Cheryl

New England Harvest Blend from Upton Tea Imports

Cheryl drank New England Harvest Blend by Upton Tea Imports

Since I found Upton by following Steepster, it’s perhaps fitting that my first remarks on the site is for theirs. I just received 8 samples today, and decided to test 3 “spiced” ones tonight. First up is this one, but will be comparing with Cinnamon Chai and Tropical Spice.

One of the problems I’ve had with flavored black teas, is the black tea itself can be very bitter (looking at you Adagio). This one isn’t (phew). Overall, the spices are blending well, with cinnamon definately the star. I’d classify this a “medium” spice, leaning towards mild. For those who don’t like chai spices that are too heavy-handed, this one might please. For me, they’re a little too light, but tasty/good (will finish sample).

2012-01-05 20:14:57 -0500

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SimplyJenW 2012-01-05 21:24:49 -0500

Hi Cheryl! Welcome! From your two reviews, I think you will be needing to try some Hot Cinnamon spice from Harney & Son’s! It is like red hots in a cup (loose seems to be spicier than sachet or bags…). Oh, and I so agree with you about Adagio’s tea base. :/ I do think you will like Upton’s Tropical Chai. I just had Upton’s Rooibos Chai this evening….. Think chai but a little heavier on the anise than the other chai spices.

Cheryl 2012-01-05 22:01:50 -0500

Thank you for recommendations. Will add those 2 to my (rapidly expanding) shopping list !!!

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Originally started testing teas, to replace a lifelong Coke (Coca-Cola) habit. Now I’m just amazed at all the choices. Still in beginner stage of tea education. Until I get really good at iced/cold tea, the Coke habit remains, but is down to a minimum.

My cupboard here on Steepster was ridiculous, containing each and every sample size that I have been accumulating. It now only contains non-sample size teas. Loose leaf outweighs the bagged teas, but it doesn’t look that way by the list (over 100 samples).

I started my tea journey testing flavored teas. My favorites are chai and mint flavored teas, along with Earl Grey. Also like chocolate, caramel, coconut, almond, vanilla, cinnamon, clove and some others. Most flavors are better with a nice black tea base. The mint ones seem best paired with greens. I’m branching out now to unflavored teas and it is way more overwhelming then the flavored category. Phew.

My (grown) son has decided that he wants to try to find tea that he likes too, so I’ll be passing along the ones I don’t care for to him (with instructions to then pass them on to his sister…evil plot? yes!). So I’ve removed my shopping list from Steepster and moved it to a spreadsheet (swaps are out for now). My shopping list had grown to 197! By going through each one, I was able to split that in half (since many were added in beginning, before I knew what I like/don’t like).

While not swapping, if there’s something in my cupboard that you’d like a sample of, please feel free to ask : )

Ratings (for now):
90s: Must have in personal rotation. Crave it.
80s: Makes me a happy tea drinker. Very good. Unsure of long term relationship.
70s: Like this. Will drink what I have (sample/tin/box), but unsure of whether I’d buy again.
60s: Probably a good tea for what it is. Just not to my personal liking.
50s and below: Do not like…at all. Either poor quality, yuck flavor or … (see tealog).

Old (and still current) obsessions: books, music and fragrances. ~~Hopefully my tea collection stays much more “normal” then those.~~ (too late)