Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Townshend’s Tea
Tea Description:
A crisp black tea from Sri Lanka with the added flavor of smooth vanilla bean. A gentle everyday hot tea, or a smooth and quenching iced tea.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I’m sure I’ve mentioned this more than once, but I do love Townshend’s Tea. I often refer to it as a “Starbucks” for tea (because, let’s face it, when it comes to tea, Starbucks falls flat) because it has that same comfortable, lounge-y kind of feel, in fact, I find it more comfortable/lounge-y. And not just because of the tea. The whole vibe there is much more relaxed. Sort of like tea itself. Sure, tea has caffeine, but because of the polyphenols in tea, you get a gentle, steady delivery of the caffeine to your system instead of that coffee jolt.
Photo from Wikipedia. Click on the pic to go there.
And while you do have to be in Portland to take in the relaxed atmosphere of Townshend’s Tea, you don’t have to be in Portland to enjoy their teas. They sell their teas online! I ordered this tea online because I was unsure when I’d be able to visit their store, and I really wanted to try this tea. Mt. Hood – while I’ve not been there, but hopefully will visit soon! – it is something that touches me daily with its breathtaking views. On some cloudy days, it appears to be floating in the clouds. On clear days, it looks so cold yet beautifully serene.
The first time I tried this, I found it a bit lacking in something. It was still very enjoyable: sweet, creamy and smooth. But, I felt like it was missing something. I wanted a stronger black tea base. And while I am now drinking from the same package of tea that I had tried that first time, I am finding this cup to be more satisfying than it was the first time around.
Even though the black tea is still not as bold as I think I’d like it to be, I am discovering more of a malty tone today than I remember tasting previously. It’s still sweet, creamy and smooth … and this malty note adds a nice dimension and a more satisfying mouthfeel to the cup. I guess I just needed to try it again … maybe I didn’t use enough leaf last time. Who knows?
It was good the first time, but now it is REALLY good! I’m really enjoying this. It makes a great tea to enjoy in the afternoon. It’s not quite strong enough for a breakfast tea, unless you are looking for something a little more gentle for your mornings. A beautiful tea that celebrates some of the beauty of Oregon.
Of course I couldn’t resist commenting on a Vanilla tea. I should make a spreadsheet of all the Vanillas I’ve ever tried. I wonder if I’d like this one because it’s more subtle, or if I’d also look for something a little stronger at first? I’m not sure. I tend to like stronger teas in the morning, and lighter teas later in the day. I know that with each Vanilla tea I try, I have to get to know it first. Some do require more tea, some less. After a couple of steeps, I understand how much I need to use. All part of the fun.
Nice write-up,
J.