This weeks Tandem Tea Tasting, ended up being a Ladies Night as the male member of our group found himself storming his brain. I must say, judging by his recent amazing posts, of which there are many, a Tsunami must be on the way.

The tea featured, Fu Man Chu, a tea blend that impressed me a few months ago that I thought I would share with this illustrious group of tea enthusiasts.

This delightful brew, surprisingly took my history of palate blend acceptance, aback.

Fu Man Chu, by SerendipiTea, combines Organic Pouchung, Pu-erh and Jasmine Petals, I know, seems like an unlikely combination. Pu-erh being one of my palate delights, when blended with other teas, herbs or flowers, I rarely say no to a cup.

By the way my pairing for this evenings session included a guacamole which worked well a sharp departure from the usual macarons.

The SerendipiTea website describes this blend as “ Beauty & the beast – the luxurious earthiness of Pu-erh serenely cloaks the beautiful jasmine scented pouching – a setting for a palate of contrast & conflict”.

The ladies were also quite surprised by the aroma, definitely jasmine on first whiff. Then the sips that revealed the subtly of the Pouchong and the definition of the Pu-erh as it cooled. Initial descriptors encompassed notes of fruity, grape; floral. Towards the end floral earthy notes appeared. Mouthfeel was described as silken.

I brewed mine in my thermos, leaving the leaves to do their thing. I proceeded to have several enjoyable cups. Towards the end the brew became quite strong and deep.

The effects of this tea on the participants must be mentioned, as it adds a dimension to our experience.

Darlene, The Tea Lovers Archives, is quite fond of jasmine and one of her favorite teas is Oriental Beauty. She speaks of her trip to Taiwan often and recounts her most enjoyable tea sipping experience at a small shop in this country. To hear her describe this experience you feel her passion for everything tea.

She says she has been chasing this experience since and has found one close in her Beauty. Well, she experienced somewhat of a brain freeze in our discussion, much laughter ensued and we blamed it on the tea.

Rachel, of IHeartTeas, had a totally different experience, as seen below. We lost connection and the frozen screen displayed such a fabulous appearance I just had to snap a photo.

One might say this is a very relaxing tea.

Nicole, Tea For Me Please, was having a bout with her allergies and was somewhat quiet and reserved.

All in all, the consensus was, the blend is one that will be stocked on our shelves for another unique tea experience.

Thank you and Happy Birthday Linda Villano, how fitting for us to share one of your wonderful blends on your birthday week.

More Reading about this tasting:

Rachel, I Heart Teas

Nicole, Tea For Me Please

Darlene, The Tea Enthusiasts Scrapbook

SerendipiTea tea will also be featured at a Wine Tea Cheese pairing event in NYC’s Frederick Café & Bistro, 114th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd, October 12^th.  Join Us.

Also note upcoming event great savings