Hesper June

I have been absent from Steepster because a large group of people descended upon my home, these people were always needing to be fed, whining about how the shower they took was cold and always wanting some article of clothing washed or their specific dietary needs being met.

In other words, my family was here.
They also pried in my cupboards and were constantly asking me why I was hoarding so much tea. (long, agonizing sigh inserted here)
But, now here I sit, in a house that is too quiet, both sad and relieved at the same time.
I shared my tea with my family, especially my father who actually does drink tea and he liked almost all the teas I shared with him.
Some of my other family, spat out or wrinkled their noses or gagged at the teas I so generously shared from my “hoard”.
This tea arrived, unfortunately, while they were here.
Comments were made about how I had bought MORE tea while I clearly had too much already.
Anyway, I actually ordered loose tea, but this arrived in the their little muslin baggies.
I could have made a fuss, and returned it.
But, I have wanted to try this flavor and brand for so long now, that I just swallowed the extra expense and opened and have been quickly sneaking a cup while the company was here.
I did not want to share this tea, since I spent so much and there is only 20 little muslin baggies in the box.
But, now here I sit, in my empty house, drinking it out in the open, and once again visiting with my understanding friends on Steepster.
I have missed you all!
For some reason, I was expecting this tea to be a bit bolder, instead it is a very elegant Earl Grey.
The delicately blended citrus makes it feel worthy of a real proper tea party.
I think I was expecting this tea to blow me out of the water and totally wow me.
Instead it fells like it is gently reprimanding me and tell me to cross my ankles and sit like a lady.
I like that though.
Especially since I am missing my Mother more than I would like to admit.

This tea is Quirky.
I have had Genmaicha Tea before, but a long time ago.
I remember that tea tasted like popcorn.
This tea has a lot more going on.
Dry leaves smell like fresh cut hay drying in the sun.
As soon as the water hits it I am overwhelmed with childhood memories of saying to my mother “Mumsy, can I have a snack?” and then to be handed a Rice Cake.(You all remember Rice Cakes? For some reason in the early 90’s they were the latest health craze and my Mother was all about them)
So, A Rice Cake Nose with a bit of that grassy hay smell too.
Then taste!
Well,A Rice Cake covered in Salty Seaweed comes to mind.(not that my mother served this to me as a child)
A little bit of popcorn at the back of the tongue.
You might think after that sort of review that I will rate this low.
Well, you would be wrong.
I said the tea was quirky, and so am I.
I like it.
Brewed in my Bodum.
Very pale greenish yellow in color.
The flavors only stay strong for a couple of infusions.

Do you ever buy a tea and you are just so sure that you will adore it, but then when you drink it your feelings are hurt that you are not madly in love with it?
I was so sure that I would be just as mad about this tea as I am with Paris.
I am not.
However, it IS a good tea and I do like it.
I have a feeling that I did this to the poor tea, my expectations were too high.
I just wanted to love it too much.
Deep Sigh
The nose on this tea is strong.
Almost like its trying to make sure you know it has chocolate in it.
But, the taste it better, it is a smooth tea and I do like the taste.
You really can not identify the black tea in there though.
I drank this as is, no sugar or cream/milk.
I did not want to mask what tea taste that was there.
I can see making this tea for company who do not drink much tea normally, it would be unoffensive to them, unless they do not like chocolate.
Now, I do like some Chocolate Teas.
And this tea is not terrible, we just are going to be friends though, instead of lovers.
I have some of this tea cold brewing, so I will return with a update on how this tea holds up to that.
UPDATE
Well, my opinion has not really changed in drinking it cold brewed.
It makes an all right iced tea, but I probably will not be cold brew it again.

This tea is lovely!
I almost did not get it.
It was an afterthought as I was finishing up the order, I thought “Hmmm,well, I guess this tea might be good for cold brewing this summer” and added it to the order.
I have not even tried it cold brewed yet, I have been enjoying it to much hot.
Opening the tin (a tin I placed the tea in, the teas come nicely packed in bag and box, but for long storage transferring to a tin is best:) is a treat.
Now, it is fruity, but not sugary candy like fruit, I would say it is more sophisticated than that.
Its dry leaf smells of a lovely Ceylon, than a Smokey Tropical Fruit.
Add water and inhale and it becomes even bolder!
This dark amber brew is a good Ceylon, nice and bright, but add the Mango and again that underlying smokiness to this tea and it is a delight!
The mouth has a bit of tang on the back of the tongue.
The Mango is very soft, kind of in the background, but not overpowering the Ceylon at all.
Sniffing the infuser basket of wet leaves and you can really smell the Mango, and again not overpowering or ultra sweet, just like you had cut open a fresh mango.
I will return to let you all know how it is cold brewed, but for now, I think I shall sit on the Veranda (the back porch) and pretend I am someplace exotic while sipping this tea.

Update
This tea is delicious cold brewed.
Very Refreshing and thirst quenching.
The Mango has become slightly more pronounced, which I like for a ice tea.

Tea of the morning for me.
For some reason, as soon as I awoke, I knew I wanted this tea.
A dark amber brew with a nice rounded flavor.
There is a bit of Smoke and Leather to this tea that I really enjoy.
The tea is almost Manly.
It is Strong without being harsh, it satisfies with simplicity and it knows how to wake me up in the morning….everything a girl is looking for in a Man…Er, In a TEA, yes in a tea;)
Brewed in my Bodum.
The first two infusions stay about the same, after that it starts getting milder.
It was drank without milk or sweetener (how I drink most all my teas)

My final sample from my latest H&S order.
I like Mint.
I like herbal Mint teas, I like Mint gum and I certainly like Mint Juleps.
However, Mint in my green tea…eh, I have found that it seems to take over and you can not even taste the green tea.
So, in the past, Never been a fan.
I see others who reviewed this tea said that this tea was not Minty enough.
For me, it was about right.
I can smell the green tea and the mint.
I can taste the green tea and mint.
But, neither over power the other.
Am I converted to drinking Mint Green Tea all the time.
No.
I still see the two as separate occasion teas, but, if I were in the mood for a Mint Green Tea, it would be this tea.
I think they got the blend just about right.
The Tea is a lovely golden blond color.
Another tea that I think would be nice to try cold brewed.

Another sample that I received in my latest H&S’s order.
When I first opened up the little packet, and took a big whiff, I became very frightened.
It had a very strong and overly sweet odor.
Almost candy-like.
I could not identify any Oolong odor at this point.
Then I added the water.
And immediately sighed with relief, the Pomegranate mellowed and out emerged a nice earthy Oolong.
The Tea is a lovely golden color.
I think if I had more then just a sample, I would try this Tea cold-brewed.
Overall, This is a nice fruity Oolong.

This is a sample I received in my latest Harney and Sons order.
I am going take a second to thank all the tea companies for giving out samples.
I just think it is awesome.
It seems like 10-15 years ago when my Father first got into teas, it was not a common thing, so I am always pleasantly surprised when I do get some in a box.
Okay!
On to Dragon Pearl Jasmine.
Which is my VERY first introduction to a Dragon Pearl Jasmine.
I must say when I opened the box, and saw this sample, I was so excited!
I have been wanting to try it since I came onto Steepster.
It seems to be a tea that either you really like it or you don’t.
Well, from the moment I opened the little sachet packet, it was like I bumped into a dear old friend.
I wore Jasmine perfume when I was younger and used a LUSH soap that smelled just like this tea.
I felt like I was young again!
Which is quite a feat since yesterday was my birthday and I am suffering from slight heat stroke today (playing too much in the sun on the water) and general feelings of ancient-ness creeping up on me.
If the smell was not enough to win you on this tea, the taste will.
Imagine a Jasmine flower with honey dripping off it…Yeah, thats how it tastes.
So, Harney and Sons, Thank you for the sample.
So, Steepster Friends, Thank you for introducing me to a tea that I had not even heard of before.
And thank you,Dragon Pearl Jasmine Tea, for making me feel young again…if not for a few minutes:)
P.S.
I used SimplyJen’s recommendations for brewing this tea, since my little packet did not have any on it.
I think it was spot on Jen!

I bought this tea in one of Harney’s Tagalong tins.
Just finished a cup with breakfast.
It is good, basically it makes me think of a cross between their Paris Tea and a Earl Grey(which are both flavors that I like)but with a small touch of honey.
It is, of course, a sachet not loose.
I wish it was offered in loose because I think I would have made it a bit stronger.
I enjoy this tea, but there is other Teas H&S offer that I love even more.

This is a great brewing pitcher, especially for cold brewing.
Its very well made, and I like the fact that the infuser screws right into the lid.
It fits nicely into my fridge and makes the cold brewing process (which I am new to) very easy.
The only downfall would be if you only wanted to make 1/2 a pitcher, because the infuser does not reach to the bottom.

I love my Libre.
I really, really do.
To be completely honest, I hardly use it as a travel glass.
I have had it about a year now, and its main usage is to brew my tea when I am at home.
It brews exactly the right amount of tea for my favorite mug.
I love the fact that you just add the tea right to the glass and when you pour the water in the leaves have lots of room to float around and be free.
Then when the leaves have been spent, just rinse with a little water and you are ready to brew again:)
I did a review earlier of the Bodum Tea for One, and I do very much like it, but the Libre will always be my favorite.

This is a beautiful and sensible Tea for One Set.
I love being able to see the color of the tea, and because of the double walled glass feature it really does keep your hands cool with hot tea.
The infuser is very fine, so I really do not see how any leaves would end up in your brew.
The cup is light and comfortable in the hand.
However the glass almost feels a little too light.
I have not had it long and maybe it is tougher than it feels, but I am constantly concerned about breaking it.
It just has a more delicate feel to it.
And I am a clumsy person.
But, it has not broke yet and I hope it will not anytime soon, because I enjoy using it immensely.

I am currently sipping the very last of this tea.

Today I need to do some serious cleaning.
We are having company this week and so I have to clean the Guest Bedroom/Dump-It-And-Run Room.
So, I went to the room, opened the door, peered in, shut the door and went to start the kettle.
I need tea to give me courage for this.
I grabbed something quite substantial, and it was this tea.
I love Earl Grey, it really is my favorite tea.
And nothing irritates me more than a “Shy Earl Grey”.
This tea is not shy…AT ALL.
If you are new to Earl Grey’s or not a huge fan of Bergamot than this probably is not the tea for you.
In fact, although I am a fan of Bergamot, I do believe Teavana could just tone it down a bit.
It does overwhelm the tea some.
But,overall, If a Earl Grey Fan, you are not gonna go wrong in trying this tea.
For me, I probably won’t be hurrying out and buying more of this particular brand just yet, mainly because there is a lot of Earl Grey’s to try out there in this big wide world.
Now, excuse me while I go and brave the dreaded spare room…

This tea could not have come at a better time.
We are having unseasonable cold temps here, today is in the forties and rainy and windy.
I opened the tin and took a big whiff then I felt like Emeril Lagasse, because I said “BAM” right out loud.
With the dry leaves I immediately smelled sugar, caramel and cream.
Once I poured the water over the leaves, I smelled warm milk, then a smokiness…then finally then the earthy Oolong came through gently.
The color is light, more like the color of green tea.
The first sip again brings to mind of warm milk, maybe with a touch of sugar.
Rather comforting.
It finishes with a nice smooth, light Oolong taste.
The second infusion it lost a bit of its sugary milk smell and taste and more of an actual tea flavor comes through.
Now, I do normally like more of a classic Oolong tea.
Most experience I have had with Oolong were in pots of hot strong Oolong delivered to our tables at the local Chinese restaurant.
My father also drank Sunluck or Bigelow Oolong.
But, I do like this tea.
Maybe it is the rain and wind beating against the window right now or the fact this tea is like something a Mother might make for a child who was having trouble sleeping.
I am certainly enjoying this unusual flavored Oolong (this is my first flavored Oolong, by the way)
On a much warmer day than today, I am looking forward to try this tea cold brewed.

I have held off on reviewing this because I just did not know what to say.
It is not a bad tasting tea.
I see others have reviewed this and reported it to be bitter or have strange flavors.
I have not found that, in fact I wish it did have more character.
It just kind of tastes like a very weakly brewed black tea.
It does not smell like an Oolong, and certainly has no Oolong flavors.
I have tried different brewing temps and times and also have tried increasing the amount of tea-to-cup ratio to no avail.
It is just a pleasant reddish-brown colored liquid that tastes remotely like weak tea water.
I see no reason to purchase this tea again in my future.

Well, I must admit, I am surprised to see the rating on this tea.
Or maybe I am just inexperienced at tea drinking.
But, my first thought when I opened the tin was “WHOA” and it was not a good “whoa”.
It smelled strong and slightly perfume-y to me.
To be honest, not very much like coconut at all.
Much more flowery and I repeat, perfume-y.
Once it is brewed and poured it calmed down some, smell wise.
Taste is more flower-ish than coconut as well.
Once, I told myself to stop thinking it as coconut tea and more like flower scented tea, I was able to enjoy it better.
I liked the second infusion better, smell and taste were milder.
It is brews up beautiful in a Libre or Glass teapot because of the lovely blue petals.
As I type this, I am curious to how it would taste iced.
I might have to try that next.
I will drink up this tea, but most likely will not be purchasing again.

UPDATE

This tea is actually very tasty as a Cold Brewed Tea!
The perfume-y taste/smell that I complained about above is not really there at all and (GASP!) I actually taste the coconut!
I used about 8 tablespoons in my Takeya and left in the fridge cold brewing for about 20 hours.
I am pleased with a smooth, light tea that is perfect for a summer day!

I like this tea overall.
It’s nose is not untypical of the ‘breakfast blends’.
However what surprised me was how it tasted.
For some reason I was expecting something fairly strong maybe even hearty.
But, what I found was that it’s like a English Breakfast’s shy little brother.
It is very smooth and almost a bit of brightness?? (sorry I am new at this)
I like it, but I have been letting it brew a smidge longer as well as making my measuring spoon slightly heaping when I make it and have been happier with the results.

I am a bit of a loose tea snob.
However, when I have tummy troubles I do not care, I just want some relief.
I like this tea.
As well as this companies Ginger tea.
They both are very effective.
I love this peppermint tea because if my nervous tummy gets nauseous or I ate something rich, this tea simply makes you feel less full and queasy.
I always try to keep a box of this around for tummy troubles.
Plus, you can re-steep the bags 2-3 times!

I love this Kettle.
Though, I do admit it is my first electric kettle, before it I was heating water and taking its temp on a stove top.
I find this kettle very user friendly and so far temps are accurate.
I use it roughly 3-6 times daily and have had for about 4 months now.
The only con I have found is the actually cleaning of the kettle.
It can not be immersed,so weekly I boil water with white vinegar in it to remove the water deposit that gathers in there (I have harder water) then boil plain water again and dump it before making my tea.
Clean the outside with a damp cloth.
But, I do not think that really puts a damper on how wonderful this kettle is!
Love it!