London Tea Club: January

On the 6th of January I came home from a late shift at work to find an adorably small parcel waiting for me. I was expecting it, but even if I wasn't it was quite clear from the packaging just what it was; it was my first delivery from my new 'teacription' with London Tea Club, a Christmas gift from my mum (for three months). I was excited for this delivery as I enjoy getting things through the post that aren't junk and bills (I have been subscribed to a popular snack company since I began university to give me something to look forward to every two weeks) and I adore high quality, loose leaf tea. What isn't to love?

Upon opening the demure white box, I was greeted with a postcard welcoming me to the Club and the new year, as well as updates on this months teas (of which I only got a selection). There was also a cream coloured cotton bag, emblazoned with the Club logo; inside this, I knew, was going to be my three January teas. Without hesitation, I carefully opened the pouch and found three neatly labelled test tubes, as well as a small brown envelope. The presentation was absolutely delightful and easily elicited a smile from me. It was quirky yet sophisticated, bringing images of eccentric Victorian explorers or engineers to the forefront of the mind, and everything that tea deserves in presentation outside of serious ceremony. Someone has clearly put a lot of effort in deciding this packaging.


The labels on my test tubes informed me that I had 'Frozen Summit', 'Black Pearl' and 'Caramel Cream', along with the type of tea, brewing temperature and time. Brewing tea for the recommended time is some I have only recently been seriously heeding. I always thought it was one of those pretentious things invented by those who wanted to separate themselves as an elite. However, since timing about a third to a half of every cup (or pot) I brew, I have noticed a stark difference. The teas a sweeter, bolder and lack the bitter after taste of overly steeped tea (fun fact: apparently, if you want a stronger taste add more tea, not time). You would have thought it would have taken me less than ten years to figure it out, but apparently not. So, if you are a person that savours fine teas, without milk or sugar (although there is nothing wrong with the British staple of a good ol' cuppa) then I would definitely recommend taking the effort to brew your tea correctly. I was genuinely surprised at how obvious the difference was.

This month I have received an oolong tea, a black tea and a flavoured black tea. A couple of years ago I may have been a little disappointed to have received only one flavoured tea, as it's much easier to appreciate the difference in taste from a PG Tips or Yorkshire Gold tea bag (psh, I didn't even have supermarket Assam in tea bag form until I went to uni and loose leaf tea was suddenly less convenient; I extend eternal thanks to my parents for bringing me up on loose leaf Co-Op Red Label), but since properly organising my tea, making a conscious effort to use my teapots and having three or four different types a day (many of which are unflavoured) I am starting to realise the subtle differences in taste between them. My current favourite unflavoured black tea is my 'Assam Tippy Orthodox', closely followed by my 'Russian Caravan'. As such, I am intrigued as to taste test this oolong ('Frozen Summit') alongside my 'Black Dragon Oolong' (which is a silly name for an oolong, really, given that 'oolong' literally means 'black dragon'). Plus, oolong is pretty, in the sense that the leaves resemble little, earthy coloured beads that unfurl upon adding hot water. This is definitely a tea for one of my glass teapots.

 

Oh, I forgot to mention, so preoccupied was I by the tea itself! The little brown envelope! Inside were a trio of small cards, each detailing the profile of the tea; where it's from, best way to brew/present, when best to drink (e.g., after a meal). There was also a set of empty tea bags, which I thought was such a lovely touch as I realised that not every tea enthusiast will enter this subscription armed with six single serve teapots and twelve infusers (I'd say that I wish I was exaggerating, but really, I'm not; I am unashamed of my tea paraphernalia collection). I probably will use a tea bag at some point (of which I do not believe them to be reusable) for the novelty, although it may be with one of my many other loose leaf teas.

 

Overall, I think this is absolutely wonderful and cannot wait to try my first one. Indeed, the only reason I have yet to sample them is because I want to dedicate a portion of my day my day to give the tea the attention it deserves (and before anyone calls me out as being unnecessarily obsessive, remember that much of Asian tea culture sees brewing and drinking tea as a way of meditation and reflection). I also want to be able to write a bit more than 'had a cuppa, it was boss' in my blog posts, which is probably what you'd get if I treated these teas the way I do my sleepy, morning cup (I drink far too much tea to spend a half hour philosophising about it's complexities every time I make it; tea is wonderfully versatile like that. A comfort during the stress of writing essays, part of daily routine alongside crappy day time television and a custard cream, a social point when guests are over, or as a way of stopping, taking a pause in life, just to think and appreciate).

Due to late shifts at work all week, trying one of these new teas may be put on hold for a couple of days, but I am patiently awaiting it. So far, however, I am truly impressed with my first months box and hope that the tea follows suit and does not disappoint (as if tea could ever disappoint, hah!). Certainly, I would recommend this teacription to anyone who enjoys tea, interesting post and something a little bit different. The price tag attached may seem a little high, but I think it is reasonable for what you receive. Truly, I look for not only to these three teas, but also the coming months. I should also probably check out the members area of the Club, although I'm not sure I have the log in details.

Well, I guess all that remains is for me to go an put the kettle, and savour a little bit of magic