1000 Cranes White Tea Blend

When I attended the 2009 World Tea Expo in May, I had the opportunity to meet Beth and Newman Johnston from Teas Etc. During my chat with Beth I learned about the amazing history of 1000 Cranes White Tea Blend.  I thought I would share the story right from the  website of Teas Etc.

“The Story…

Nathan, who has worked with us for the past 4 years, decided to ask Nicole to marry him. It’s not that he asked but HOW he asked that makes this a “story.”  The happy couple was spending the afternoon at one of their favorite places, the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach. There is a Japanese saying that if you give a 1000 cranes and/or receive a 1000 cranes you are granted one wish. It was that day that Nathan presented Nicole a rather large box to open. Inside the box there were 999 white origami cranes that Nathan had laboriously folded 1 by 1. At the bottom was a larger, gold crane number 1000. In that gold crane was the ring which was followed by the proposal. How romantic! Shortly thereafter, Nathan and Nicole put together a list of ingredients with special meaning and the 1000 Crane Blend was born.”

I don’t think I could have told a better story – instead I’ll share the review of 1000 Cranes White Tea Blend.

Composition: Organic bai mu dan (white tea), strawberry white tea, organic strawberry pieces, rose petals, coconut shreds

Dry Visual: A rich variety of color – deep green tea leaves with brown stems present, rusty-red fruit pieces, creamy coconut pieces, mauve and pink leaves. Thanks Teas Etc., for the picture.

Dry Aroma: Absolutely yummy! Floral and fruity sweet I loved to simply sit and inhale the loose tea.

Flavor: 1000 Cranes White Tea Blend is a mild tea blend, characteristic of bai mu dan. A lover of white tea, particularly bai mu dan, I thought this tea was blended very well. The other ingredients – strawberry, rose petal and coconut actually complimented the white tea instead of overpowering it. The strawberry flavor was present from start to finish. I found the rose petal to be less prominent in the start, but definitely present at the finish. I cannot say I was able to easily discern the coconut. I’m brewing another cup for a second opinion.

A full-bodied tea, 1000 Cranes White Tea Blend can easily be enjoyed without sweetener – the method I used to enjoy my first cup. However, in my second cup, I added a little Sugar-In-The-Raw. That is when the coconut really “popped”.  It’s subtle taste was definitely present, yet not overwhelming.  I found the brew to have no astringency; yet, I think I prefer drinking 1000 Cranes White Tea Blend with just a touch of sweetener. I found the tea to be delicious.

Liquor: A rich yellow actually golden hue.

Brewing Time: According to the directions, the recommended steeping time is one (1) teaspoon for 3 – 6 minutes in water that ranges from 180 to 190 degrees F. Initially, I steeped for 3 minutes – tasted, then steeped for an additional 3 minutes using about 1.5 teaspoons fresh leaves each time versus multiple infusions.

Manufacturer: Teas Etc.

Caffeine: Yes.

If you have had the opportunity to enjoy a cup of 1000 Cranes White Tea Blend, please stop by and share your experience. Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!

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