Alysha

Jasmine tea has grown on me, but I’m still wary of trying new ones for fear of that strong perfumey taste. If I hadn’t got this one as a sample with my order, I probably would never have tried it.

But I’m so glad I did, because it is the most perfectly balanced jasmine tea I’ve ever had. The jasmine doesn’t overpower; it shares the spotlight so you can actually taste the silver needles, and the sip is so silky and ends with a bit of sweetness. There’s also a crisp, fresh linen quality to it, which makes me feel like I’ve been transported into a plush robe sitting atop a luxurious bed in a fancy hotel (and in that case, it’s well worth the price, right?) I’ll definitely order this one (and I’ll have to hoard the rest of this sample for special occasions until then!)

I started this journey with affection for green tea and a mission to find a reliable go-to. I tried some tasty ones but wasn’t blown away by any, and soon the bold blacks and outspoken oolongs and flashy flavoreds won my attention away from the gentle greens. But then this tea made its entrance and everything changed.

It’s smooth and fresh and vegetal, but also incredibly creamy! I’ve never tasted a green tea this light yet rich at the same time. This is the seductive son of sencha and milk oolong, and I’m so enthralled in this buttery dance that nothing else exists right now and I can’t put my cup down.

If you enjoy greens then you must make a date with this one, and if you’ve only flirted with them hesitantly then this is the one that may just sweep you off your feet!

Today was a “I’m just gonna hit the snooze one more time” kind of morning. I still feel like a zombie so I’m trying this sample from Stacy.

Ironically this tastes like a relaxing nighttime herbal tea, which actually works cause you can stay in chill out mode while this gently massages you awake. The mint, guayusa and a trace of lavender are all floating together on a creamy vanilla cloud. This is my first try of guayusa, and based on this blend, I like its earthy, kind of “foresty” flavor.

If this successfully wakes me up, it’s going on my next order. It’s yet another delicious blend by Butiki.

I was hoping this would satisfy my craving for nutella on toast (or croissant, or waffle, or…anything. What doesn’t go with nutella?) The flavors were subtle; the chocolate and hazelnut were mildly there, but it was lacking that certain something.

Then I added milk and sugar, which smoothed it out and enhanced the flavors a bit, but still didn’t result in that “pow!” that I was hoping for. I guess it’s just not that kind of tea, and that’s ok; now that I know what it’s all about I can accept it for what it is. And it was a nice cup. Thank you to whatshesaid for the sample!

ETA – Ok guys, I get it now! I tried this again with more leaf and wow, what a difference! It was so rich and malty, and the cocoa notes came through much stronger. Kind of like chocolate beer in tea form; it was a real treat this time. Up goes my rating!
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I finally got my hands on some of this! I think it was so hyped in my mind that I was expecting fireworks to go off above my head when I took a sip. That didn’t quite happen (it was more of a single clap), but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

The taste was rich and malty with a slight berry undertone. I’m getting hints of grains, coffee, earth and cocoa powder. The end of the sip tastes like the roasted fennel seeds that my mom serves as a traditional digestive/breath freshener after a meal, so it reminds me of visiting home (and being in a happy food coma).

I brewed according to the western instructions but I think I could even go a bit stronger. Has anyone ever tried this, or would that be a recipe for tea-saster?

This weekend I tried my first Verdant tea and my first ever gongfu session. Exciting stuff guys!

The 1st steep yielded a mineral, rock-like smooth flavor. The 2nd steep was more creamy and floral with a hint of spice. 3rd steep was back to the mineral flavor but with a slight sweetness. 4th – 6th steeps were mellower versions of the 3rd one.

In reality I do a lot of my tea drinking at work so I decided to try this western style this morning (apparently a faux pas according to Verdant’s website! But I’m not great at following instructions anyway). It was still incredibly smooth, with a more apparent sweetness and roasty flavour. At the end of the sip I’m getting an oat-y flavor that reminds me of cereal, in a good way.

Both brewing styles were a success. It’s amazing how many different flavors come out of the same little leaves! I’ll definitely try to make more time for gongfu as it’s such a relaxing way to really savor and enjoy a tea.

Unfortunately I didn’t get the caramel or crème brulee flavours that sucked me into buying this in the first place, but it was still very tasty. I kind of guesstimated the western parameters, so if anyone has any tips for this one, I’d love to hear them!

After reading whatshesaid’s glowing review of this yesterday, I decided to try my sample. But I got greedy and filled up my 12oz timolino rather than following the directions that clearly indicated 8oz. So now I have a pale imitation of the original. Lesson learned. Tea rebellion is not the way, my friends.

But despite that, it’s still tasty. It’s nutty and slightly sweet with a whisper of nutmeg, with that similar rich mouthfeel as Cantaloupe and Cream. I’m holding off rating until I get to try it properly one day, but considering Butiki’s track record so far I’m pretty sure I won’t be disappointed.

After returning from Costa Rica, I was in a bit of a rut. It was so beautiful, but also the first time that I really got to know some locals and find out about their lives. It gave me so much appreciation for my life and all the basic things I take for granted, like running water. It was an amazing trip but I am so glad to be home. Sure the weather is often cold or rainy here, but tea is the perfect antidote ;)

This is what I was most excited about trying when I got back. And considering I’ve already gone through half the bag (while exercising restraint) I’d say it’s a hit. It starts off just like Premium Taiwanese Assam but then there’s a caramelly-vanilla hug at the end (I was gonna say kick but no, it’s more of a loving squeeze). In true Butiki form, it leaves me wondering how something so seemingly desserty could taste so natural. Oh yes, this is joining the ranks of cupboard staples!

This is the last tea I’ll get to drink before heading off to Costa Rica so I had to make sure it was a good one. Don’t you worry guys; I may dabble in some coffee when I’m there (when in Rome, right?) but I won’t forget my true love. I’ll have two orders waiting for me when I come back (including more of this one) so that should eliminate any post-vacation blues! Then I can do a catch-up session and drink ALL THE TEAS.

I love this one and I want it in my cupboard at all times. It’s by far my favorite maple tea and one of my favorites overall.

The flavor of this reminds me of Della Terra’s Dubbele Chocolade, but back in its younger days when it was Single Chocolade and hadn’t yet shacked up with more chocolate. It’s less sweet and in-your-face, but has a similar chocolate flavor. But I’m not tasting any rose at all.

The lack of floral flavor is the only reason I didn’t rate it higher, but as a purely chocolate tea this is pretty solid. Thank you whatshesaid for the sample!

I did my first tea smuggle into the movies! Getting to drink non-concession stand tea was awesome (plus I like the mini adrenaline rush from sneaking in “outside food and beverages”). I love buttery popcorn but I always regret it afterwards when I get that am-I-hungry-or-full? feeling.

So the first flavor I tasted was coconut, which was completely unexpected. Then the tart apple flavor came through, followed by a hint of popcorn. As it cooled the coconut faded and popcorn got a bit stronger. I think I would like it more if there was more popcorney flavor and less tart apple, but I did enjoy it. Thank you whatshesaid for letting me try this!

I love chewy oatmeal cookies, but the texture of baked-in raisins weirds me out. However it’s a personal mission that any cookie-flavored tea must be tried (or cake or cupcake or pie…you get the picture).

At first this just tasted like a mildly spiced black tea, until I added milk. Aaand there it is! Instant liquid oatmeal cookie (without the squishy raisins). Yum yum. I’ll definitely order this one. Thank you Emily M for including this in our swap!

(I just checked and they are sold out. Whew…I’m sort of relieved. Well not really, cause I know when I place my next order it’s going to be GINORMOUS)

You know those nights when you want a bedtime tea but are not in the mood for anything sugary, tart, spicy or minty (you know, like the tea equivalent of staring into your closet and exclaiming that you have nothing to wear)? This is the perfect tea for those times.

The flavors are simple but satisfying; vanilla and cream with just a little touch of sweetness at the end. Adding milk enhances the creamy feel (and makes you basically forget you’re drinking rooibos). It’s a nice comforting cuppa before bed. This is the one that hits the spot when I’m not sure where the spot is.

I’m a little wary of floral teas, so I thought I probably wouldn’t like this sample. Wow, was I wrong!

This is a masterfully blended floral symphony. The jasmine, rose and violet all come through in perfect balance with the oolong (I don’t know what calendula tastes like, but whatever it is works!) It is so fresh and delicate, and not at all overpowering or perfumey. This is THE perfect tea for a tea party. Or for just taking some time to yourself to unwind.

If you like floral teas or are on the fence about them, then you have to try this one! I don’t know how Stacy does it, but she makes teas that I thought weren’t for me the ones that I find myself craving!

After a weekend of overindulgence in Easter goodies, a straight green just seemed like the right thing to do. I like green tea, but still haven’t found my “go-to.” I’ve tried a few different Dragonwells and although everyone seems to love it, it hasn’t grown on me. So I really wanted to give it another chance and brewed this top-of-the-line sample.

And it tastes…salty? I’m getting a chicken broth-like flavor that makes me feel like I’m drinking soup. As it cools the vegetal flavor comes through, but it’s still quite savory. I can tell this is a quality tea, but sadly I have to face the fact that I must be the exception and Dragonwell is just not for me. Ah well…no use mourning when there are so many teas out there waiting to be discovered. The search continues!

So you have the mother of all cake cravings. Like so bad that you’re tempted to pour syrup over toast in a paltry attempt to fashion your own (this is not worth it. Trust me.)

In times like these, I turn to this tea. This is the “cakeyest” blend I’ve had so far. It swiftly kicks the rooibos flavor aside, leaving it to whimper faintly in the corner. I like to use a generous amount of leaf and add milk for a creamy cake batter feel. It’s so sweet and decadent that it’s not an everyday tea, but perfect for when the craving hits.

Cake addicts rejoice. There is a cure.

It’s a cold sunny day, perfect for trying this chai with a tropical twist. I had my doubts about whether these flavors would go together, but somehow this really works!

The spice is mellow for a chai, and the coconut and lemongrass add a summery touch. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and adding milk takes this to the next level of coconut creaminess. It’s both refreshing and comforting at the same time. Oh tea, you paradoxical little thing! I wonder if you could cook with this? Wish I could try but I gulped this down in record time…might have to get me some more. Thanks for the sample yappychappy!

Peppermint sings her heart out, and then chocolate comes onstage at the end and does a little rap. I enjoy mint and it was refreshing, but like any crazed chocolate fan, I would have loved a little more of it. Glad I got to try this one, thanks to yappychappy.

So after the recommended steep this tasted like a generic black tea at first. But then…bam! All the flavors hit at the end of the sip; marshmallow with a hint of chocolate and a touch of “bakeiness” that must be graham cracker. It was like going to a party and at the end everyone looks at you and yells “Surprise!!”

Then I accidentally oversteeped the rest. And guess what…it was better! The flavors came to the forefront while the base stayed smooth. Now it was like getting greeted right at the door with big fluffy marshmallow hugs. Now that’s my kinda party!

I think I prefer Love in a Cup due cause of the caramel (over the graham cracker), but this was also yummy. Thanks so much to Emily M for letting me try it!

I don’t know why I’m so hesitant to mix teas, like I’m gonna blow something up if it goes wrong. At worst it will taste terrible and I’ll have to toss it. Which I suppose is almost as bad.

So today I took the plunge. And it turned out really yummy! I used 2/3 milk oolong and 1/3 vanilla orchid, and it had the best of both worlds; rich and creamy with a hint of vanilla sweetness. Kinda like eating a spoonful of whipped cream from a cake. Mmm, whipped cream. I think I’ll have another s̶c̶o̶o̶p̶ cup!

This smells so good that I practically put my whole face into it (my pail-sized work mug allows for this). Then I got too excited and burned my tongue. Aw man. I hope this is worth it.

And it soo is! It’s got that perfect balance between the base tea and flavoring that Butiki is so good at, and it’s surprisingly light-feeling for an eggnog-flavored tea. But you still get that eggy creaminess at the end of the sip. The spice level is very mild, so to me it tastes more like vanilla custard with just a pinch of spice on top. Which totally works because it means I can drink this year-round (and I will). Yummm.

I was in a mad rush this morning so I chose a teabag from my Den’s sampler (ok full disclosure: I actually drank a Tazo one first but that left me feeling unfulfilled so I had to drink something else immediately after to get my fix). I should have read the reviews about the powder, cause when I opened the pouch it exploded with dust all over my desk. Sigh. It’s one of those days.

All debacles aside, I enjoyed this. I did have to steep for a long time to get the full flavor I was looking for. But it was there; vegetal and slightly buttery with a hint of chestnut. I kinda had to dig for it though; it wasn’t as present as it would be in loose leaf form, but that’s expected. Overall this is a pretty decent bagged tea that I would stash in my purse for “tea emergencies” (yeah, I know you know what I mean!)

Chocolatey sipdown!

Once in a while I crave hot chocolate, but hate that sugar-coated-teeth feeling you get afterwards. But it looks like I’ve found a replacement!

I agree with others that this is not as interesting as their other blends, but sometimes a girl just wants chocolate. Like simple, straight up, get-that-strawberry-off-my-cake chocolate. On its own it was sweet and chocolatey, and adding milk made it creamy but mellowed out the chocolate flavor a bit. Both were tasty in their own ways. I’ll probably wait till later in the year to restock this, cause today is the first official day of spring! (although the weather seems like it didn’t get the memo)

I got this as a sample with my order, and while it was hot I thought it wasn’t bad. But as it cooled it became sickly sweet, and the artificial flavor reminded me of those blueberry LipSmackers. I actually had to toss the rest.

Not only that, but the smell clung to the rubber lid of my timolino, and even after two overnight soaks and washes with soap/vinegar/baking soda, the fake berry taste was still creeping into other teas I made in there! I usually don’t give ratings this low but sometimes you just gotta vent, and who better to understand tea troubles than fellow Steepsters! Ahh ok I feel much better now :)