Honey Sweet Black

This is the one of the finest Black Teas Teaopia has for sale on their tea wall. Lush, crisp and sweet notes, balanced by a refined and smooth flavour profile, are what characterize this unique Black Tea. The fully oxidized leaf is produced respectfully from special bushes grown on fresh water islands of Anhui province in East China. The unique climate and geographical location of these Tea bushes result in a rare and prestigious cup. The second you take your first sip, you can literally taste the quality. This Tea is an absolute must have for your Teaopia collection, and since it is available only in limited quantities, I suggest that you enjoy it soon before it’s sold out.

Teaopia recommends a level teaspoon of leaf per 8-ounce cup, steeped in water at 100 degrees Celcius for 3 to 4 minutes. I recommend you re-brew your leaves if you want a second cup, only if you don’t wait very long to do so. If you leave the tea leaves wet for to long they will go bad. Also note that you do not need any sugar or honey with this tea since it is phenomenal plain. It is a tea that you want to enjoy all the natural flavours. For 50 grams of the finest black tea you will ever drink costs $18 in all Teaopia locations. So try it out and tell me what you think? If this black tea doesn’t satisfy you than I don’t know what will!

Almond Biscotti

Almond Biscotti is one of my favorite flavoured black teas for many reasons. Firstly, the sweet flavor of an Almond Biscotti cookie that has been recreated in this delicious Black Tea. Secondly the combination of Organic Black Tea, almond flakes, caramel bits, chocolate drops and hazelnut brittle are simply genius together. It makes the perfect accompaniment or substitute for dessert. Personally, I find this tea very enjoyable at any time of the day. I often drink it with breakfast or take it on the road instead of coffee.

For this type of tea the recommended brew time is 3 – 4 minutes, with an average boiling water temperature. One teaspoon is needed in order to make an 8oz glass and two teaspoons for a 16oz glass. If you don’t have a Teaopia Tea Master I would recommend getting one. They sell a 16oz Tea Master as well as a 32oz for $20 and $30. Remember, you don’t have to drink it hot. It can always be enjoyed cold as it makes a refreshing iced tea, which is referred to as Shock Freezing. However, if desired you may add honey or sugar to any tea while it is steeping and enjoy a hot tea as opposed to shock freezing it.

By pouring the hot tea over ice, the principles of shock freezing are applied. The sudden cooling preserves the full aroma as well as the active ingredients of the tea. This method also prevents the usual cloudiness that often develops in Black Teas as they cool off. The cloudiness, however, is purely optical and has no negative impact on the flavour of the tea.