Inspired by the thread, "Another Question" and the discussion about some some unfavored tea experiences. I thought I would share my thoughts on the green tea samples I received with my IngenuiTea infusion system.
First of all, this is my first attempt at reviewing a tea. Please, forgive my neophyte status, and please understand these four green teas represent my first experiences with loose leaf teas.
The four teas I received from Adagio are: Cocomint Green Citron Green Green Pekoe Blue Genmai Cha Pop
I am enjoying both my new IngenuiTea and the teas except for the Genmai Cha Pop, which I don't particularly like.
Cocomint Green "Green tea from China with the delicate flavors of chocolate and mint. Makes a light and refreshing drink that's popular both hot and iced. If you are new to green tea, this lightly flavored tea may be a good place to start."
The leaves are quite large and unfurl to an impressive volume. Steep for 3 minutes, quiet white-green color. The initial aroma is a strong chocolatey mint, though the flavor is more subtle. The mint flavor is the most distinctive sensation on the palate, there is a subtle green tea flavor as you swallow followed by a slightly grassy taste and a minty finish that swells in the sinuses. I find this tea to be very pleasurable and sweet. I do not add any honey or sweetener. Tastes good through four infusions, each subsequent infusion I allow 10-15 seconds of additional steep time.
The Cocomint Green is one of my favorites. I think of it as an excellent after dinner or dessert type of tea. I would probably buy this again, but it wouldn't be my main drinking tea.
Citron Green "Green tea from China with the delicate flavors of lemon and lime. A happy marriage of great taste and proven health benefits. Just the right touch of citrus flavors to liven up the cup. Makes a light and refreshing drink that's popular both hot and iced. If you are new to green tea, this lightly flavored tea may be a good place to start."
The leaves are large and unfurl voluminously. Steep for 3 minutes, light yellow green color. The light, nearly clear color is deceptive - do not over steep. Aroma of green tea and very subtle citrus scent. A full bodied, melodic flavor with texture that weighs and then dances on the palate. A lemony flavor with a grassy green tea hint when swallowed. A slightly acidic sting aftertaste, this tea is best with half a teaspoon of honey. Maintains an even flavor after three infusions. Can become very bitter if steeped too long.
I find the Citron Green to be a very drinkable tea that could become my regular drinking tea if I wanted a flavored tea.
Green Pekoe Blues "Green tea from the Fujian province of China. Green Pekoe (sometimes referred to as Orange Pekoe) is famed as an everyday tea, and is among the most popular teas consumed in China. Its thin, wavy leaves appear almost black when dry. Once infused, however, our "Green Pekoe Blues" reveals its true color. And produces a light cup with a smooth, mellow taste and a gentle, soothing aroma."
These leaves appear very dry and much smaller. As they unfurl some float to the top while others linger near the bottom, providing a more even suspension. Completely unfurled they appear smaller and less voluminous than other teas. Steep for 3 minutes. The tea is somewhat forgiving in that a longer steep creates a stronger flavor without much bitterness, but the ideal time is under 3 minutes. When poured it is light in color - a pale yellow - but, oddly takes on a deeper bluish-brown hue within seconds of being served. It is a medium-bodied tea and deceptively flavorful with several unknown (to me) and interesting flavors. Very little aftertaste and lacks the typical grassy flavor. Four successful infusions allowing an extra 30 seconds on the third and fourth infusion. This is a very forgiving tea that can be drank unsweetened, or with honey or with lemon and honey.
I am glad for having tried Green Pekoe Blues and it may be many people's every day choice, but I can't shake the feeling that it is a very medium tea overall.
Genmai Cha Pop "Green tea from Japan that is the "snap, crackle, pop" of teas. Genmai Cha is an exotic Japanese recipe that combines popped rice and popcorn with tender and delicate green tea leaves. First used by peasants as a cost-saving measure, our "Genmai Cha Pop" tea is now equally popular with modern urbanites. Both groups enjoy a refreshing cup that's both sweet and nutty."
This may be for some people, but for me, its just wretched. The nutty flavor is overwhelming and it tastes like drinking burnt popcorn. It leaves an aftertaste like an unwanted house guest and for which there seems to be no known cure.