Angela

Just received my Golden Moon sampler, so my apologies for the upcoming spamming of your pages :)

It’s a rainy Saturday morning, mom is baking brownies, and I wanted something standard with my eggs. That, and considering my standard dislike of black tea, I figured I’d get the “breakfast” teas over with.

I can’t really detect anything special about it. It’s not as good as my [one] yunan (hey look, I can compare teas now!), but it’s better than other black teas I’ve attempted. The packaging claims a hint of honey, but I can’t tell. I won’t be running out to buy it, but hey. That’s what a sampler is for.

Note to self: Next time, don’t steep as long.

Not that there’s anything wrong with it, mind you. But for someone who’s not a huge fan of black tea, it was a little too, well, black.

I was willing to give black tea yet another try, though, and I’m glad I did with this one. Maybe because it’s yunan, or maybe because it’s organic, but either way I’ve actually found a black tea that I (gasp) rather enjoy. Oddly enough, I think I like the smell of the leaves better than the taste—not that that’s saying much of anything. The leaves have a strong, earthy smell (The length of time my nose was stuck in the canister is probably unhealthy).

The tea itself is good. It’s not like other black teas I’ve tried. There’s no bitter aftertaste, which is something I frequently experience with not-so-great teas. It’s really smooth, with a slight pepper aftertaste. Good call on this steepster select deal. Of course, we realize I now have a standard for black tea. I can’t drink that Tetley crap ever again.

Also, it took me too long to write this so the remaining tea in my mug is lukewarm. And it’s still not bad.

I don’t know why I continue to order tea at a diner, because I always end up with this. And it’s awful. I force myself to drink it, bitter taste and all, because it’s sitting in front of me. And forget getting a second cup out of it. It’s weak and bitter, and not enjoyable in the slightest.

I guess it’s better than coffee, at least. (That… isn’t saying much.)

I was sitting around my car dealership’s waiting room for my inspection, and figured I’d be there an adequate amount of time to mosey over to the single-cup coffee maker. And for once, they had a tea option that’s not bland and/or dull.

This was surprisingly tasty. It smelled fruity, and the orange flavor wasn’t overpowering. I usually can’t stand fruity/citrusy stuff in excess, but the flavor was light and enjoyable. Didn’t leave a weird aftertaste, either, which is always a bonus.

Way to go, Toyota! You’ve finally stocked something I can consume in your waiting room.

When I’m lazy at work and don’t feel like digging out my loose tea leaves, I go for this. It’s the least offensive free tea option in the office.

It’s not terrible. At least, in comparison to the other free tea options. It almost smells like a candy cane, and has that faux minty flavor we’ve all come to love in processed food. I think I like the smell more than the taste, but hey… when you’re lazy, you take what you can get.

I’m generally not a big fan of black tea, specifically those title “breakfast” teas, but I don’t know. I was feeling festive (a week early).

It’s not awful. And I’m sure the fact I steeped it a tad too long is why it’s slightly bitter. But I can’t complain much. Considering black tea isn’t my favorite, I guess it means something that I’m not ranting about my hatred for it.

Maybe some day I’ll find a black tea I actually like.

I first tried this when I was groggy and sniffly at work, and a co-worker gave me a box of it to cheer me up. I recall really liking it, but I guess when you’re sick and have no taste buds everything will be amazing.

It didn’t really taste like anything this time around. I don’t remember what was so relaxing about it. And when I finished downing my mug of it, I had to suck on a breath mint because it left a rather unpleasant taste in my mouth. (No, really. Literally.) I had planned on stashing another box of it in my cupboard, but that desire doesn’t really exist anymore.

This is my first serious venture into “proper” tea, that is, something I don’t dunk in hot water with the help of a bag.

I have a thing for green tea to begin with, and the mint is an added bonus. As I tend to drink tea only at work (stress relief or procrastination? You decide), it makes a good early morning or mid-afternoon break.

And gunpowder tea? AWESOME. I can sit here and just watch the leaves expand. But that’s just me being easily amused.

I better like it. I bought 1/4 of a pound (I think) from Teavana. It’ll last me some time.