25 Tasting Notes
The first cup of the morning. I found a loose package of this tea lurking about my cupboard, so I decided to give it a try! First sipping this tea, I experienced a pleasant fruity tartness — definitely not bitter. A few moments after I was hit with this incredible sweetness at the back of my tongue, it seemed almost artificial (I suspect it’s from the licorice root powder). I really enjoy this tea with the exception of that over-powering sweetness at the end.
Preparation
Even though this is a mellow tea, the simple flavors are really evident. First the black tea, followed by a sweet almond after-taste. I found, like any nut tea, I had to steep it for at least 7 minutes to really taste the almonds.
It could use a little more “oomph”, but overall it’s not bad!
Preparation
This full bodied tea has definitely caught my attention! Not only are the health benefits excellent (which makes me feel great), but the earthy, spiced orange flavor is perfectly balanced with a slight bite from the ginger.
A perfect find during the fall season, and I have I strange feeling I’ll be needing a lot of this tea come Christmas time.
[EDIT] Granted, this tea is a bit more expensive than David’s usual teas (I suspect because it’s Organic), this tea can easily be steeped twice! I steep 7 minutes the first time, and 9 minutes the second — it still retains a lot of it’s flavor and depth.
Preparation
I have not discovered a tea that has brought this much satisfaction in a long time. But I do have a bone to pick with it!
First, I find the title to be misleading. The tea contains subtle hints of nuts, but nothing that would deserve to be chosen as the main element. Instead, I like to think of this tea as “apple crisp meets oatmeal cookie” (and what a delightful reunion it is).
I love the color, however! I feel a bit giddy every time I see the crystal clear water change to a vibrant (almost violent?) pink.
For a mild tea, it still demands attention. Surprisingly, I cannot consider this tea as “weak” but instead as “delicate”. The initial sip is decidedly apple, with a slight spicy aftertaste on the sides of my tongue. An indescribable sweetness ties the whole thing together into a cup of absolute pleasure.
50g bag? 100g tin? 250g tin? May I just buy the huge tin off the wall?
To be consumed in a clear cup for maximum enjoyment.
[EDIT] I decided to give this tea another steep to see how it faired. Giving it 8 minutes with boiling water, the tea still retained it’s beautiful pink shade. It had a slightly less emphasis on initial apple flavor, and a larger emphasis on the spice and nuts after. I think I will resteep this one more often.
Preparation
I admit, I was a little hesitant about this intially — Peppercorns? With chocolate and mint? But I am always willing to try something once!
I actually really enjoy this tea. I find chocolate teas usually fall short of expectation, but this one has a full body flavor with a sweet mint finish. The aroma of the tea leaves seem sweet, but the steeped leaves more accurately reflects the minty flavor. There does seem to be a slight film that collects on the top when the tea begins to cool, but it doesn’t affect the flavor.
Plus the minature lip candies are cute!
Preparation
This tea has a really unique and pleasant flavor to it. When you first open the package you definitely pick up on the sweet raspberry and pomegranate fragrance. When you steep it, it transforms into a light refreshing green tea with a mild sweetness from the fruits, finishing with a rather agreeable tartness. I like to enjoy this tea in a smaller mug at any time of day.
Preparation
I love fall and the many flavors that go with it. This pumpkin chai is no exception! Upon first opening the package, you smell the sweet, rich, depth of the caramel infused leaves and the warmth of the cloves and cardamom. As a special treat, I used steamed milk and added a small pinch of brown sugar (as the package suggests). I would describe this tea as mellow, and sweet when steeped. It’s considerably smooth on the way down, and warms the depth of my very being — Perfect on a fall day. I would not say the spices are very prominent, but they add a slight complexity to this otherwise sweet tea. Best consumed on a cold day after dinner.
Preparation
I was fairly surprised by this tea. I’m not really a matcha fan, but everyone I make this for (myself included) enjoys it. The instructions inform you to steep it for 30 seconds, which surprisingly is more than enough for my taste. I usually steep for about 20 seconds (in a small cup), add a splash of milk, and a smidge of honey for a light, smooth, and flavorful tea with a very slight matcha flavor.
I was hesitant to purchase this tea because it’s sold in such a large box (100-125 separately wrapped packets? Somewhere around there), but I know I’ll end up drinking every last one.
This is my every-day tea. Deep, comforting, and reminds me of my childhood. I always think of it as an equivalent to a fuzzy blanket on cold days, but I might be slightly biased.
Handles over-steeping fairly well, but I usually steep it for about 3 minutes.
Always enjoy with a splash of milk in your favorite mug (it’s just meant to be).
Preparation
This is my favorite bagged chai tea. I found most chai teas were very weak, but this one is really bursting with flavor. I love the slight bite, and the rich spiciness that’s perfect for any season. I usually enjoy it with warm milk, perfect.
When I’m feeling extraordinarily bold, I bump it up to the chai double spice. But this one is great for daily drinking purposes.