A few months back I started a thread about what unique blends people would like to see, inspired by a sudden craving for tamarind tea—which mysteriously does not seem to exist! The awesome Stacy at Butiki contacted me about a custom blend and I jumped on the chance—I mean, it’s every tea-lover’s dream to have their own custom tea just for them! I was amazed that she liked the finished creation enough to add it to their regular lineup since it means that everyone can try what started as an idle idea and ended up being one of the best teas I’ve ever tasted.
Of course my review is a bit biased since the flavors are pretty much tailored to my palate—the original idea was to replicate the taste of those tamarind-flavored Mexican sodas, and boy does this deliver! The Guranse base adds a nice woodsy/earthy smoothness and there’s that bright pop of malty/sour flavor from the tamarind, followed by delicious brown sugar. But they combine to form something better than the sum of their parts: there are notes of caramel, vanilla, and yes, an almost soda-like fizziness! With just a pinch of rock sugar it’s somehow even better, and it really brings all the flavors together. I’ve had this hot, iced, lukewarm from sitting in the AC too long, and it’s perfect every way. This is definitely my ideal tea, and it’s amazing to actually have it in front of me!
Preparation
Comments
It is definitely a unique blend, I’ve never had anything else that tasted remotely like it. If you like tamarind, you definitely can’t go wrong with this!
Wow, this is such a special tea! It has me thinking, what flavour would I want for a unique custom blend, that can’t be found anywhere else! I’ve never had a tamarind flavoured-anything before – I’m quite intrigued!
@Daisy: It’s so much fun to come up with your own blend and Stacy is fantastic to work with, I definitely recommend it!
@Bonnie: I have a sample of the pineapple oolong to try, it smells so amazing.
I’m not really big into blogging, but I did a short little story of how the tamarind pop tea came about and mentioned my previous experience with the tamarind fruit. For anyone that’s interested, check it out. http://butikiteas.blogspot.com/
I haven’t made this before, and it requires a little work, but you might find this intereting-Tamarind Ice Cream : http://veganicecream.blogspot.com/2006/07/tamarind-ice-cream-experiment.html
Oooh, interesting! I love experimenting with ice cream flavors, so this is right up my alley. Thanks ^^
I’m very eager to try this. It’s so unique. I’m gonna add it to my next/first order
It is definitely a unique blend, I’ve never had anything else that tasted remotely like it. If you like tamarind, you definitely can’t go wrong with this!
Wow, this is such a special tea! It has me thinking, what flavour would I want for a unique custom blend, that can’t be found anywhere else! I’ve never had a tamarind flavoured-anything before – I’m quite intrigued!
I really liked it! My idea was the pineapple oolong. Stacy likes our ideas!
@Daisy: It’s so much fun to come up with your own blend and Stacy is fantastic to work with, I definitely recommend it!
@Bonnie: I have a sample of the pineapple oolong to try, it smells so amazing.
I’m not really big into blogging, but I did a short little story of how the tamarind pop tea came about and mentioned my previous experience with the tamarind fruit. For anyone that’s interested, check it out. http://butikiteas.blogspot.com/
Alphakitty-Thanks :) You were great to work with!
I haven’t made this before, and it requires a little work, but you might find this intereting-Tamarind Ice Cream : http://veganicecream.blogspot.com/2006/07/tamarind-ice-cream-experiment.html
Oooh, interesting! I love experimenting with ice cream flavors, so this is right up my alley. Thanks ^^
You’re welcome :)