressing would be perfect with this. You could also add fresh peas to add another dimension to the mix.
• For a great appetizer, get some Chevre cheese and roll it in fresh chopped herbs (Orange Thyme, Oregano or Marjoram) and serve this with crackers to accompany this tea.