In my part of the world, nature is just bursting with new growth and bird song and I am eagerly drinking it in with all of my senses.

Welcome May! I’ve dreamed about you all winter long…

With my morning cup, I am once again visiting the Nepal Jun Chiyabari tea estate, today with their Imperial Black. I tell their story here.

As I gaze upon the large, full leaves, I think that imperial is a perfect name for this majestic leaf.

I steeped the leaves for 3 minutes in boiling point (212 F) water.

A honeyed aroma rising from my glass teapot reminds me of a dark Oolong tea.

Wow, that is one big leaf!

This tea is processed as a black tea but its enormous leaf, its aroma and its flavor notes remind me of an Oolong tea. Not the tea liquor though, a gorgeous glowing whisky color, reminiscent of a rich second flush Darjeeling.

The cup is quite smooth with notes of chestnut and dark honey up front. Subtle hints of spice and a whisper of cocoa linger into the finish.

I’m really enjoying this tea’s unique flavor which reminds me of a dark Oolong with some hints of a China black tea. Quite yummy!

Enjoy your weekend and a warm and happy Mother’s Day to all you Moms out there! Thanks Mom for all of the wonderful things you do.

“Let all thy joys be as the month of May.”  ~Francis Quarles

Unless otherwise noted, all text and photos are the property of Karen Park Art and Tea, copyright 2007-2011. Please do not “lift” any of my photographs or blog posts for use on your blog or website. Thank you so much for your respect and kind attention.