Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: KTeas
Product Description:
Broken Orange Pekoe-1 provides the benchmark Ceylon color, may be considered the quintessential Ceylon tea. The pieces are leafy, not fannings by any means, and produce a cup that is beautifully balanced, bright, and crisp.
Taster’s Review:
Not long ago, I reviewed Morawaka Ceylon FBOPF-1 from KTeas. Today, I have the opportunity to try the BOP-1. For those of you who don’t know what all these letters mean, FBOPF-1 means Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings, while the BOP means Broken Orange Pekoe. (Orange Pekoe does not indicate flavored tea) Fannings tends to be a bad word when it comes to most tea enthusiasts, because it indicates the bottom of the barrel, for it is usually the dust and fannings that is used for grocery store tea bag fodder.
However, in the case of the previously reviewed FBOPF-1, I would not have considered that to be tea bag type fannings. While the leaf pieces were generally smaller than you’d find from a typical whole leaf or broken leaf tea, the flavor was fresher than anything I’ve ever tasted from a grocery store tea bag.
That being said, I can definitely taste the difference between the FBOPF-1 and this BOP-1. This has a fuller body. It is not quite as caramel-y sweet as the FBOPF-1, although there is a sweetness to this. I would liken the sweetness of this cup to a fruit-like sweetness. There are some caramel-y tones to this as well, these seem to develop as I continue to sip … but the caramel sweetness does not seem as prevalent here as it did with the FBOPF-1.
This is a brisk and delicious cuppa. It is smooth and rich with the slightest hint of a malty note. The finish is tangy with a slightly dry astringency, and the aftertaste is sweet and somewhat floral. I found this to be quite enjoyable this afternoon. Mellow and relaxing, but with a certain invigorating spirit.
Broken Leaf from Gorreana Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Gorreana Tea
Product Description:
Gorreana’s broken leaf tea has been a staple on European tables for over a century. Grown in the highly aromatic hills of the Gorreana estate, comes this fantastic breakfast tea that indulges the senses. Once you mix your boiling water with this fantastic loose leaf tea you witness what tea lovers calls a “dancing of the leaves,” where the water begins to turn a golden jaune as the fresh loose leaves ignite your tea.
This tea is perfect for those who like to add milk or sweetener to their tea. Higher in caffeine content then our green tea -still significantly much lower than a cup of coffee. Picked from the lowest leaf, this tea has a smooth aroma and taste, with very little in tannin. A European treat 5 generations in the making!
Taster’s Review:
This tea surprised me – in a very good way. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from a tea called “Broken Leaf” because the tea snob in me has my mind set that says whole leaf is better. And, usually, it is. But this is an example of not judging a book by its cover … or, not judging a tea by its name.
This tea is delightful. The body is a little lighter than a typical black tea – I would classify it as a medium-bodied tea. It doesn’t feel as strong or gutsy as, say, an Assam might, making this an excellent afternoon tea. It would also be great iced, served with a little lemon, perhaps?
The flavor is smooth and sweet. Overall, I’m finding this tea to be pleasant and light – a perfect refreshment for days when you don’t want to feel weighed down. This is the kind of tea that I’d keep on hand when I want something simple and unfettered.
This is what every day tea should be!