424 Tasting Notes
I received this sample today (thank you Laurent!) I had heard so much about it that obviously it was the first one I wanted to try.
It’s really quite a nice cup of tea. I am so accustomed to black teas that sometimes I have to remind myself to appreciate the more mild teas, like this blend. I am starting to really love genmaicha. It adds such an interesting level of flavor that is different than anything else. It’s hard for me to pick out individual flavors in this, probably because it is such a balanced blend. I get a bit of honey, some vanilla, some caramel notes.
I would love to know the caffeine content of it, I could see this being a new favorite late evening tea for me.
Preparation
This was nice, got it in a swap. I had read the reviews so I knew to look for a fruit taste (and that I would probably not find one). Most of the cup was just a moderate black, not especially strong. At the very bottom I got a hint of fruit. I had added some rock sugar and it had dissolved and not been stirred in, so it was that last couple of “insta diabetes” drinks where I got it.
Not bad, not great.
It’s my “baby’s” birthday – she’s turning 18! So I pulled this one out to celebrate. Smelled great in the bag. But first steep, COCONUT. Blech. No rating because it’s not their fault I hate coconut. The rest of it went into the trade pile.
It’s kind of a yucky, overcast day today. I don’t really mind since I get to work from home in my favorite flannel pants. They are hideous. I love them! At my company we have a joke that they are my lucky pants and whenever I wear them, we get new business. And today we did.
So here I am on a yucky day, snuggled up in my flannel pants and having a tea marathon! Life is good.
I got this one in a box last week and while I have opened the tin and looked at it a few times, hadn’t tried it until today. A person can only take so much awesome in one day.
I really like the way the blend looks, and I don’t really know why. It reminds me a little of chocolate granola? I have no idea, but it appeals to me. Brewed, it is all yummy chocolatey with a hint of orange. I’m not sure about the marshmallow, but it is probably creating a roundness I would miss if it wasn’t there. I thought the flavors came out the most at the bottom of the cup when it was cooled a bit. Really satisfying! I think if it arm wrestled the raspberry truffle, the truffle would win though. I like that one a tiny bit better.
Preparation
To be fair, I got this little packet in a trade, and I have another little unopened packet that I got straight from the company. Not knowing how old this trade one is, I’m going to completely reserve judgement until I try the one I know is new.
So, I made this in my usual way, blender, cold, milk, a little sweetener. It’s fine, but doesn’t taste much like toffee. If the other sample isn’t a big improvement, I can’t see myself ordering this one over caramel (which I love). It’s not bad though but if I didn’t know what flavor it was supposed to be, I don’t think I could tell by tasting it.
I ordered a free sample of this from Red Leaf Tea (only have to pay shipping- woot!). I’ve never had a matcha powder blended into milk, so I am looking forward to trying it! I love drinking milk by itself anyway, so this sounds delicious.