Present Joys

I just got a new tea shipment from Upton Tea Imports, my favorite source for tea! It’s been just about three months since my last order, so I was in dire need. I tried to keep it pretty modest, though. Six new bags.

Gu Zhang Mao Jian Organic. A China green tea which I’ve never tried before. It sold out right after I placed my order, so I’m glad I was able to get some. If the flavor grabs me when I try it, I will report back.

Pai Mu Tan Imperial. I’ve always got to have some China white tea around for friday mornings, whether it be Silver Needle, Shou Mei, or a Pai Mu Tan. I just ran out of an old berry-flavored Pai Mu Tan—I ordered it on a whim and was pleasantly surprised, but even so I will be happy to have something naturally-flavored for a while. The Imperial part means the leaves are bolder, which is always a plus for me.

Season’s Pick Earl Grey Crème Vanilla. It’s still on sale, and I always like having some Earl Grey around to drink on sunday afternoons. The crème vanilla flavor was a little hard to get used to when I first tried this tea, but I quite like it now. The dairy flavor seems to cut the bergamot’s acidity. Good for long, unattended sunday afternoon steeps.

Tie-Guan-Yin Oolong 2nd Grade. Because I haven’t had a good, fresh tie-guan-yin in a long time, and I want to start taking it to school on mondays and wednesdays. The second grade part is because I don’t like tie-guan-yin quite enough for first grade!

Golden Nepal (Kanyam Estate). The last time I had a Nepalese black tea was years ago, and I don’t think my palate was quite mature enough to appreciate it. I’m quite excited about this new stuff; it was the first tea I drank of this new shipment and it’s delicious. Like a Darjeeling, but heartier. Have you noticed a theme here? I originally thought I’d take it to painting class on tuesdays and thursdays, but after realizing how delicate it is, I think I’ll just drink it at home. I’m currently taking a Golden Yunnan to painting, and the Nepal lacks the Yunnan’s brisk maltiness, something I can’t afford to give up when I’m painting!

China Keemun First Grade. The best of Upton’s standard Keemuns. I am becoming quite a Keemun connoisseur (I’ve still got two almost-finished Keemuns in my tea cabinet at the moment) so I figured I’d treat myself to the good stuff. And when you really think about it, 125 grams of good quality Keemun for $7.40 is cheaper than most any other beverage you could drink, short of tapwater. Tea is the best.