Jaime

Smells like mint and vanilla. I taste the chamomile and mint equally, with the vanilla rounding it out and turning this into something delicious. And while you can taste the chamomile, this tea isn’t flowery at all. Definitely a good tea to have. And here’s hoping that it soothes me into dreamland (especially after the caffeine I’ve had today).

I think I have gotten a tea high from this. Or more like a tea buzz. I’m giddy and much happier than I’ve been all day. Then again, maybe it was the atmosphere/company.

I picked this out to try at Cuppa, and Ty warned me that it was very smoky. And then said I should try a cup before I had a pot. I agreed, since I’ve been noticing that most people don’t like Lapsang Souchongs because of their “campfire” taste.

I, apparently, am not most people.

I loved this. It reminds me of my Aunt Della’s house, back in the hollers of eastern KY in the fall. Sitting on her screened porch at dusk, swinging in the green porch swing, listening to the crickets. And smelling the smoke from people burning the fall leaves. This tea smells just like that. And tastes just like that. It’s rich and smoky and fall. Instant comfort. Must buy some for home when I go back (which will be in the morning).

It’s been a day. So, in true fashion, I’ve decided to let me day fade away whilst at Cuppa. Lemon bar? Check. Pot o’ tea? Check. Ecletic mix of fun yet relaxing music? Check. Great staff that recognizes you’ve had a rough day and starts you a tab? Check.

Since I’ve been so amazed at 52teas’ chais, I picked this one to try. Smells like cinnamon. Tastes like cardamom. Definitely not as good as Frank’s chais, but not too bad.

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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m not a fan of chais. They intimidate me.

I’ve now decided that I just might be a fan of Frank’s chais.

This is smooth, with a bit more spice than the vanilla version. The chocolate isn’t as strong as I’d thought it would be, and I get more of a cheesecake smell than taste. That being said: this is really good. REALLY. It’s smooth and rich and reminds me of autumn mornings spent on the back porch, watching the world wake up whilst wrapped in a blanket. And, if I didn’t have to work, I’d brew up a couple more cups and do just that. Instead, I’ll pour the second cup into a travel mug to ward off the road rage.

Added some Splenda. It did improve the bitterness and astringency, but now it’s cloyingly sweet. Which I’m not really enjoying right now…it’s way too early for something so sweet. Still going to hold off on rating this one until after I play with the brewing time (and maybe even temp) a bit.

I was very excited when I found this last night at Williams Sonoma. They had 3 different flavors, and I picked this one (mainly because I pulled out my iphone to check the ratings on Steepster).

I brewed for 4 minutes instead of my usual 5 that I do with black teas, thinking that I could always brew it for another minute if it was weak. It’s not weak. In fact, it’s much more bitter than I thought it would be. Yes, there’s the taste of strawberries, and the taste of cream, but the bitterness and astringency are what I’m really noticing. Apparently this would be better with cream and sugar…but since I’ve no cream on hand (or milk, either, for that matter), I’ll be drinking it neat. And will brew for 3 minutes next time. Going to wait to rate it.

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When I poured a cup of this, Mama France said that it smelled like medicine. Since she’s still recovering from sedation, I’m not considering her opinion valid.

It’s a deep amber in color. It tastes equally of honeybush and rooibos. It’s a fantastic blend when you want something calm, soorthing, and basic. No flavorings, nothing fancy, just a good, delicious cup.

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This is one of the teas I picked up at the Dallas Teavana while I was at a conference. I absolutely love lemonade, so this was the first one I picked out. The salesgirl kept pushing the blueberry one, too (they were mixed together as a sample that day), and was very perturbed by my refusal of it.

I’ve had this iced before, and am trying it hot now. It’s very lemony, with the distinct sweet/tart that goes along with strawberry lemonade. I get much more lemon than I do strawberry. Not my favorite of the Teavanas that I’ve had, but one I would be tempted to buy again.

Did a second steep of these leaves, 185 for 4 minutes. The color is a bit darker, just a bit. Getting less honey on this steep and more of a grassy, earthy taste. Still a light taste with no hint of bitter. Does have a slightly oily mouthfeel after the sip is finished, but it’s not bothersome.

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This is another sample from my friend Lucy’s daughter’s shop. Again, rather than adding an identical tea under her name, I’m reviewing under this, since the ingredients/description are identical. Hopefully Judith will tell me her source.

Again, I can’t believe how much a difference actually temping the water makes (yes, I know, I should have known, but thought eyeballing the water was good enough). The first time I brewed this, I didn’t like it at all. It was bitter and weedy, and didn’t taste “right”.

This time, I brewed it for 2 minutes at 185 F. The color is that of a pale champagne. The taste reminds me of honey: that floral, slight hint of pollen that’s similar to chamomile, but sweeter. I’m not sure I’d actually purchase this one, but will certainly be a smidge sad when this sample is gone.

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I’ve decided that this is one of my favorite Earl Grey blends. The bergamot is tempered by the perfect amount of vanilla, giving this tea a wonderfully creamy taste and mouthfeel. The black tea base isn’t covered up by the flavors, either. A very nice tea to have on a cool (54 F!) morning with the doors open whilst wrapped up in a blanket.

Second pot of the night…made a 4 cupper to finish this tea off. It’s a light, peachy tea, with just a touch of lemon. Very nice.

Steeped for 10 minutes. Very light peach taste, will probably have another pot.

So…apparently this was supposed to be a birthday gift…it didn’t get to Mama France’s house in time, and she brought it up today.

Oh, my. Oh, oh, my. It tastes like a five-flavored pound cake…rum, pineapple, vanilla, orange, cherry. Oh, my. I can’t find words for this. It’s…amazing. Yes, I know that doesn’t tell you anything about the tea, but that’s all I’ve got. Yummy, amazing, goodness.

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My eleventy-eleventh note! Didn’t even realize I’d broken one hundred.

Made two cups in the Breville…yes, I know it’s for loose-leaf, but for two cups, there’s plenty of room in the basket for the bags. And it worked really well.

I’ve been brewing this with water that was too hot. I’ve never temped the water before, just guestimated the temp. This cup is fresh, clean-tasting, light. I can taste more of the guava as well, and the pineapple is even more delicious. Previous cups have been heavier, denser, but this one…it’s crisp and bright.