Review: Persimmon Tree Tea’s Classic Black Tea

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The Subject:	Classic Black
Company:	Persimmon Tree Tea. [More info]

Straight Tea Rating:
About the new rating designation.

Water temperature:	195° F
Steeping time:	3-5 mins.
Tea type:	Black
Aroma, dry leaves:	Planty sweetness, vanilla-ish

Round 1 — 1st Infusion:
Steeping time —	3 mins.
Aroma, plain —	Rich, almost fruity
Taste, plain —	Light, delicate, not bitter
Color, plain —	Red-brown
Taste, enhanced —	Floral notes, otherwise too light
Round 1 — 2nd Infusion:
Steeping time —	4 mins.
Aroma, plain —	Lighter
Taste, plain —	Lighter
Color, plain —	Red-brown
Round 2 — 1st Infusion:
Steeping time —	5 mins.
Aroma, plain —	Richer, not fruity
Taste, plain —	Rich without bitterness
Color, plain —	Darker red-brown
Taste, enhanced —	Smooth, floral notes

Comments:

Out of a cute little tin comes this blend of 2 black teas (Nilgiri from India and Yunnan from China). Their individual flavors join together for a real taste treat. Take that comment above about the aroma of the dry tea being vanilla-ish carefully. Hubby detected this and says it was more of an impression than actual vanilla.

We did 2 rounds on this tea (thanks, Persimmon Tea, for sending enough for this). A round is the infusions from the same amount of tea leaves (about 2 tsps here in 16 ounces of water). Round 1 was steeped shorter and gave us 2 infusions. Round 2 was steeped longer and was only good for 1 infusion. The results show that this is an adaptable tea. You can steep it short for a lighter taste you can enjoy plain, or longer for a tea with enough taste to stand up to milk.

With teas like this, the dry vs. wet leaves aren’t so dramatic, but I like you to see what you’re getting. This is a tea that is pretty ground up yet the pieces are not too small. It’s a bit hard to tell in my photo, but you can see in the dry leaves both the dark brown Nilgiri pieces and the lighter tan (some say “golden”) Yunnan pieces.

The tea in the mug below (sitting on a doily I bought in Belgium years ago) is the 1st infusion from Round 1. In many countries this type of tea is called “red tea” due to the red color of the liquid.

The photo of the two teacups, one plain and one with milk, are from Round 2. You could still drink the tea plain, depending on how strong you like it. You will also find it suitable for milk and the sweetener of your choice. Or you could use a bit of lemon. It would even be suitable for a spiced tea (masala chai). Lots of possibilities for this truly classic black tea.

Have a cuppa and let your imagination flow.

Disclaimer: This tea was provided by the company named. However, the rating of the tea and any opinions concerning it are always strictly objective.