Ten Ren Tea Tung Ting Supreme Oolong Tea Review

Ten Ren Tea's Tung Ting Supreme Oolong tea is a good green oolong tea. The tea (sometimes rendered as dong ding tea) is composed of tightly rolled whole tea leaves, many of which were still attached to the stem. The tea is pale gold in color, and has a slight vegetal aroma. The flavor is a bit on the mild side, but gets a bit stronger at the back and sides of the mouth as you swallow. The tea was good for about three steepings, and I found the second steeping to be the best (consistent mellow flavor).

Rating: *** ½

Here's an excerpt from Ten Ren's website.

The leaves of Tung Ting Supreme Oolong are grown in the Tung Ting region of Taiwan at the specific elevation of 2500 feet/740 meters. At this elevation, the leaves absorb moisture from the surrounding fog and clouds every morning and every afternoon which is ideal for Oolong plants. Due to the unique geographic location and stringent selection of leaves, this is the finest Tung Ting Oolong from the Tung Ting estate.

Volpi Sopressata Salame Review

Volpi Foods' Sopressata Salame is an enjoyable sausage that I purchased at Trader Joe's. I bought it because it's made with all natural ingredients without any nitrates or nitrites, and because I love soppressata. The 8 oz. salami is encased in a collagen casing that's to be removed before eating. The soppressata was surprisingly milder in flavor and much less salty than I was expecting. Although mild, the salami had a nice savory flavor. I tend to prefer stronger flavors, so I thought the soppressata would have been better if it had a bit more bold and complex character (and were a bit saltier and tangier), but nevertheless I quite enjoyed the salami. Rather than the whole black peppercorns one would often see in store bought soppressata, Volpi's had what looked like specks of ground black pepper in it. A lot of store bought soppressata also tends to have larger nodules of fat, but Volpi's is finer in texture. Overall, a good and enjoyable soppressata, and a soppressata of choice due to no nitrites and relatively low cost.

Rating: *** ½

Here's an except from Volpi's website.

This salame originates in the Veneto Region. A delicate sophistication exudes throughout this region, its people and its cuisine. Our Sopressata mirrors this refined lifestyle.

• Recommended Storage Temperature: Keep Refrigerated (less than or equal to 72° F)

• Shelf Life from production: 180 days

• Serving Suggestions: Stands alone for a classic antipasto or adds spice to any sandwich, grilled or cold.

Packaging a bit different (sold at Trader Joe's)

Sliced, with the collagen casing removed

Ten Ren Tea Supreme Chinese High Mountain Oolong Tea Review

Ten Ren Tea's Supreme Chinese High Mountain Oolong tea is a good and enjoyable green oolong tea. The tea was tightly rolled, with a few stems and very few broken leaves. The tea's aroma is vegetal, and when steeped the color is a pale yellow. The tea has a good vegetal oolong tea flavor, but is not as bold or complex as some Taiwanese oolong teas. The tea was good for about two steepings. Nevertheless, this is still a solid and enjoyable tea.

Rating: *** ½

Here's an excerpt from Ten Ren's website.

Ten Ren Tea's Supreme Chinese High Mountain Oolong consists of the finest oolong harvested during the spring season. This tea is grown in the high mountains of China. Each tea leaf is handpicked to ensure the best quality. When brewed, it produces a light yellow hue, a strong smooth floral taste, a fresh scent, and a pleasant lasting aftertaste.


The water used to steep this tea should be about 185-195°F or 85-90°C. Use about 2 teaspoons (3 grams) of tea leaves for about every 5 ounces (150 milliliters) of water. A steeping time of about 3-5 minutes is recommended with more or less time depending on the desired concentration. As a rough guide, the higher the temperature of the water or the greater the amount of leaves used, the shorter the steeping time should be.

Twinings Lady Grey Tea Review

Twinings Lady Grey Tea is a nice light tea that I bought as part of the Twinings Black Tea Variety Pack. Twinings Lady Grey takes the classic taste of Earl Grey and tweaks it by augmenting the bergamot flavoring with the taste of oranges and a hint of lemon. The tea is smooth, light, and has a refreshingly bright orange citrus flavor.

Rating: *** ½

Here's an excerpt from the Twinings website.

A refreshing, light black tea with the distinctive citrus fruit flavor of bergamot to deliver an uplifting tea with vibrant aroma and zesty flavors of orange and lemon.

Lady Grey Tea is a unique blend from Twinings. This delicious black tea has a light and gentle citrus flavour that is both relaxing and refreshing. Lady Grey is perfect in the morning with breakfast or for afternoon tea. Enjoy it with a little milk, or with sweetener, or to your liking.

Ingredients: Black Tea, Orange Peel, Lemon Peel, Citrus Flavouring

Light Flavour Strength

Twinings Irish Breakfast Tea Review

Twinings Irish Breakfast Tea is a nice tea that I bought as part of the Twinings Black Tea Variety Pack. The Irish Breakfast tea is quite smooth, not at all bitter, and has a nice black tea flavor. I've only had it black without milk or sugar, as I prefer my tea unsweetened and without milk. I was expecting the tea to be quite strong, but found it to be smooth and mellow. All in all a good, solid tea.

Rating: *** ½

Here's an except from the Twinings website.

A strong, full-bodied black tea from the regions of Ceylon and Assam expertly blended with a hearty flavor and delightful aroma.

The Irish really love their tea and are amongst the most frequent drinkers of tea around the world. In celebration of this tea drinking tradition, Twinings blended a special Irish Breakfast Blend. This tea is best taken with milk and sweetened to taste to bring out the best flavour.

Robust Flavour Strength

Twinings Black Tea Variety Pack Review

Twinings Black Tea Variety Pack has a good mix of Twinings' popular black teas.

Here are links to my individual reviews of the teas in the pack.

English Breakfast
Earl Grey
Lady Grey
Irish Breakfast

Rating: *** ½


Here's an excerpt from the Twinings website.

A selection of our finest four black teas: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Lady Grey, Irish Breakfast