What is in your cup?

[ProfCrash]

Rooibos Wild Berries and Thyme

[rcereceda]

Cold Water Nice

[ProfCrash]

Pot two of Rooibos Wild Berry and Thyme.

[CRussel]

Originally Posted by astra

I thought I saw Russian Caravan with Bergamot very recently. Probably when I browsed Peet's website. I remember I (shudder....)© when I saw it.

Yes, different teas for different folks. Though I don't think it was the Peet's site that mentioned Bergamot -- I just looked and there's no hint that there's any in there. But I'm sure I detect a little bit. Certainly not as strong as a typical Earl Grey. And the smokiness is there, but it's certainly milder than Lapsang Souchong. But we know The Terminator likes Earl Grey, so I thought this might be a good fit for him. And perfect for a day like today when we're having a bit of a cold snap. (He's in BC, on Vancouver Island, but where on the Island is a mystery. The variation in weather across the Island is substantial!)

In my cup: Peet's Major Dickason's

[CRussel]

Trying to do a bit of my own tea blending today. In my cup: Blend #0.1. A bit more Lapsang Souchong in this than I was looking for. Trying to blend a Russian Caravan style with no Bergamot, but the good, mellowness that it should have.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by maianhvk

Cold Pepsi. Couldn't finish it. Can't help wondering how warm Pepsi tastes like.

Even worse! How could you drink Pepsi? This is a Coke-only thread

Sparkling lemon and lime with zero added sugar in my cup.

[astra]

It was cold outside. Walking home with such a strong cold wind and slit is no fun at all. The good news was that my kindest 2/3s relived me from running to meet her after her gym classes because she decided to stay at home in this weather.
So, after Talisker 18, wonderful dinner in a cosy kitchen and F&M's Afternoon Tea, cuppa #8 in on my desk with F&M's Yunnan.


Re: Russian Caravan.

I googled a bit today and found a few sources in the UK that I definitely want to try when I empty tea cupboards a bit more
The first two sources are added onto my must-try-tea list (never used any of these two shops before)
The Bean Shop

A highly aromatic blend, Keemun and Formosa Oolong are married with Lapsang Souchong to make a soft tea with a slightly smoky note.

The Blending Room

Russian Caravan black leaf tea is a classic blend of Chinese Oolong, Keemun and Lapsang Souchong

Both teas are like examples from text book

Twinings

this particular Russian Caravan is our special blend of Keemun and Oolong to create a smooth, satisfying tea with a slightly smokey flavour.

Originally Posted by CRussel

Yes, different teas for different folks. Though I don't think it was the Peet's site that mentioned Bergamot -- I just looked and there's no hint that there's any in there. But I'm sure I detect a little bit. Certainly not as strong as a typical Earl Grey. And the smokiness is there, but it's certainly milder than Lapsang Souchong. But we know The Terminator likes Earl Grey, so I thought this might be a good fit for him

I understand Different brands, different recipes. Different flavours for different people
Today when searching for the tea, I stumbled a few times on darjeeling and at least one time on bergamot. Shudder is my genuine reaction on both of them

[beppe]

I still shudder whenever Lapsang Souchong is mentioned. Poor me. Not to mention bergamot. With darjeeling I go blank. what a prank!

[astra]

Originally Posted by beppe

I still shudder whenever Lapsang Souchong is mentioned. Poor me. Not to mention bergamot. With darjeeling I go blank.

You should try the proper Lapsang Souchong then
You would not recognise it You definitely tried burnt tyres
I didn't open Tong Mu Bohea Tea yet, however, I did try Lapsang Souchong Tong Mu on tea tasting. The difference was like day and night. It was almost sweet with a subtle hint of smokiness. Absolutely different tea. I guess it depends on personal preference. Some people definitely prefer burnt tyres type

[CRussel]

Originally Posted by astra

I did try Lapsang Souchong Tong Mu on tea tasting. The difference was like day and night. It was almost sweet with a subtle hint of smokiness. Absolutely different tea. I guess it depends on personal preference. Some people definitely prefer burnt tyres type

Yes, that looks like the good stuff. And it really does make a difference

Originally Posted by astra

Today when searching for the tea, I stumbled a few times on darjeeling and at least one time on bergamot. Shudder is my genuine reaction on both of them

Now truly, a good darjeeling is a thing of beauty. (And bad ones are positively nasty!) But darjeeling has no place in a Russian Caravan blend, which should be Chinese teas only, IMO.

[beppe]

Originally Posted by astra

You should try the proper Lapsang Souchong then
You would not recognise it You definitely tried burnt tyres
I didn't open Tong Mu Bohea Tea yet, however, I did try Lapsang Souchong Tong Mu on tea tasting. The difference was like day and night. It was almost sweet with a subtle hint of smokiness. Absolutely different tea. I guess it depends on personal preference. Some people definitely prefer burnt tyres type

I will, next time that I go and buy tea from the charming lady. I will explain her all the story and of course bring with me a well stocked purse
I have to go soon as my oolong is going toward the end and I am curious about the milk oolong. Darjeeling for next reincarnation. My darjeelings were not nasty, they just did not taste of nothing, however long or short, warm or cold I brew them. Nothing. Champagne of teas? Pfui! Next turn of the wheel, may it came in its own time.

[Kevin8or]

2nd cup of Major Dickasons

[phenomshel]

Originally Posted by Stitchawl

I think anyone who could drink a tea that is marketed with a pun for its name would be just as happy drinking sour woodpecker eggs! Ain't choo got no self-respect? Are y'all couthless?

I'm sitting down with some 'real' tea... Yorkshire Tea! I got lots of couth!


Stitchawl

Stitchawl, I am immune to puns. After ages of reading cozy mysteries, most of which have puns for titles, I don't even NOTICE them any more! It was pretty funny - I used the Goodreads plugin for calibre to add everything in calibre to Goodreads. Those poor people who were on the list to get my "updates" from Goodreads got slammed. I only got one message though: From Steve Jordan. He said he and his wife laughed for hours over some of those titles! So I may be "punny" but the tea STILL tastes good and my self respect is intact! *grin*.

Drinking milk and eating chicken and dumplings. My calcium requirements for the day will definitely be met!

[The Terminator]

Originally Posted by CRussel

The Terminator likes Earl Grey, so I thought this might be a good fit for him. And perfect for a day like today when we're having a bit of a cold snap. (He's in BC, on Vancouver Island, but where on the Island is a mystery. The variation in weather across the Island is substantial!)

In my cup: Peet's Major Dickason's

The question isn't where but when, I live on Vancouver Island in the year 2040. Anyone seen John Connor? I've been trying to Termin find him.

North Vancouver Island. Probably the coldest and the most rainy part (7ft annual rain)

I'll try to find some Russian Caravan locally.

[Stitchawl]

Some men climb a mountain
Some men swim the sea
Some men fly above the sky
They are what they must be.

But, Baby the rain must fall
Baby the wind must blow
Wherever my heart leads me
Baby I must go
Baby I must go.

( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4moK6L1yE4 )


I got an itch... I feel the need for a road trip.... Oh oh....

Good morning, all. Bright and chilly today. Looks nice out there. Steaming Assam tea in my cup, and fresh home-made English Muffins with blueberry jam to get me going. Thinking about a long ride north... Maybe to the Sea of Japan and riding alongside the water...

Originally Posted by CRussel

There doesn't seem to be much consensus about exactly what belongs in a blend called Russian Caravan from importer to importer, I agree.

Seems to be the case for all the blends. No ratios, not even agreement as to contents... Make your own, give it a name, hope that it sells... That seems to be the tea merchant's standard.

Originally Posted by CRussel

Trying to do a bit of my own tea blending today.

I went through a period where I was doing that a lot. I had some spectacularly horrible results. I am no Master Blender! YUCK!

Originally Posted by beppe

I still shudder whenever Lapsang Souchong is mentioned.

I think this is a tea that really undergoes vast differences from merchant to merchant. I prefer what Astra calls 'burnt tires.' I buy 'Extra Smokey' Lapsang Souchong tea from McNultey's Tea & Coffee. I want that strong campfire smell. I don't do 'subtle' in many things.

Time for one more mug of Assam tea then hit the road.


Stitchawl