Review: Plucker’s Pick Brunswick Estate

Feb 24

Review: Plucker’s Pick Brunswick Estate

Geoff’s Teaview Snapshot

"The leaves infused the drink with a deep copper color. Aside from the momentary black tea kick, no astringent lingering remained, which was a plus."

Geoff’s Teaview:	7/10
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I'm still fairly new to this old school idea of a black tea grading curve. To me, the "pekoe" system sounds like a cricket match performed in a muddy African swamp, in lavender tu-tus, while being chased down by bees. I don't know where the bees come into play in this sad excuse for a simile, but "pekoe" reminds me of a stinging sensation. "Broken" doesn't help any. Color me bumpkin.

A Broken Orange Pekoe denotes a medium-to-high broken leaf grade. This grade is the main grade; the median, I'd assume. The "Orange" insignia casts the stamp of quality on a particular grade. BOP is apparently common in Ceylon (i.e. Sri Lanka), Southern India, Java, and China. This Plucker's Pick varietal stems (pun intended) from the Brunswick Garden tea estate in Sri Lanka.

The one other Plucker's Pick I tried was their highest grade estate tea, a Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe. This Brunswick BOP is - by grade - a step down, and oddly enough, it shows in the test and taste. The dry leaves were a dark powder, almost reminiscent of a poor man's matcha. The smell was divine, though; earthy, fresh, with shades of mint and sweetness. It always amazes me how something so burnt looking could have so layered an odor.

I brewed 2 teaspoons for five minutes in 16 ounces of water brought to a rolling boil. The liquor packed quite a punch, but a smooth one at that - like being slapped by an interpretive dancer. The leaves infused the drink with a deep copper color. Aside from the momentary black tea kick, no astringent lingering remained, which was a plus. No cotton-mouthy feeling either, nor did I have to cream-'n-sugar it for flavor's sake. Some of the sweet scent even carried over to the taste.

While not as awe-inspiring as the FBOP that Plucker's puts out, this li'l guy still deserves to be picked to play on a team at recess.

— To purchase Plucker’s Pick Brunswick Estate, 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.