Jan 09
Joe’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "A wonderfully textured tea with not much taste."
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The Simple Leaf, a three year old Chicago-based and family-run business, embraces a rather minimalist approach to selling gourmet tea. They offer only 14 different teas all purchased directly from growers and all from South Asia.One of their teas, Decadence, is an Indian White Tea with an exceedingly mild, slightly sweet scent. Described as an extremely delicate tea and not at all inexpensive, I decided to take the suggested brewing process very seriously. With the aid of a newly purchased infrared thermometer I was able to assure that I began the steeping process at the recommended 170 degrees. I used the suggested teaspoon of tea and steeped it for exactly three minutes.
At first sip, the tea did offer a definite hint of extravagance; so I considered it well named. Decadence is velvet with an aura of chiffon. As it cooled, the sensual silkiness intensified. If you place a high value on texture - this is the tea for you.
In addition, Decadence offers a clean aftertaste and promotes a sense of energy and good health that lasts long after the tea is consumed.
Unfortunately, the flavor is exceptionally subtle (it is a white tea). In the Korean language, when a food does not taste good, it is said to be “without taste.†For me, this pretty much sums up my experience with Decadence - a tea with very little taste. As it cools, it begins to offer a hint of bitterness, but this does not help its cause.
When in a hurry, the Japanese don't eat breakfast cereal for dinner like we do in North America (I‘m ashamed to admit that I do this a few times a week). Instead, they throw together something called ochazuke. This begins by adding hot water to rice. Decadence has a taste somewhere between ochazuke broth and weak oolong tea.
Recognizing that I was brut without the sensitivity to enjoy the subtle sensations of Decadence, I decided to brew a cup with two rather than the one recommended teaspoon of tealeaves. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME - the teamasters offer a suggested brewing method for a reason. Adding an extra teaspoon made the tea taste cheap and bitter.
If you like subtlety, white tea and/or oolongs, you will probably love Decadence. However, I will continue my quest for the ultimate tea perhaps seeking names like Morality or at least Decency.
— To purchase The Simple Leaf Decadence, or for more specific information on ingredients or the story behind this particular blend, click here to go directly to the manufacturer's web site.
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