Azzrian

The only problem with this tea is I suck it down so fast.

Enjoying one more cup of this before passing the last cup on to someone else.

MMMMmmmmmmmmm See previous tasting note! :) Happy Boysenberry matcha time!

I love Lupicia but this tea was not to my liking whatsoever. The Cassis totally over shadowed the blueberry even though as others have said the dry leaf smelled AMAZING.

Love Red Leaf Tea but this one is just not my cuppa.

I am going to have to re-try this one. I may have steeped it at too low of a temp. I admittedly had the water at 175 and was too in a rush to wait for it to get up to 195. Most of the time this works out but with this one I am not getting ANY of the oolong flavor and it is very tart like hibiscus tart. I refuse to hold this against The Tea Merchant until I steep it correctly.

This is a Cotton Candy Matcha from Red Leaf Tea – see here to purchase:
http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/cotton-candy-matcha.html

I was very eager to try this one I mean come on its COTTON CANDY after all!

My Tea was composed as such:

Cotton Candy Matcha
Size: Small
Matcha Quality: Royal (Premium Grade)
Flavor: Robust
Storage: Add Small Metal Tin (I paid 3.00 extra for this)

The small tins do fit all of the tea if you purchase a small (30g) bag of matcha leaving plenty of wiggle room for more. I have yet to make a larger purchase but once I find my favorites I am sure I will. Then I will have to opt for larger tins as the bags that the matcha come in, while pretty and shiny and gold, with lovely labeling, unfortunately do not zip or reseal. This is the ONLY downside to Red Leaf Tea I can find thus far.

I believe if I had to say what color of cotton candy this matcha is it would be the pink, but then that is the color the graphic shows here so I suppose my guess is right. And yes different colors of cotton candy DO have different flavors! Don’t argue with me about cotton candy – I’m an expert lol.

Its so nice to have these delectable treats in matcha form, thus healthy, and yet feel so satisfied by them! All the pleasure none of the guilt! Although I admit I do mix mine with milk and sometimes use creamer to make a latte but gah its still better than the real stuff!

This has just the right amount of sweetness to it yet still allows me to feel as though I am getting that green tea goodness! I do not feel at the Robust level of flavoring that the green tea matcha flavor was lost, I actually personally could go for the “there’s matcha in there?” strength and be one happy camper! Not that I ever got cotton candy while camping but you get the idea right?

I can’t imagine anyone not loving this tea and it seems any tea that has Cotton Candy in the name has been a favorite of mine but then again this is only the second one I have found and this is the ONLY matcha! I can’t even make the entire cup last through this review its THAT good! Now, with that said, if I had to put this flavor and bavarian cream side by side, I would have to go with the bavarian cream as its flavor seems to stand up more than this one and you all should know by now I am the “in my face” flavor person! With that said I think if I kicked this up to the “There’s Matcha in there?” flavor point I would go for this one.

So which should you pick if picking between these two? Well BOTH of course! You can’t compare apples to oranges can you? Speaking of Ref Leaf has both of those flavors too!! On my list they are! I actually had to stop putting Red Leaf matcha in my shopping cart as it was getting silly when I know I simply want ALL of them including the Mushroom one – called Reishi on their site. Yeah go check that out!

I think what I like more about this than the Bavarian Cream is that it evokes more memories and thus more joy. Its funny but my memories are not about being a child at the circus but TAKING my children to the circus! LOL I just realized how sweet and cute that is! I guess it happens when we are mothers and our children are nearly grown up. SIGH reminiscing for a moment …. okay done. When you have two equally amazing teas its really difficult to draw a comparison but for me, the one that wins out is most always the one that evokes a memory, a feeling, a thought, an idea, or emotion. While the flavor of Bavarian Cream is hard to beat this just takes me “there”.

Now granted this is a review for Cotton Candy and I know I keep referencing the Bavarian Cream but so far these would be the two Red Leaf matcha(s) I have had that are comparable and since few of us can afford to get THEM ALL we need something to help us decide. Since I recently reviewed Bavarian Cream I thought it good to compare the two as they are both very sweet matcha(s). I really wish I knew if it were matcha as plural or matchas… does anyone know? I guess its time to do a google search!

Wow I did so thinking it would be easy to figure out but alas I still don’t know so if anyone can clue me in here – matcha or matchas? Thanks! My guess is matcha.

Again here is the link to Red Leaf Tea’s Cotton Candy Matcha:

http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/cotton-candy-matcha.html

Well well this may just be the vanilla you have been looking for!
The first thing I want to say about THIS vanilla tea is that it is NOT cloying nor does it have that fake vanilla after taste commonly found when a tea company is trying so hard to give you that really strong vanilla flavor, YET this does have a strong vanilla flavor WITHOUT that nasty after taste!
I have not added any sweetener and it has a sweet sensation to it without any clinging lingering effects on the mouth that come with sweetened teas. I really like this one.
Its calming and unpretentious and is not trying to shove vanilla down your throat yet it had such a nice presence!
The aroma is to die for!
I would indeed stock this tea and keep it in my stash for when I want a nice straight vanilla tea. This tea is not confused about what it is trying to be! Could be a nice mixer with other teas as well as it is strong enough to hold its own but not so over done that it would mask other flavors!
The only downside here is that the oolong is pretty mellow. Its not a strong oolong. Being an oolong lover I could use a bit more of that kick I am used to.

Thank you Della Terra for offering the 10 dollar Try Me packages! Very nice to get such generous samples and have the variety in trying a company I have never tried before!
This tea could be spicier FOR ME but for frame of reference people I use Insanity Sauce and eat hot peppers like candy! With that said – there IS a light spiciness to this tea and I say that even for those who do not like hot things. My hubby is very sensitive to hot spicy things so I know this is one that anyone could easily enjoy.
The chocolate is pretty good, I am VERY pick with chocolate and its not too fakey tasting but there is a slight after taste of that artificial LIKE flavor you get with some chocolate but trust me it is not NEARLY as bad as it sounds I have had some “chocolate” teas that just make you want to rinse your mouth out! This is NOT one of those!
So with all that said for me to order more of this I would need a bit more KICK from it BUT I am going to enjoy every last drop of what I do have!
Its good – the little bit of heat does sort of sneak up in the end of the sip but it dissipates really quickly too so you don’t have to worry about a spicy after taste lingering around!
Its nice. :)

Oh My Goodness!
No I am not sorry at all that I got the Boysenberry Matcha that is on sale here:
http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/boysenberry-matcha.html
Just wow.
You know I have been throughly enjoying Red Leaf Tea’s matchas over the past couple of weeks. Be that via friends here who sent me samples, and my own first purchase of Bavarian Creme matcha which was DELICIOUS.
But most of the flavors, other than the orange (also amazing) have been more creamy, dessert like, heavier matcha flavors. So I was eager to try this one!
Let me just say MMmmmmmmmm.
So when I first smelled the dry powder I thought, oh tart, crisp, light, berry!
My daughter’s first impression was “Mom this smells like Red Bull energy drink.”
I was like OMG you are SO right!
It does! I have to admit. I do love Red Bull. Actually I had a bit of a Red Bull problem not too long ago, before tea! Thank you tea!
Nonetheless it has that exact same tart smell to it!
Don’t worry though this is totally healthy!
Plus after preparing my matcha, adding some ice and milk, it tastes NOTHING like a red bull!
Okay maybe a little something like it in the sense that it is light, crisp, refreshing, not too tart but just a slight berry tartness but nothing that is going to make you pucker!
I love this!
I feel bad and I owe an apology to summer. Here I was craving autumn and forgot all about berries, fruits, juicy ripe tasting delights and had went totally for heavier, richer, creamier, flavors. But you know what … it is still summer and I am going to totally enjoy drinking this and many other light matchas to come!
So my set up was as follows:

Boysenberry Matcha
Size: Small
Matcha Quality: Royal (Premium Grade)
Flavor: Robust
Storage: Add Small Container (3.00 extra)

Total cost after discount: 21.58
That to me my friends is a steal for a high quality matcha like this!

Now to add to the amazing flavor of this matcha and the quality of the matcha itself I would also like to notate that Red Leaf Tea got my matcha to me in TWO DAYS time! Yes thats right and lets all face it when we place a tea order we want it YESTERDAY lol but that just isn’t possible. What IS possible is that I received my shipping notice the same day I placed my order and it was being handed to me by my always befuddled mail carrier two days later! And yes in fact I did stifle a squeee because my mother was there and so far she is not really onto my tea addiction at least not how far it sinks. But the point here is TWO DAYS! That is some super fast shipping in my opinion! It means that when I am craving the next flavors (already am) I can make my order and know it will be in my hands before the craving can end! :)

Now back to this tea … As I am sitting here in delight sipping away I am noticing this almost earthy flavor to it – no not the normal earthy grassy flavor of a matcha or green tea, but something else. The prominent flavors are still the same, tart, juicy, etc, not to be redundant, but there is something more, its one of those flavors you swish around in your mouth, tap tap tap your tongue around, make those smacking sounds trying so hard to pin point it but it is eluding me! I want someone else to get some of this so they can help me figure it out. Hey it IS on sale after all!

Yes this one is a delight and to think I almost passed it up I mean I was not too sure what to expect and didn’t want something too overly tart but thank goodness I went for it!

Oh oh wait I think I may have just figured it out! Oh I am tempted to make a second round to be sure but yes people I know what it is…. Now this may turn some of you off so I almost hate to say it but for me, its not only a good flavor, but brings back memories from my childhood. So here it is be it a good thing or a bad thing you all deserve to know…children’s vitamins!!! Yup you know like Scooby Doo, Fintstones, etc… Well I may have just lost a few of you on that but for those of you who want a trip back to your childhood then get this! Ah ha! Its the same flavor in Red Bull that is very detectable! Vitamin B!!! Oh boy, I fear I may have lost a few more of you now… the thing is I LOVE that flavor! As a former vegetarian of 7 years (don’t ask why I stopped being a veggie – long story – irrelevant – no excuse for me really) I used to take Vitamin B daily as a Veggie diet does not provide Vitamin B (I think B12 specifically) so for me this is a flavor I like and am used to. Some people do not like it so I guess if you are not sure at this price it is still worth a try! I am sure if you don’t like it SOMEONE around here – I don’t know who – maybe me, would enjoy it being sent their way. :)

Again here is where you can get your own Boysenberry Matcha from Red Leaf Tea:
http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/boysenberry-matcha.html

What a gentle, delicate, dainty tea!
How perfect that I decided to use my gorgeous pink with golden swirl teacups!
I feel dainty drinking this sweet, juicy, fruity tea!
The Wulong aroma is present but it may have needed more steep time to give you that wulong punch I am used to.
This is so subtle yet enticing with its flavoring.
I could see this being the perfect tea for a young girls tea party, to introduce new tea drinkers to finer teas, etc.
Brewed double strength I can absolutely see how this would be a wonderful iced tea as well as suggested by TeaEqualsBliss in her review.
Yes, I do like this one quite a bit. I tend to learn toward stronger flavors personally but this tea has really hit its mark with a soft warm gentle glow.
Yumminess!

Thank you to Angel and Teavivre
What a very interesting tea!
From the texture, weight, shape, size, even color of it, not to mention its aroma and flavor!
These cute little bluish nuggets steep into this delicate oolong favor with the absolute most sweetest aftertaste that sits in the back of your throat. Then as you inhale there is this almost minty cooling sensation yet absolutely no minty flavor.
The ginseng is light, very light to me, and is found to sit mostly in the front of the mouth near the teeth and dissipates as you swallow again leaving that trail of sweet down the throat with the cooling after bust.
I just can’t get over this tea its so VERY unique. I can’t say I have ever had anything quite like it. It is a must try for anyone who says they want to try every tea they can!

Superfine and Supergood!
Thank you to Angel and Teavivre for the sample!
This is not AS malty, not AS chocolaty not AS strong as some other teas of this nature but it is oh so good!
Smooth and relaxing.
A definitive sweet potato flavor and aroma. (Yummmm)
Thick Mouthfeel.
Slightly drying on the back of the throat.
Absolutely no bitterness or astringency.
Grainy baked bread flavor. (double yummmm)
This is perfect for today’s fall like semi rainy weather.
Makes me feel like walking in the woods amongst crunchy leaves!
Sweet without any added sweetener!
Almost a little like molasses.
If you swish it around in your mouth you get the taste of rainwater and wood.
Delightful!

This one was alright – sorry for short note – just want to be sure to note it so I know for my own reference that I tried it.
I have had my RTR samples around since I began drinking loose leaf and most have been tasted while a few had not even been opened yet. I got SO SO MANY of them back then!
This one is good but I would not miss it when gone – oh wait it IS gone now.
It had a nice bite to it but nothing remarkable. Slightly bitter but I kind of enjoy that now and again.
Sorry this is not very constructive. One of those days – mind fray.

Thank you Indigobloom for sending me some of this. Honestly – I didn’t care for it. I can’t figure out why either. There are similar teas I like quite much but this one had a funky flavor to it and I also kind of got that lump in throat feeling.
I had to dump it.
I still VERY MUCH appreciate the trade and a chance to try it.
:)

The steeped leaf is so colorful – so pretty – so strange. I like looking at it. I could get lost in this lush forest of tea!
Browns, golds, yellows, greens, am I losing my mind or is it all really that colorful?
Anyway the initial flavor I get on first sip is ripe juicy sweet plum! No sour plum skin mind you just the good inner stuff!
Its a light tea – I would say very light – meaning thin mouthfeel, watery even.
I usually like a bit heavier of a tea but the sweet juicy goodness is a saving grace here.
Slightly woodsy, lets call it mulch not wood.
Mineral flavor is there for sure.
This is a good one.
Surprising tea. Too bad it was only a sample.

I have had this almost as long as I have been drinking loose leaf. Rare Tea Republic was the first tea place I ordered from other than The London Tea Room when I first started my loose leaf experience.
I don’t know why I never put down any tasting notes before – maybe I never actually tasted it. The little sample bag was open and there was not a lot of leaf left so I must have. Maybe I just didn’t know what to think of it back then five whole months ago lol.
My how we can learn so much in a short period of time.
I love this tea.
I have no idea if it is still available or not but in my list for shopping it goes and when the time is right I may have to seek it out and make an order!
Indeed there is a smoky bacon flavor to it – not the bacon itself but the smoky flavor that some bacon has – when it is smoked LOL.
Yes a bit BBQ ish but not BBQ Sauce.
A woodsy taste … hickory perhaps….very good.
This is absolutely an Autumn tea!
The aftertaste is just the tea base 100% Assam good and strong.
The smokey flavor rolls around on the tongue then dissipates magically leaving only the assam base behind. MMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
More please.

Another big thank you to Angel and Teavivre for sending me a sample of this tea.

What a delightful sample. I was expecting it to be quite light but it actually has a really wonderful aroma and taste! It reminds me of a dragonwell somewhat. There is a sweetness in the aroma of the steeped leaves. It is very juicy in the mouthfeel with a slight peachy floral flavor mixed in with grassy notes and buttery honey notes.

There is a lot going on in this cup! The wet leaves turn out like a dragonwell too but a bit less fluffy and downy.

This is a hardy green too! I got distracted by local news and over steeped this tea in water too hot. I had forgotten I had added water to my Zojirushi and it reboiled so the water on my second steep was at around 208 and then I proceeded to let it steep for at least 3 minutes lol what a mess one would think but nope its still wonderful! A great green for the most “spacey” tea drinkers out there.

I really do like this one. Light, buttery, a little nutty, slightly floral but not too much, with just slight notes of honey and peach.

I am reviewing a Bavarian Cream flavored White Matcha found here: http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/bavarian-cream-matcha.html you will of course get to make your own selections for matcha base, flavor strength, etc.
This matcha was composed of the following: White Matcha, Royal Quality, Robust Flavor. I also opted for the small metal tin.
This is the first Matcha I have personally ordered from Red Leaf Tea although I have been desiring to make an order for some time now. I was very lucky to have some wonderful tea trade partners that have sent me samples of Red Leaf Tea Matchas so I have been lucky to try the Orange, Madagascar Vanialla, Caramel, and Peach, but so far, this is my favorite! Perhaps it is because it is my first matcha that I bought for myself, or maybe it is because I got the Robust flavoring, or maybe due to it being my first White Matcha! Maybe it is simply because Bavarian Creme is an amazing flavor all unto itself! I mean when I saw this as a flavor option it was in fact a toss up between this and cotton candy, then I was even more confused when I saw they had Butterscotch! But what won out in the end was this, and I won’t deny it was mostly because when I select a doughnut I most always go for a Bavarian cream filled one! I mean come on they tempted me with the picture of a bavarian creme filled doughnut right on their site! Who could resist?
When I received my package in the mail it came in a white envelope clearly labeled Red Leaf Tea! I was surprised at how quickly my tea arrived! The matcha itself came in a shiny golden envelope with lovely labeling and the type of matcha I ordered printed on a smaller label stuck on it. I paid an extra 3.00 for a small tin which held a small package (30g) of matcha. The billing receipt and a colorful flyer which included some information about Red Leaf Teas and instructions on how to make matcha were also in the package.
When I opened the bag containing my tea the smell was intoxicating! Vanilla, Cream, Butter. Those were the aromas that struck me.
After placing the tea into the container and cutting the small label from the golden bag and taping it to my silver tin container I was ready to make my very own first Red Leaf Tea Matcha! Bavarian Cream!

I did notice that this matcha did not froth up as well as the previous ones I had tried from Red Leaf. Being that I have never had a white matcha before I can’t be sure if it is due to it being a white tea base or perhaps I was just too eager to taste it and didn’t put as much effort into it. Also I noticed the base was not quite as light in color as I was expecting but it was not the bright green of a typical matcha either. It was sort of a light brown color. For a Robust flavor I do think I was expecting a slightly stronger flavor from the tea but that is not to say it is not delicious! The flavors matched the aromas perfectly! Creamy, Buttery, Vanilla, Rich, Decadent!
I am very pleased with the flavor I choose to begin my own matcha journey with. It is a pleasing flavor if you like rich, and creamy with a full lingering after taste!
After trying my matcha in its raw state, hot, I opted, as I usually do, to make it into an iced latte using only the tea itself, some ice cubes, and some all natural vanilla coffee creamer. Its just that I prefer my matcha in this manner probably because my first introduction to matcha was this way. Granted matcha purist may be cringing but I enjoy it.
So here I am sipping my first very fine Matcha from Red Leaf Tea and I am thinking oh yeah this is the one! Yet I can’t help secretly to be thinking of all those other flavors yet to be tired.
So my next question to self is, do I stay with white matcha or do I go back to green. I honestly think it will depend on which flavor I choose next! Some I can see being wonderful either way while other flavors seem to beg more for one or the other. I will say that I am happy I went with Robust flavoring as I am one of those people who want an “in my face” flavor especially when it comes to matcha since I mostly make iced lattes with mine. Next time I may opt for “there’s matcha in there?” but then again I do also love the natural flavor of the matcha itself and Red Leaf Tea does provide a quality matcha base!
Thank you Red Leaf for all the flavor options you provide to us! I am looking forward to my next selection!
Here is the link once again where you can purchase this amazing matcha!
http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/bavarian-cream-matcha.html

Thank you to Angel and Teavivre for this sample.
When I opened the sample pouch it was like a batman comic – ZIP BAM POW!
The aroma was intense and intoxicating!
So yummy of an aroma of spinach, butter, and sweetness!
THIS was going to be A MAZE ING!
I let my cup steep a bit longer than recommended as I tend to find all green teas a little too light for my liking so allowing it to steep 3 minutes I have a very full brothy cup of buttery vegetable goodness!
This green is a bit more intense than most I have been drinking as of late and I appreciate that! Often I feel green teas to be just too light, too lacking, but this has a full wonderful flavor profile!
I have actually been drinking many pure greens as of late but hesitant to log them because I kept feeling maybe I was doing something wrong. Not only has this tea been quite enjoyable but has affirmed that I actually do know what I am doing but have been drinking inferior green teas!
I probably didn’t even need the extended steep on this one but even still I did not get any astringency or bitterness by allowing it to steep longer! Yes I know I am supposed to add more leaf rather than let a tea steep longer but I was getting a bit frustrated with adding more and more leaf only to get no added flavor results form those other greens!
So with that said I am truly loving this tea.
Thank you Angel and Teavivre for allowing me to sample this!
NOTES: Buttery, vegetal, creamy, full mouthfeel, brothy, strong flavor, intense aroma, crispy long stringy leaf pre steep, long puffy delicate and fluffly feeling leaves post steep, rich flavor that leaves me wanting more!

Just enjoying an amazing hot cup of this with a little bit of all natural vanilla creamer added – just a touch – soooooo good – SO peachy, and creamy and heavenly!

Of the four samples sent to me from EPI Tea this is the only one I would have personally chosen for myself and I really have to be in the mood for Chai. Luckily today was an Autumn like day outside (LOVE IT) so I had to give this a go.
I am not partial to bagged teas as they all tend to be fairly fanning like but at least this had some lovely peppercorns and such.
The first aroma (before steep) that hit me was cinnamon.
I like cinnamon well enough but it takes more than cinnamon to make a good chai.
I will say upon sipping this the peppercorn does come out nicely with a slight bite but not too much. I do love teas with peppercorn in it!
The mouthfeel is very weak, watery, I would like more depth in my chai especially since often I want to make lattes with them or even more ice them or blend them so with this being so light I don’t feel I could do this unless I used two or three times the amount of leaf.
I do pick up a slightly vanilla flavor or more so an aroma than flavor even though the heavily cinnamon aroma.
I would agree though as their statement says – it is a GENTLE Chai and I am sure there is a good market for this!
I just feel it is a bit too heavy on the cinnamon for the ginger to really sparkle here.
Overall not a bad tea whatsoever just a little something missing.
Thank you to EPI Tea for sending me these samples!

I got a VERY generous free sample of this from Brian at Design a Tea when I ordered more of my much loved Peach Zabaglione! Thank you Brian
I must say I am very surprised and pleased with this tea!
This has almost a Lapsang Souchong flavor to it yet very mellow. So fresh, ripe, juicy, yet that subtle smoky flavor behind it! I don’t know if this is a different blend than the other ladies tired or what but I do love it!

I guess I will go ahead and review this one and again Mercuryhime I am so sorry this was so bad for you! I have indeed had very similar flavors before that made me feel exactly the way you do. This one is not bad for me though. There is a saving grace in here and it seems to be much better as it cools.
I get a hint of vanilla somewhere in all of this mix – and there is a LOT in this mix. So much so I had to dig around in the bag to get enough equal amounts of ingredients!
I almost wonder if you got a good mix Mercuryhime I would ask if you want another sample and I will be sure to get all of the varied items in a second sample but I imagine you are DONE with this one lol.