Review of Black Teas Sampler, 6 tins

I got this set and their green tea sampler, along with a ForLife single-mug infuser, and I now have really amazing tea whenever I want it. The 6 teas are all quite different, with a huge variety of scent and flavor. Each tin is labeled with the proper water temperature and steeping time. (Although they should add a relative strength and/or amount indicator.)

The amount is remarkably generous for the price, given that these are gourmet teas, with full-size uncut leaves. I've had large mugs of each tea probably 4 times already, and I'm no more than 1/3 of the way into each tin. The quality is so high, and the flavors so rich, I tend to refill each mug at least once, and get a second cup nearly as good as the first.

These sets are three excellent things in one: first, they're a perfect introduction to a range of fine teas, like getting a 6-bottle tasting at the best wine shop in the city. Second, along with a mug infuser and an electric kettle, they're the perfect way to enjoy good tea at the office, with tons of variety. Last, they're just a great deal on a sizable volume of really nice teas. (Think of the money you'll save over Starbucks at the office: I'm probably paying $.25 a mug for this tea, even without the refills...)

(To do these teas justice, do be sure to spend 5 minutes reading about tea preparation. Learn to "read" the ballpark temperature of the water, depending on how hard it's boiling. And pour just a little water over the leaves and let them sit for a few seconds before you add the rest of the water. This releases all the aromas in the tea, so you can get a better feel for the distinctness of each one. And don't over-steep: that'll turn your tea bitter and uninteresting, covering up the flavors. This all can sound nit-picky, but it really makes a difference in your enjoyment of the tea. It also turns it into a much more meditative, relaxing experience, which is the point of good tea, right?)

Product Description
Similar to wine, tea is affected greatly by the climate in which it grows. Differences in soil and weather conditions produce a rich mosaic of tea's many natural flavors. If you have yet to discover the superior flavor of gourmet tea, this is a wonderful introduction to its many black varieties.

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