Tea Type: Black Tea
Where To Buy: Mark T. Wendell
Product Desription:
An exquisite tea sourced from Indonesia’s Kertasarie Estate, this is a favorite of those who love a strong and stimulating flavor in their cup. Indonesia’s high altitudes, volcanic soil and tropical climate produce a dark and rich tasting tea that is truly unique.
Tasters Review:
I LOVE trying teas from different estates, and, of course, different countries! I LOVE learning about the histories of the estates! When I saw this one from the Indonesia’s Kertasarie Estate I HAD to try it!
The first time I tried this tea my initial thoughts were…a bold brew, slightly malty, and rich. I thought it was ‘good’ for mornings and mid-afternoon lulls. But I have to admit…the more I drank of this wonderful tea the more I liked it…the more I appreciated it. It’s a delicious cup! It’s much more meaningful than I first gave it credit for! Another interesting thing about this tea is it holds up to multiple infusions well – for a black tea. The 2nd infusion seemed to be sweeter and juicier yet still bold and very satisfying!
This could easily be a staple in any black tea lovers tea cabinet!
Hu Kwa Tea from Mark T. Wendell
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where To Buy: Mark T. Wendell
Product Description:
This is a fairly heavily smoked Lapsong Souchong that smells wonderful and brews up beautifully. Named for a Chinese Tea Merchant.
Tasters Review:
I have been looking for a Lapsong Souchong JUST LIKE THIS! I FINALLY FOUND IT! Yes, it’s true…I have had a strange relationship with Smoky Teas before now. I confess the very first one was bagged from NUMI and I wasn’t impressed. So much so that I ALMOST started saying I was not a Smoky Tea Fan. I’m glad I continued to try additional smoky teas. BUT…my bad luck didn’t stop there! I must have tried a dozen smoky teas that I didn’t like or just found mediocre…nothing I was too excited about…UNTIL NOW…
I was looking for something with the strong smokey scent and was smoky to taste but didn’t have a funky after taste or too over the top while actually drinking it. I was also looking for one that didn’t taste like wood and was smooth. This Hu Kwa Tea from Mark T Wendell is it! It just seems to have EVERYTHING I have been looking for in a smoky tea.
If you are one of those people who are the “more smoky tasting the better” this might not be strong enough in taste for you. At least the way I did it which was 1 to 1 and a half Tablespoons of loose leaf in 12-ounces of 190-200 degree water for 5 minutes.
Or if you are like me and searching for a smoky tea that works for your palate or haven’t had much luck with smoky teas in the past…try this one! It just might be what you are searching for!