August Uncommon Tea
I found this relatively new tea company out of LA (US shipping free over 50, international shipping a flat $20 rate . . . yikes). Thought I would drop the link here, in case anyone wanted to take the plunge.
I’m pretty hesitant to drop that much money on tea from a new company with no reputation. I’d consider a purchase if they had sample sizes at an affordable price.
Any time a company does those kinds of emotional artsy descriptions for a product that are totally unrelated to the thing they are selling, I find it a huge turn off. What does “feels like soft warm mahogany” and “refuge from coastal winter elements” really tell me about this tea?! Nothing. It reminds me of people gushing about abstract paintings, the kind that are hard to tell the difference from a painting done by a two year old. It feels really put on in an “I’m so much deeper than you” kinda way.
Can you tell I haven’t yet had my first cup of tea this morning?! The kettle is heating up now. I should be in a better mood momentarily. /rant
The The o dor site is like that. I would order from them but can’t really figure out what I am buying.
Seems like their descriptions are straightforward to me.
“Tastes Like: pine needles, cardamom skin, maple sap, fire logs, sweet tobacco”
“Tastes Like: roasted peanuts, melted sweet butter, burnt molasses” etc.
“It reminds me of people gushing about abstract paintings, the kind that are hard to tell the difference from a painting done by a two year old. It feels really put on in an “I’m so much deeper than you” kinda way.”
Or, you know, other people can actually appreciate them. No need to smack the tastes or pursuits of other people just because you don’t share them.
The O Dor is super hard to try to figure out what the tea tastes like, I agree and also haven’t been willing to risk the money on mystery tea. Envy, Lust, Greed… no clue how that translates to what a tea tastes like!
I’m smacking the method of marketing the product and the attitude that some have with art appreciation. Stating the way a tea feels gives me no understanding or connection to it. It is someone else’s abstract feelings. How do you compare tea to a particular type of heated wood or coastal weather? I see it a lot in jewelry marketing too and I don’t see how it connects anyone to the products. People can appreciate art without making up stories of what they think the artist was feeling or trying to convey when they made an abstract painting. I have seen folks do it to try to make themselves seem more cultured and educated than the next and it’s that attitude that I find obnoxious.
“People can appreciate art without making up stories of what they think the artist was feeling or trying to convey when they made an abstract painting.”
That’s how you judge art… Abstract art is almost entirely about conveying emotions through non-representational means. How can you appreciate the work if you aren’t considering the message? If you don’t like abstract art or flowery descriptions that’s perfectly fine. But saying that those who appreciate it are lying to seem more cultured is incredibly rude and absolutely untrue.
If people find a feeling of costal weather in a cup of tea, good for them. No need to call them obnoxious because you don’t share that.
Winter blends look interesting. I bit, especially since the starter kit had 4-cup samples of 5 very different teas plus a 1-cup infuser for $39 plus free shipping. Found a $10 discount code for new customers, total cost $29. Not sure if codes are supposed to be posted here— PM me or find it in a quick google search if you are interested.
Thanks for the find, sweetea, should be interesting!
I think it’s fine to post a code here since it is relevant. I’m interested to see what you think of the tea!
Dustin, the discount code is WELCOME2AUGUST
If that doesn’t work for some reason, you can PM me for a link which gets you $10 off — full disclosure, it says I will also get $10 off in the future if the link is used, but I think, if anyone, sweetea deserves the referral credit.
I will post reviews!
Interesting site, wish the mini sizes weren’t sold out. Curious to see their spring teas. I might bite on those if they come out soon. :)
I think the Fall mini sizes were sold out, but not the Winter. Pretty sure the Winter sampler I ordered is 5 minis.
I lurked on their instagram for a bit, and they were recently sampling teas from their summer collection at a pop up! Should be sooner than later, is my guess.
the winter sampler is 5 teas at 14grams each a total of 70grams, so yeah probably 5 minis :)
I’ve had two of their teas: The Settlement and Passage du Desir. Both were amazing. For me, the entire way it’s marketed is very appealing. If the product was inferior or didn’t merit the level of marketing, well, then I’d be disappointed and feel like I’d been duped. But my whole experience with them was a positive one: the tea is awesome, they filled and shipped out the order immediately, and communication was excellent. I highly recommend them, and no, I’m not affiliated with them in any way, just an impressed customer.
I love the marketing. I would be all over trying these if they still had the minis in stock.
It came! Beautiful packaging and an entirely handwritten thank you note. Very nice. Brewing up some yellow tea now…
I just posted a review of The Settlement. Smoky, brown butter— not what I was expecting, but very interesting.
Wow, that really IS a quick turnaround. Not going to lie, I’ve been on pins and needles, anticipating your reviews hahaha. Can’t wait to see what you thought/think!
I bit too after this thread…. So far I’m VERY impressed with the teas… they smell amazing and taste delicious!!
The Spring/Summer collection just dropped. Looks interesting, but I am currently at the apex of the tea cycle— right now I need to drink not buy!
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