Recently, I participated in an eleven-day tea-tasting event, sponsored by Lochan Tea Company.  I am grateful for this experiment as it was somewhat challenging to put words to every olfactory, tactile, and visual sensation I had while getting to know each of the teas.  In short, it was a wonderful challenge to my writing skills.

I particularly loved the first day’s tea, as I am quite partial to healthy white and green teas.  I still enjoyed the other samples, but dark teas can never compare to their light and lithe, white and green, counterparts.  (I love the antioxidants of white and green tea.  They taste so good!)

Here’s what I found:

Doke Silver Needle Tea: Day 1

Most people drink tea during the day, but Doke Silver Needle sounds like the silvery moon - what better night to drink silvery moon tea but on one when the moon is full?  Tonight, November 2, 2009, the moon is large and luminous.  The tea, in contrast, is earthy.  It is best to swallow while gazing up, allowing you to simultaneously enjoy the night sky and the earthy tea.  White tea is my favorite.  I am grateful to have some left over!

Meghma Oolong: Day 2

Meghma Oolong is a robust, addictive tea that you can sip for hours in the morning.  I think I refilled my teacup at least four times between 10:00 AM and noon.  It has a full flavor, but is not smoky or acidic.  If you are still bleary eyed when you try it, it awakens you with the first gulp!

Korakundha: Day 3

My friend put it very well: Korakundha tastes like a combination of black and Earl Grey.  It is night time, yet again, but I am not concerned that Korakundha will keep me from falling asleep.  Should I be?  I imagine this tea would taste delicious cold.  It is bold yet steady; acrid yet pleasing.

Hattialli Golden Bud: Day 4

Although the tea did have a deep, dark color, I was struck by the golden hues that it had when I first poured it into my cup.  I had to water it down because I personally do not like too many tannins and prefer sweetness over a slightly bitter taste.  This kind of tea is perfect as sandwich or cookie accompaniment, even if that’s not what it’s intended to be.

Harmutty Golden Paw: Day 5

With Harmutty Golden Paw, you have to be careful not to steep it too long or it might become very bitter.  I had to pour fresh water into my cup because I brewed it just a minute too long.  While I appreciate the full taste, I can only drink this kind of tea when it’s very diluted.  It’s quite fragrant and pleasant to breathe in the unusual aroma.

Margaret’s Hope: Day 6

With just a hint of citrus, Margaret’s Hope is hopeful, but is too adulterated for my liking.  It tastes like it has gone through a long oxidation process, which is not bad, but akin to drinking coffee.  This tea is wonderful for people who need a good, strong cup.

Thurbo FTGFOP1 CLTPY: Day 7

I enjoyed this tea because I let it steep for a quarter of my usual time.  I was particularly attentive because I really wanted to taste it at its full potential - I even accidentally ingested some of the dry leaves.  Having taken the proper precautions, Thurbo was quite palatable and light.  This is a tea that lingers well in the mouth.

Jungpana Imperial Muscatel 2009: Day 8

Jungpana Imperial Muscatel is different from the other teas I have tried in this series.  It has a deep forest smell of fresh, autumn air.  Its taste is pure and simple, reminiscent of a comforting, long-forgotten childhood dream.

Castleton FTGFOP 1 CH SP: Day 9

I only brewed Castleton for one minute and that was enough; I did enjoy it, however.  I had several cups in a short time span and realized I should limit the Darjeeling for fear of headaches.  This is no fault of the tea, but more of the condition of the taster.  I recommend using less than a teaspoon per cup.

Jungpana Autumn Delight: Day 10

Jungpana Autumn Delight starts out tasting slightly like chocolate, and then acquires more of a fresh, grassy taste (I mean that in a good way).  Even after my tea stopped brewing, the flavor kept evolving until it had a slight taste of fruitiness with a deep ruby hue.

Masala Chai: Day 11

Masala Chai is one of the most flavorful cups of chai I have ever had.  I agree with everyone’s positive sentiments.  I couldn’t help testing it out before it was finished brewing - I was so excited!

My first sniff of the brightly colored leaves reminded me of shopping at Michaels for Christmas presents, although I am not sure why.  After the first few minutes, it started to turn delightfully peppery and I remembered why chai has become such a popular drink.  This drink is perfect for a somber fall day (even more so that the autumnal tea from Day 10).

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