1443 Tasting Notes
I had this one straight last night and it packs a punch. The spiciness is no joke, but so tasty! I feel like there’s both heat and sweetness from the pepper with the loveliest hints of cardamom and clove coming through. To brew straight, I went right in the middle of the steeping parametres at ~95° C for 4 minutes.
I thought I’d make a pot of this on the stove this morning with almond milk after my volunteer shift and yoga, as a treat to start the day and it is delicious! The spices are more subdued, as is expected with milk, but they just meld perfectly together and have very little sweetness. I am really happy with this chai and can’t wait to try more from this company!
Preparation
2021 sipdown no. 7
This is a sad sipdown today of an awesome sample from VariaTEA.
I have to find a first flush Darjeeling to keep in my cupboard after this experience. This tea is both hay-like and reminiscent of a delicious, creamy rice pudding. This blend would be perfect for a summer evening. I’m loving all the teas that are reminding me of summer today.
I shall resteep this as many times are possible before sadly letting it go.
Thanks VariaTEA!
Preparation
A sample from VariaTEA :)
This one is meant to have flavours of sea buckthorn, gooseberry, and seaweed. There is a tartness here that’s reminiscent of sea buckthorn and gooseberry, but no seaweed (which I’m grateful for tbh)!
This is a nice fruity-esque green that’s perfectly enjoyable. Thanks VariaTEA!
Preparation
2021 sipdown no. 5 (a replacement is en route in the post, but this package is now done)!
The banana with this base just works so well. I love that freeze dried bananas are used, so there’s no risk of some sort of cloying flavour. The base can be slightly astringent, but I’ve found that if I pour the water in at boiling, the atringency is nonexistent.
This one I love and could order now and again to have in my cupboard. It actually is both a perfect breakfast tea, but also a summery tea.
Preparation
2021 sipdown no. 4
This was a sample sent in our DF order.
There a whole cardamom pods in this mix! This one is very Christmas-spicy, which I’m enjoying. Even as a tisane, it’s very “full” feeling and enjoyable. The red peppercorns are also a nice touch to add that spiciness and heat.
Sadly, as I continued drinking this one, I started to get a queasy stomach. I looked over the ingredients and I can’t figure out what might have caused that — maybe the ginger? Many things meant to calm stomachs often upset mine haha.
Preparation
2021 sipdown no. 3
I’m polishing off this sample to make way for the two tea orders that now have delivery dates for Friday!
This one is tasty, but not order-worthy tasty. I think H&S does this one so well, but even so, a cinnamon tea isn’t one I generally reach for, though I wouldn’t turn down another wee sample. I’m so happy I had the opportunity to try this one!
Preparation
I love this tea. Love.
It’s all raspberry and sponge-y vanilla cake perfection.
Love.
Preparation
I have a sample packet of this one on the way. I’ve tried it before but don’t remember being wowed. But I’ve seen a lot of love for it around here so giving it another try! :D
I hope it wows you this time. I absolutely love it. I actually went through it so quickly at the beginning, I had to make a conscious effort to switch to other teas because I was having two cups a day haha!
Dang it, I forgot to order it during Boxing day sale! Well I still have here lots of teas, so… maybe a good thing? I think this is one of their base teas, so hopefully next time :)
Martin Yes, they’ve had this one for many years, from what I remember. :)
2021 sipdown no. 2
I have more of this en route (it’s now in Canada and should be hopefully delivered this week), but this was my final cup of what I had in my cupboard. I’m having only my favourite teas because it’s my birthday today. :)
This was an absolute delight this morning between brunch, Star Wars, and yoga haha. This is such a perfect every day tea and I want it in my cupboard always!
Preparation
Happy Birthday! ❤
Thanks! ❤ We’re almost birthday twins!
Happy birthday!!!
Happy birthday! This is my husband’s favorite breakfast tea! You should drink all the teas that make you happy on your birthday!
happy birthday!
Thanks everyone! :) ashmanra that’s exactly what I’m doing!
Happy Birthday!
Thanks Martin!
Happy Belated Birthday!
Thanks Nichole! :)
Happy Birthday yesterday :)
Thanks derk :)
A very merry unbirthday, to you!
I didn’t really realize how close I was getting to a sipdown for this tea! I maybe have 5-6 cups worth remaining.
I really enjoy this rooibos. The rooibos flavour is there slightly, but the fruits and pastry note do a nice job of mellowing it out, while bringing it all together. This one is similar to the Paul & Virginie rooibos, but the added pastry note makes all the difference. I would definitely re-order this one in a future DF order to have great evening tea around.
Preparation
2021 sipdown no. 1
I used the last of this to make milk chai on the stovetop, so this is a sipdown! Just in time for our new Vahdam chai to arrive.
I absolutely love chai and need to drink it more often. This tea today is PERFECTION. I’ve put it back on my wishlist to order again once it’s back in stock.
We add 2 tbsp chai, 2 tbsp coconut sugar, 1.5 cups water, and 1 cup plant milk (almond today).
Ooh what did you order from Vahdam?
I just got the Assam Masala Chai, mostly to have my staple single chai on hand. There are definitely others I want to try though! Maybe in February I can order a few more haha.
A bit annoying that that one wasn’t included in the advent… Although I assume the vanilla version is very similar.
That is annoying! Yes, it’s probably similar, and that reminds me I have to email them about the vanilla.
