As I write this, I consider myself very blessed. The night before last brought a dangerous ice storm north and west of here and there were many power lines and trees brought down causing a lot of damage. Many folks are without power and will be for several more days, I’ve heard. My thoughts and prayers go out to those people. I hope that power will be restored for them very soon.
This morning I am sipping a very unique black tea from Taiwan called “Sun Moon Lake tea”. The enormous twisted leaves have a very wiry appearance, reminiscent of a Keemun Mao Feng tea. This tea is grown and all hand processed in the Sun Moon lake area of Taiwan. Sun Moon lake is the largest lake on the island of Taiwan and is named so because the eastern side is round and the western side is crescent shaped. It sounds like a very beautiful area surrounded by mountains.
I steeped the leaves for 4 1/2 minutes in 212 degree F water. This produced a very dark tea liquor with a toasty aroma.
Here is the tea steeping right after I poured the water in the teapot.
The tea is silky smooth without a trace of astringency. The taste is full and somewhat malty, reminiscent of a very smooth Assam tea. Notes of nutmeg and cinnamon are present with a whisper of mint in the finish. Mmmmm, I am enjoying this unique tea very much!
Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage.
~Catherine Douzel
Art and Tea 
Not much in this world is better than enjoying a quiet cup of tea. And that’s a simple truth 🙂
I was brought up the english way; I just bring it to a boil and then take it off the fire and steep it. Do you actually steep it WHILE it’s boiling, after it’s come to a boil? Do you only do that with oolong teas? Very interesting!
Thanks Feanare, I agree. 🙂
I apologize Autumn! I meant that the water had been boiled and it was that hot. I fixed the wording so it made more sense.
Glad to hear you didn’t lose power, Karen ! I saw pictures of the ice storm on the news, it looks like it was really bad. We had only rain here, but the winds gusted to 50mph in the morning….
YUUUUMMMMMMMMM xx
Your tea sounds delicious. And I really love that clear glass teapot that you have.
Glad to hear that you didn’t lose power either, Dora. oooo, powerful winds there.
Wow – I love all of your photos, but those top two may have just taken the blue ribbon. Wow. I love the fan and the single leaf!