DAVIDsTEA

1.5 tsp for 300mL water @98C, steeped five minutes.

Odd.

A heavy artificial cherry flavour, like cough drops or cough syrup. Some acai notes. Coffee and roasted mate. Something sharp in the scent — probably juniper. Hibiscus comes out more with each sip. Damn it, why hibiscus? It ends up dominating everything it touches. (I loathe hibiscus. I knew it was in the blend, but I remain optimistic that it will work this time, somehow … it never does.)

Four sips in and I have to toss it. I want to like this. Can’t stop thinking about cherry Vicks drops.

1.5 tsp for 300mL water @ 95C, steeped four minutes 30 seconds.

Hmm. I see on the package it recommends 4 to 7 minutes — odd, for a black tea. I’ll try the longer steep next time.

I got a sample of this, iced, in a DavidsTea store about an hour ago and loved it. My hot cup here at home is good, too: a better balance of tea and spices than usual from DavidsTea. I like the slight winey-note from the cloves. I adore cloves. And I can taste tea in this blend, too — some Ceylon, maybe. Not an everyday tea for me, as I prefer straight teas, but a winner for a flavoured tea.

Made in a gourd with 85C water, multiple infusions.

I’ve made Main Squeeze as a tisane in the past, using 1.5 tsp for 300mL water and steeping it. This morning, I found my gourd. The result: intense. The fruits give an agreeable bitterness, a bit like pith in marmalade, while the mate itself is earthy and sweet. Overall I think I’d prefer plain mate in a gourd, but this is good. And potent.

1.5 tsp for 300mL water @100C, steeped 6 minus, drunk bare.

Bright and sunny and just what I need in these thousand days of winter in Newfoundland. I noticed the ingredients now list sulphites, on the dried fruit, I presume. Yuck. I’m also concerned about just what the “natural flavouring” is, which smells and tastes most convincingly of oranges, without the acid. The mate packs a lovely caffeine lift.

1.5 tsp for 300mL water @100C, steeped five minutes, drunk bare.

Beautiful orange and papaya flavouring. Sweet finish. No acidic pucker. Refreshing.

1.5 tsp for 300mL water @ 95C, steeped 5 minutes.

Oranges, earthy mate, and some bitterness in the finish – as from orange peel. Tasty and potent; I’m not done my cup yet and feel a buzz already.

More expensive than I’m used to for tea, but worth the price. Hard to beat this for straight green tea.

It’s September 1st and a very cool, damp day outside in Cape Breton, NS. Feels like autumn is coming early.. so this definitely sets the mood for a warm tea. I searched through my collection for the perfect choice.. and stumbled upon Genmaicha. I dug my nose into the bag.. and yup, definitely going with this one. Steeped it at 165F for 2.5 minutes and it’s perfect. A warm mug of toasty green tea and a new book on the veranda. Bliss.

So I oversteeped but I hope that is a plus.

In the pouch this smells decadent,sexy as hell,creamy and like pistachios getting it on under silk sheets.

I’ve always loved pistachios so I’m looking forward to trying this. Hopefully it won’t be disappointing like Sugar and Spice ….sad story but true.( I’m sticking to Glitter and Gold)

This is very nice, silky smooth and sweet with gentle kisses of chamomile …I think steeping it so long let the taste really develop.

Perfect for: people who want decadent adult cures for an upset tummy,late night sweet tooth,warming and soothing needed during the rainy nights and a warm hug.

Final verdict: me likey! Gorgeous presentation and wonderful boot in the ass of traditional chamomile teas. Plus pistachio! Not sure if a staple yet but if you are stressed or anxious this is the answer to a fashionable sexy tummy tamer.