Cassie Eng

Delicious, sweet and tantalizing to the senses. When I heard about the new “Garden to Cup” campaign I had to admit this really had me excited to see how this idea would play out. The Ceylon Spring didn’t fail to deliver on the excitement. It tasted fresh and healthy straight up. The deeper notes are also well accented in this way.

When a bit of the hazelnut International Delights cream was added (I have a sensitivity to milk so alternatives are key for me.)the tea was given an extra level of richness. Balanced and exquisite. I liked it both ways and found a soothing quality to it as I sipped it during my dance break. My fellow dancers also raved about how lovely it was. Both to taste and to hear the story behind this special tea. Bon Appetite.

With the heat wave and summer conditions in Victoria as of late this one definitely hit the spot. Hot, the tea tastes similar to Daydreamer and carries that nostalgia. Cold, ah it is just right. I made this as a straight iced tea once and then the second time I had it I made it as a tea lemonade with the mango lemonade that has just come out from Minute Maid.

It just perked up even further and after doing some gardening that is just what I needed to rejuvenate my energy in time for dance. As a May tea of the month I have to admit Kokomo was the perfect name to choose. For the weather has fit the description for both the song and this new tea. Hope everyone got a chance to be out in the tropical conditions and enjoyed this blend at the same time.

With a pending Edmonton trip on Wednesday thought I’d catch up with the backlog of reviews. Hope everyone has been having a great May so far and are planning special treats for Mother’s Day. On the note of treats, singing and dancing this chai definitely fits the bill for all three. It’s mild and refreshing hot and cold.

The bright hues of the candied fennel gives the image of the silk saris that those in the Bollywood movies, so that is a win there. It also gives the comforting notes that the tea has on the taste buds. All in all out of the chai teas I’ve had so far this one stands out as a great starter chai. Enjoy. :)

Now this of the three I picked up on the weekend at Teavana really does send the message of spring. The alluring aroma and the taste are just heavenly. It’s a little tart but a little sweet at the same time. You taste more of the champagne notes than the strawberry that accents this special tea. The rose lends delicately over the predominant flavors that give this tea a slightly pink appearance.

Of the three I’d have to say this one is my favorite overall taste-wise. It’s just the romantic touch this one needed on this fine spring day. I hope everyone is enjoying the mild temperatures and the sweet sunshine. Cheers!

I have to say it was a worthwhile trip to try this tea in the gift set. The deep reddish pink of the sour-cherry elixir is pretty in the Japanese Sakura blossom tea set that the store used to carry back in the day. It’s like drinking hot cherry cranberry juice in a way. Not exactly “Zen” but what can you say? Unlike Snow Geisha it doesn’t give you a punch in the nose and make you feel like drinking medicine so that is another positive, right?

Which is ironic since the description given shows that this one is a sort of medicine for the immune system. BUT I digress. It is a very pretty and refreshing blend. Perfect for iced tea in the summer or for late spring. Especially in the thermos that comes with the gift set which is elegant simply on its own.

I have to hand it to them their tea accessories are par-none to most stores. I have yet to find anyone else who makes such pretty floral tea tins, cups and tea pots just like Teavana. I admittingly store a lot of my tea from David’s and other tea stores in their tins just because of the artistic mastery of their designs. I love them.

I admit ever since I went David’s a few years back I haven’t really gone back to Teavana but considering my border-line obsession with cherry blossoms I just had to go. While picking up my Sakura Allure box set (which was the reason I went) this was second on my list of must try teas. For someone who likes cherry and rose teas…I have to admit the scent is powerful.

Once you get past that and the wonder of where they got the idea that this was delicate, it’s not that bad. It’s actually quite good. I was sipping it most of this afternoon while serving tea at the lodge. In comparison to “Cherry Blossom” by David’s it is not the most natural of flavors but I expect that when going into buying blends from Teavana.

So…drinker beware it’s going to be quite the experience. Sip slow and it should have less of a medicinal kickback. Hopefully. (Yes, I am doing my best to convince myself about that. Haha.)

Imagine being at the beach seated by the shore. The smell of the ocean, the feel of the tropical breeze blowing through your hair and the sound of the waves as you wiggle your toes in the white sand. Take in a long deep breath, exhale and that is how a cup of Coconut Oolong transports those who enjoy its delicious liquor. It is very satisfying to the senses in both its dry and brewed form.

So far this spring being on the island, the tropical theme has been working for me. Especially with the coconut teas. I’ve been loving the smooth flavors and the balance of tones that offer a refreshing touch. It just has upped the energy level immensely. If this is a preview of what is to come in the summer I’m all for it. Happy drinking everyone!

If you are trying for something very traditional in flavor or quality this is a good option. I was downtown on the 23rd of February for a bit to take pictures of the architecture and the blossoms when the morning chill really got to me. (Bad thing to admit doing a day after recovery but I digress) Being close to Murchie’s Tea Shop I popped in to get warm and the first variety to test was this one.

It was very delicate in its floral notes and has a bit of an English breakfast sort of flavor. The scent just warms from head to toe. I was tempted so much to get this as a latte but I decided on the new Black Forest tea latte. A latte that was just as nice and did taste a lot like its namesake. Just to let you all know for future visits.

As I had a dance event in the afternoon after the photo shoot I also picked up some Marzipan squares at the same time while at Murchie’s. If you haven’t tried the small bakery café there I tell you that it is well worth it. The freshly baked treats are light and delicious. The use of the most exquisite of ingredients definitely shows.

For smaller events I’d also recommend their French Macaroons as they really are very delicate and are just the right touch. (I think they might be one of the few places in Victoria that sells them, please correct me if I’m wrong.) All in all Murchie’s is always worthwhile to visit. Cheers!

March and spring is in full swing already. Time flies so fast! For me battling a return to Bronchitis all throughout February it is a relief to be healthy again. I am thanking David’s and his “Bubbly” tea for that. The Mullein blossom kept the coughs under control a lot of the time. It was a savior in the midst of all the sleep that the illness brought.

Now onto the review, ne? Stopped into David’s this morning and picked up this new white tea with vested curiosity. The warmth of the lemon really does come out and the healthy beneficial notes of the ginger just set it off pleasantly. But what really did tie everything together was the coconut and its creaminess. I could really imagine sitting by a palm tree as I savored this one. And in good old Victoria this is -very-possible with the various palm trees all over the city.

I couldn’t put my to go cup down throughout my morning shopping rounds and had made a fresh pot as soon as I finished lunch to enjoy for the rest of the day (and night). So for anyone looking for something that is both healthy and delicious look no further than this tea. Cheers and hope everyone has a great start to Spring.

When I first heard about the ingredients I was taken back to a tea I had a few years back. It had similar ingredients but was a green tea and had added sugar hearts. It was tasty too. So suffice to say my curiosity was perked to see how this one would taste. The smoky quality and the deeper richness of the truly fragrant dry mix almost sold me completely.

When I tried it last night I found that it was a more pleasant experience than its predecessor. Very round and fresh to the palate. Not too much and not too little. A soothing gem if brewed in one of the DT specialized tea bags. I could see trying it flash-chilled and iced during the summer. Stay warm everyone!

So 2013. It’s been like forever since I’ve written one of these but with writers block and adjusting to the return to studies. Well…you can guess where I’ve been. I hope everyone had a great holiday season and are enjoying the warmth that this year has been affording us so far. If this tea is any indication of what is to come it is sure to be a great year.

It is truly divine both in flavor and fragrance. For those who love berries it is a wonderful option. The fruit is well accented by the Pu-erh tea and just gives a uplifting quality at the start of the day. Of the two new Pu-erh teas I’d have to say this one is my favorite. Cheers!

“Just hear those sleigh bells chingling, ding ting tingling too. It’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.” Day 11 of the advent calendar. A picture perfect night for caroling and for a sweet herbal tea. Tasting this one I can see how people can compare this to “Forever nuts” flavor wise.

It does taste very similar and looks very similar in the cup. The tart nuances of Sleigh ride however sets it apart from its sweet twin. The toasty popped rice (I will admit I mistook for popcorn)adds a balance to all the fruity flavors and makes it a very satisfying blend at any time of the season. Delicious!

On the day I picked up “Ceylon Star” I found the most delightful bottle of “Bubbly” on the shelf. Its design sold me and I splurged on it for the collectability factor. BUT most for the fact that this tea was my favorite in the wine collection. The grape and pineapple notes along with the sparkly nuances does make it feel like drinking a tall flute of champagne.

It reminds me much of the past Christmas when I first got this tea as a gift. The charm remains all the more pronounced. Some may say a little bit more so due to the packaging design this year. But gosh it is a good fit for all the holiday parties if you want to drink something special and want to share the drink with everyone without any guilt. Cheers!

Update March 3, 2013: Totally in debt to this wonderful tea for helping in my recovery from Bronchitis. The Mullein blossoms were a total life saver. For anyone who has a bad cough this tea soothes coughs really well. Thank you David’s for the rescue with this lovely tea.

Day 10. Another first, thanks to the Advent calendar. A very nice green tea for certain, especially if you need a health boost during all these wet days. I had felt a bit “under the weather” over the weekend and this just made me feel a lot better. The ginger adds a little kick to the rooibos buzz that I would have received with any rooibos tea. But not in an overpowering way. Given my sensitivity to rooibos I probably won’t give in to trying more than the sampler but it’s a good match to the “Splash” tea that premiered at the beginning of this year if I was to make a comparison.

A very pretty tea in its dry form and its name. When I got right down to brewing it for the first time I enjoyed the seasonal scent that filled the room. It was much like a mellow spiced hot chocolate. The taste too matched this special familiar note. With the rainy season upon us lately in Victoria it felt very comforting and warm to the spirit. It made being outside late at night much nicer and the dance rehearsals even more energy filled. A sweet option for certain!

Day 1: Advent Calendar. I can say I was happy to see one of my favorite blends in this primary position. When I first started my DT journey this was one of the first teas that I tried. Being a London Fog latte fan I liked the rich flavor and familiarity that the blend brought for me. Coconut is often a win for me as well. The scent and sweet taste is almost like a blanket of warmth without the kick of strong caffeine.

I took this with me on a trip to West Edmonton Mall one year and it felt like being at home in Victoria. Very soothing and brought a smile to my face. And my mother’s face too since she was with me at the time. She is a big fan of “Blueberry Jam” and the more fruitier teas so it was a pleasant surprise to see her reaction to something like this.

Good memories, rich nuances. What better, wouldn’t you agree?

Day 2: Advent calendar. Honestly I woke up yesterday with a wish for something chocolate. Out of habit I went to my tea shelf to see what I had from David’s to fit the bill. That is until I remembered the Advent calendar I had set in the living room by the Christmas tree. I opened day two and almost gasped in surprise at what was behind the door. My wish answered in the shape of “Chocolate Rocket”.

The first thing that escaped my lips was "Hmm…I have never tried this one before. What luck! After clapping my hands together in a pleased manner off I went to the kitchen to brew this. (And this is before I read the ingredients) I waited the recommended time, poured the elixir into my Glass perfect mug and took a sip.

Ahh.. Chocolate. The sweet aromatic quality of chocolate and almond. But.. what do I taste in the back warming up the works? Raspberry. It was like enjoying a Lindt Chocolate Raspberry truffle. All mellow and rich. After the wonderful euphoria, it was then that I took the time to read over the ingredients. It was like a pleasant surprise all over again.

Ahh.. Chocolate. The sweet aromatic quality of chocolate and almond. But.. what do I taste in the back warming up the works? Raspberry. It was like enjoying a Lindt Chocolate Raspberry truffle. All mellow and rich. After the wonderful euphoria, it was then that I took the time to read over the ingredients. It was like a pleasant surprise all over again.When I get the chance to go to David’s again for the Tea of the Month I will certainly get a full version of this tea. For a first time trial of this tea it was so worth it. I hope everyone is enjoying their Advent calendars as well and are also experiencing the magic of the unexpected sample charms.

Cranberries, apples and spices. The mix just sounds fantastic and cozy to try while near the ice rink. Or at least while watching the figure skating season on television. It’s definitely a sweet dessert tea that I can agree with my fellow reviewers. It is the star anise, cinnamon and mistletoe that cuts through this however.

Closing my eyes as I drink this one I can picture hanging up the wreath and setting up the decorations with ease. Both from the taste and from the reminder of the appearance of the dry mix. Another great choice for the holiday season and picking up last minute gifts. Cheers!

Of all the Christmas teas that I had tried during my first year of David’s this one definitely caught my heartstrings. The same feeling of happiness hasn’t left me yet. I love the balance of flavor nuances and the candy canes are so cute! I found myself hoarding the supply I had received for my present so I could drink it all year round.

This year I have the special tin for the tea and the love has renewed even more. It is definitely Christmas cheer in a mug. Ahh…heaven! Now back to 106.9 FM and their continuous Christmas music for the full experience while drinking this tea.

An interesting tea to say the least. Much like a mint icecream with coconut shavings on top. It is very refreshing after a long day or as a night cap. With late night classes and new dances to master I found my energy return from savoring this sweet treat. The apple provides the balance between both the mint and coconut, yet stays in the background to boost the two. A perfect tea for those who love the mint varieties of teas and are looking for one that is very soothing indeed.

When looking for a vanilla tea prior to this it was often the “Cream Earl Grey” that caught my attention. Mostly because of my enjoyment of London Fog tea lattes. Now to have it in an Oolong I have to admit it is like drinking a vanilla cloud. Light and refreshing to the tastebuds yet wonderfully aromatic. Just the right amount of pure vanilla flavor to provide that comfort one hopes for in a very romantic tea like this. Loved it, very much so.

It definitely lives up to the name of Cookie Dough. It’s wonderfully sweet and soothing on a cool autumn day. It reminds me a lot of the “Buttercream” tea of the past but more richer in flavor nuances. Especially with the toasty warm feeling that comes from taking in the delectable steam. Well worth the wait and the anticipation felt when I first heard about this release.

As Thanksgiving eve approaches and a chill nips the night air and the need for warmer blankets grows stronger tonight’s tea has done the trick. This oolong blend provides that ‘in’ to trying Saskatoon berries without having to search for them at the store. It’s definitely a deep flavored berry and is complimented by its partners in this tea. I like how the maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to let the berries shine.

I can really imagine this easily being served during dinner with the Thanksgiving staples as an alternative to the traditional cranberry jelly without anyone missing the jelly. (Not that any would be tempted to do such a thing, right?) Haha. In any case I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend and delectable dinners on Monday!

As the days get colder and the winds of autumn grow in their intensity this tea hits the spot. Tried this one today at the Hillside branch of DAVIDs Tea and its fantastic. Had a similar but richer nuance than the earlier Toasted Marshmallow. It gave a feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket and sitting by the fireplace all nice and cosy. The smell was fantastic and the taste was a perfect compliment to the morning’s errand rush, made everything more relaxed. I’ll most likely take this one with me tonight at my late night lecture. Thanks for another winner!