RKS The Tea Meister: Portuguese Orange Pekoe Black Loose Leaf Tea from the Azores

Posted byRobert K Stephen (CSW)Posted inTEA, TravelTags:, , , , ,

Yes I said Portuguese tea! This orange pekoe is from Gorreana in the Azores. The only tea plantation in Europe. I was attending Wine and Travel Week in Porto in late February and the organizers sent 10 of us to the Azores Islands specifically to Pico Island a UNESCO World Heritage site. An unforgettable destination being very laid back, green and volcanic. In addition to investigating cultural sites and wineries and enjoying local cuisine I managed to purchase some teas, honey, jams and lots of canned Azorean tuna. 

Arriving at PICO Island: Robert K. Stephen photo

So what about this orange pekoe?

Aroma: Loads of orange including tangerine and Algarvian orange which are as good as any you would get from Florida. Butterscotch, caramel and PICO Island honey.

Palate: Honey, Andalucian brandy and crème Brule topped with Azorean marmalade. Alert and tight on the palate with a substantial but short finish. Low on tannins

Food Pairing: Mincemeat or butter pecan tarts.

Price: On Canadian Amazon site $18 for 100 grams and 5 Euros on the Gorreana website.

RKS Tea Meister Rating: 92/100.

Published by Robert K Stephen (CSW)

Robert K Stephen writes about food ,drink, travel, film, and lifestyle issues. He also has published serialized novels "Life at Megacorp", "Virus # 26, "Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog" and "The Penniless Pensioner" Robert was the first associate member of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada. He also holds a Mindfulness Certification from the University of Leiden and the University of Toronto. Be it Spanish cured meat, dried fruit, BBQ, or recycled bamboo place mats, Robert endeavours to escape the mundane, which is why he has established this publication. His motto is, "Have Story, Will Write."

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