I feel like This Is My Boomstick is the kind of tea that Confucius drank while he was doing all that writing. Boomstick strikes the balance of meditative and action. Boomstick is the flavor of Chinese calligraphy, fireworks, and wall-building. (FACT: it’s not possible to see the Great Wall from space. How disappointing is reality?) Boomstick tastes like intellectual conversations and long travels.
The tea itself shows up in cute little rolled-up balls. When I showed them to a coworker, she said “that must be a tedious job.” I like to imagine that the workers are watching Netflix while hand-crafting, like I crochet on my couch during Handmaid’s Tale or what-have-you. It seems like a job one can do somewhat automatically after a little practice. Or, at least, I hope it is.
As the tea steeped, the balls at the top of my gravity steeper unfurled downward. The balls at the bottom puffed upward. They were like stalactites and stalagmites reaching for each other.
It’s a flavorful, robust green, but not too tart or overwhelming. I’d say this falls into the “just right” category, a quintessential straight green. Definitely worth a try, even if just to watch the unfurling. It’s a lovely moment to just enjoy in the present.
I couldn’t find any Confucius quotes about tea to wrap up this post, so we’re going to end on this:
“Meanwhile, let us have a sip of tea. The afternoon glow is brightening the bamboos, the fountains are bubbling with delight, the soughing of the pines is heard in our kettle. Let us dream of evanescence and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things.” ― Kakuzō Okakura, The Book of Tea
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Geeky Teas
Description
Gunpowder tea from china is crafted from hand-rolled green tea leaves. The oxidation gives it a smoky flavor.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Green Twirl Green Tea from The Kettlery
Today is one of those days I was wanting some more palate cleansing than a flavored tea. I wanted a straight tea. So I went to our SororiTea Sisters inventory and pulled out a tea from a company that is newer to me, The Kettlery.
The Kettlery, based in India, is on a mission to develop a healthier loose leaf regime for tea enthusiasts in India and across the world. You have to enjoy a company that is dedicated to their craft. They do source their tea and keep a strict eye on quality, which you can taste in their tea.
At least I can in their Green Twirl Green Tea. This lovely tea is as delicious as it is gorgeous. Twisting leaves that produce a lovely amber brew that has a smooth and rich flavor with a hint of a vegetal side. Each sip commands another and another. This is one of those teas where you find yourself having trouble putting your tea cup down.
I did a second infusion of these lovely leaves and I have to say, this tea is incredibly solid. Well balanced with that slight twinge of astringency and a vegetal finish-this tea is just delicious and a wonderful way to change the pace.
Later this month, we will be giving away an absolutely amazing gift set from The Kettlery- An Earl Grey Tea set, valued at $45 (USD). Keep an eye out. The giveaway will start soon!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green Tea
Where to Buy: The Kettlery
Description
Green Twirl as the name suggests is a green tea from the majestic Nilgiris. The eye pleasing green colored tea leaves unfurl to bestow upon you the love of nature. It calms your your body and mind to create a magical atmosphere of serenity. The mild green colored liquor can be enhanced with honey and lemon
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Ana’s Green Tea from Nepali Tea Traders
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Nepali Tea Traders
Tea Description:
Succulent green leaves from select bushes with high chlorophyll content are selected for our signature green, second-flush tea. The result is a liquor with an exquisite lime brightness and sweet vegetal aroma and flavor. This tea reflects the best qualities of our high-altitude Himalayan green teas, vibrant, fresh and flavorful. Ana’s also reveals a smooth mouthfeel and lovely sweet finish.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Thanks to an amazing Steepster tea pal, I was able to try this one and I’m so glad I was. I have been impressed by the teas I’ve had from Nepali Tea Traders and I am looking forward to trying more.
This tea is a delicious green tea. Vibrant with a gorgeous color. There is a distinct vegetal profile but there are also hidden notes of sweetness that appear in every other sip or so.
What I think I love the most are the smooth rich velvet rich mouthfeel (just like the description of the tea) you get with every sip. The tea coats your mouth giving off such a warm and fuzzy feeling. This is one of those teas you drink while you are cuddled with your favorite book and blanket on a rainy day.
This is a tea that I can’t wait to share with the twins. They have been really getting into tea lately!