Monday 9 June 2014

Wiltshire Tea Company: China Green Gunpowder


I've always liked the name Gunpowder Green. It's a really cool name for a tea, I think. I read recently that it has it's name because it resembles the old style gunshot in shape and that it makes a very nice "clang" as it hits the bottom of the pot!

I've seen Gunpowder Green in many shops and have always wanted to try it, but, for some unfathomable reason, it's never really made it's way into my shopping basket. I think, because of it's name, I imagine it to be very strong and of course green tea can be a little off putting when it's too strong.

When I received the sample, I was keen to give it a go!

I really love the appearance of this tea. It's bright and colourful, smells nice and is just interesting to look at. Here it is nestled safely in my infuser. 

 
I followed the brewing instruction's on this tea. I boiled the kettle, let it cool for a minute and then brewed the tea for two. Interestingly, I found this tea to brew to a really dark colour. Most green teas take on a light yellow or green hue which is almost translucent, but this is a very full dark orange coloured tea, which is very different from what you normally get with green tea.

As I set up the computer to write this blog, the tea cooled slightly meaning I could drink it once away once I settled down.

China Green Gunpowder is a green tea with strength. I would compare it to the black tea, Assam. It has oomph, is not delicate like some other blends, but at the same time, it's not bitter or astringent.

It is a smooth blend, slightly fruity and grassy. It has almost herbal elements to it, which, though I dislike herbal tea, is quite tasty. It feels like a very "natural" tea if that makes sense, that it's healthy and full of goodness. I felt as though I'm drinking something really good for me, which can't be bad, can it?

It is pleasantly rounded and it's perfect if you like your tea strong. Some green tea's are very delicate so when people try it (if they are used to heavy black tea's) it's doesn't always make a satisfying brew. Not so with Green Gunpowder. It has strength, is tasty and deliciously moreish.

Green Gunpowder has surprised me. I thought the stronger the blend of green tea the less tasty it would be. But I am genuinely struck by how nice this blend is. Lovely tasting, strong and fulfilling.

According to websites that specialise in green tea, Gunpowder is the strongest green tea you can find. So, it's even more impressive that I like it. Immediately after drinking my first cup, I brewed a second and liked it just as much on the second tasting.

However, if you're wary of green tea or are so so on it, this is not the blend for you. You'll probably find it a bit too strong, and, dare I say it, unappealing.

I've proven to myself by drinking and enjoying this tea, that I am now a fully converted green tea addict. I love the delicate blends, I love the flavoured blends and now I love the strong ones. I'm really, really impressed by this, and can only thank Wiltshire Tea Company for sending me to sample.

If you'd like more information on Wiltshire Tea Company, please click here. and if you'd like to read about Gunpowder Green then follow this link.

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