Indigobloom

I was at the distillery district today with my girlfriends, this arts/food/shopping/European/historical inspired complex and managed to grab a cup of looseleaf at the chocolate shop… it was delightful! not as bold as the description on the menu stated, but I did taste a hint of raspberry. Of course, that could be the power of suggestion because it was the merest of hints, and the description mentioned raspberry… but there was definitely something sweet about the tea, and I added no sugar.
It’s not one I would go back to repeatedly though, but it’s definitely better than Tim’s or Starbucks, which I stoop to more often than I’d like!
Bah. Next time I’ll try the darjeeling they have.
Overall, highly pleasant! just not memorable— though it may have been had I chosen to drink it bare.
(((ok truth be told, I was sad that we didn’t make it to this other cafe in the complex that I hear has a supply of Mariage Freres. I think I need to make a special trip there asap!)))

I picked out some of the beetroot from the teaspoon I was using and it’s made for a much better tea!! more like the tess tea that I reviewed awhile back only not as thick and maybe a tad more tart.
Now that it’s cooled, I’m not enjoying it as much… Note to self: don’t drink this one when up and about!
Cold, it tastes almost like a pink lemonade… which would be fine if that is what I wanted. The thing is, I never was one for pink lemonade! maybe just the regular kind, but not all that often.
It seems to be disappearing out of the packet as well. All the chunks are rather heavy and bulky. I don’t mind that, I need to purge my bin to make room for new ones! :P

Better!!! than the last time I tried this…
I divied up the bag so that my friend could have her share, and I was right, all the flowers had shimmied to bottom :)
It tastes much better, and smoother for some reason, esp the second and third steep.
I tried some with milk, and some without, and my first cup with a stevia tab. All of them were pretty decent!! however the best was with just straight up sugar.
I had to add more sugar than I usually do to really taste the Osmanthus, or else it just sorta hides in the background and tastes more like a note of the oolong leaf rather than a separate add to the tea.
They still make it better in the shop of course, with all their fancy equipment and simple syrup. *sighs
I’m a little sad that I seem to have Osmanthus’d myself out for awhile. There was a point where this was all I could drink, and now, well I’m a little over it. That won’t last long though, I’ll be back at it again in a week or two! :P
One more thing: In my opinion, this tastes better iced!! and with sugar.

I was out and about all day, starting with hot yoga… so had to wait til afterwards before having any tea. As much as I love it, the stuff dehydrates me, especially the kind I was craving!! but the tapioca here made up for it :)
(that said, I never rate based on tap, only the tea)
It was ok, but they make it much better at another location I go to. Thus, normally this would get a much higher rating, but today, well not so much. They used far to much milk, and carnation milk at that! (which turns my stomach a bit, but it tastes great)
Oh well, it was still pretty tasty. Next time will be better.
Oh, and it doesn’t help that I have a raging headache now. Some sleep should fix it!

After my sorry experience with Goji Pop, and my amazing experience with the ten ren’s watermelon, well I couldn’t help but try some of this!
It was ok… better than the goji, but not by much. Melons (except water) tend to taste fake to me, so I figured this one might, but I had also hoped that the watermelon would be stronger in flavour and that I might get some of the grain. no such luck. *sighs
(no surprise on that one though, I had to use a bag this time)
Next time, I’ll try it iced!
Even teas that are meant to be iced, well I always try them hot first, just to see what it’s like. I’m a little stubborn that way :P
It was however, nice to sip on while working away at the computer on a Friday afternoon though… maybe I’ll make it my Friday tea!

errr, I am so confused. This is the tea I ordered, but it tasted nothing like blueberries. In fact, I could swear it was an oversteeped milky oolong (ok, my fault- I left the bag in too long)
Except, well when I finally did toss the bag (no way to resteep. Boo!), the leaves, from what I could see, looked “white”.
That said, I’m not going to rate it this time… that wouldn’t be fair.
Even if I did get the milky oolong, I wasn’t all that impressed, as the other versions of that same tea are superior in my books.
Oh well >.<

OMW to work this morning… and wow, it certainly hit the spot!!
The strawberry and cream flavour really comes through. I added no sugar at all, and some milk, yet it tasted as if I added liquid strawberry cream. I was in heaven!!!
There wasn’t much else besides those flavours. Maybe a hint of maltiness, and a touch of astringency. I wouldn’t want this tea often, but you can bet I will be buying some. Eventually. Or ASAP if I find out they’re ever discontinuing it :P
I love that it’s a dessert like tea, but different than the standard chocolate, caramel, or cookie variety I typically fall in love with.

Twinkle toes!!!!
that’s what the name reminds me of, every time I see it in the bin. I love teas with a fun name :)
and the taste… well, this is actually the second time I’m drinking it, but the first time I made it too weak, and added some sugar, which it didn’t need… so I waited to give it a fair review.
This time, there’s plenty o’leaves, no sugar, and a generous splash of milk. Yum!!
It’s malty, vanilla, coconut… all at once. A wonderful dessert tea, courtesy of the lovely QuiltGuppy who’s provided me with so much tea joy. Thanks for sharing this one, I am truly impressed :)

Hmmmm, this was not what I expected!
I was hoping for that drying sensation/taste that I get from gojis and green tea sometimes, but none was forthcoming. In fact, I didn’t get any goji at all!! I’m wondering if somebody picked them out of the tin at the store?? I’ve heard rumours of the same happening with the watermelon equivalent…
Too bad, I so wanted to like this tea. All I got was sour “juice”! A hot lemon cider-ish drink that was overall tasty, but still not what I wanted.
Hmph.

I tried this on the way in to work this morning.
My preferences on tea are being challenged everyday, so after trying Lover’s Leap(a bold brew), and then reading the description for this one, how could I resist??
Well, this is definitely bold!!!! sheesh, it slapped me in the face with boldness!
It went beyond malty, to that raisin-like place. The thing is, the entire sip was like that, until the finish when it kindof tapered off into a mild boldness.
There was very little astringency though, but it was definitely not a complex tea.
So, yet another paradigm shift in my tea pickings!
Overall, it was pleasant, and loads better than bagged. I can see coffee lovers enjoying this. I do love my coffee <3

Sooooo, not bad for a bulk barn tea!!
I’m sufficiently awake, there was no scratchiness, and the rice is nice and toasted.
I oversteeped, so I’m forgiving the bitterness this time.
This is lovely, I will definitely have to buy more!!! but not until I try the tea dynasty version :)
I may up this later…

What a rush! wow!
I was in a hurry, unsure of what to order, and hadn’t even tried my customary test sip to see if it needed sugar/milk, which I decided to go with just in case… they make the tea scalding hot, no way was I doing that! So when I got into the office and sat down to enjoy my cuppa, I really had no idea what might be assailing my tongue.
My first sip, I thought: eeeeps! I oversteeped. That’s what I get for morning chitchat.
Second sip: It’s not bad, despite the oversteeping!!
Third sip: I added sugar, but it tastes like there’s none at all. Still, I like it this way!
Fourth sip: ohhh, I really like it this way. I think I’m in love!!
Yes, I did it!!! I found a black tea that I LOVE! well, a plain black, “unflavoured” version anyhow. Extra points for being the first (not counting Marco Polo, but then that one was chosen for me, not that I am begrudging it at all, I’m just taking extra pride in finding this one myself!)
The company website has no description so I don’t really know what’s in it. I think Ceylon?
Anyhow, I can’t remember much in terms of specifics from this morning, but it was malty, and super bold with very little astringency. I could swear there was just a hint of roasted-ness but that was probably the oversteeping. Oh, and my favourite part, the complete novelty part, is the raisin finish!! I’ve noticed raisin notes before, but never this strong, and usually not with milk in them, or as a finish. Yum!
They have another tea that I tried ages ago, which was also amazing. That’s two for two! I wish they had more variety, this is the closest looseleaf shop to my work, and so much better than Teaopia! alas, I will have to settle for their mere ten teas.

Backlog!
This was my after sushi tea. I was not all that impressed. Maybe it’s just me (probably), but I find that dried plum and oolong have very similar flavours. I could definitely taste the plum here, but it sortof finished off where the nutty oolong part left off.
I like my tea’s complex, and this just seemed to be one extra long sip of the same flavour.
The cherries were nowhere to be found either. They smelled so scrumptious in the bucket! and I loooooooove dried cherries so the lack of cherry in here was most disappointing. It was one of the reasons I chose this tea. Ah well, ya win some ya lose some.
I’m giving this an extra low rating because I’ve had other Oolong’s that were SO much better, and I doubt I would take up this tea even if it were free. I normally reserve this rating for tea’s that make me want to toss it, which I almost did do… what can I say, I’m in a harsh mood today, and I’m frustrated at having found nothing redeeming about this one, especially in contrast to the liquid delight I had this morning.
Oh, except that it was sweet enough without any sugar added.
Don’t let my rating scare you off though. If you like plums, this one might be for you.

This is one of those samples I bought from the bulk barn eons ago. I’ve been go go all day, and this was bagged, so it was quick, and I definitely needed something to keep me awake!
Well, this certainly did the trick.
And the taste? Well, it was better than I had feared!! ever since my Matechino fiasco I’ve been wary of Mates that have strong flavours attached, besides fruit.
The spices were mild, but pleasant. I could definitely taste cinnamon, and I think cardamom, but I’m not sure about the rest. The mate didn’t bite too much either, the way I often find it does. Of course, I could taste the bag a little but for that price, it was still much better than I expected. Also, it tasted great without any sugar added. Bonus!!
Oh, and they didn’t grind up the mate like they do with so many teas, which in my mind, means that it was less processed :)
It may be useful to have this one around to grab’n go. I haven’t got a bagged mate around besides this one. It’s something to think about anyhow.

this was all I could get my hands on. not bad but I was so hoping for my Chocolate Rocket. Oh well, maybe later :)

I’m in a funk today. Maybe because I’ve roped myself into watching this jdrama that is oh so very sad, but addictive to. If you want to cry through a box of tissues, check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA5_IdSfdZw
I should be cleaning house now… but I’m just not up for it. Le sigh
I used extra tea leaves, and timed it, using my tea master. Perfect! though with the extra leaves I had to use a whole teaspoon of sugar. Eeek, I rarely do that!
The berry really complements the black, and the milk to. So much better than my earlier cup of read my lips, despite the minty sensation! This was just the mental boost I needed. Thankyou Cloud Nine xxo
Maybe I’ll wash the floor now…

So I got a sample of this ages ago…. and forgot all about it! I only found it when rooting through my “almost done” pile.
Anyhow, before I present my opinion, I must say… that I am not the biggest fan of peppermint in my tea unless I have tummy issues. Between that, and my dislike for peppercorn, well I think I am the only one on this website to NOT have a love affair with this tea :(
I think it’s ok, not terrible, but really not fantastic either. The milk helps, but I’m barely getting any chocolate flavour, as the other ingredients completely overwhelm it, and that was the part of this tea I had looked forward to most. Bleh!
I feel as if this one is trying to be Chocolate Chili Chai, but coming in wayyyy behind. It tastes weak to. I’ve found that Chinese blacks rarely ever mix well with other ingredients so I somewhat expected that.
Oh and the red lips never dissolved in my tea master! what’s the point of having them in the tea if they never add anything to it?
I’m glad I have only a sample. This is definitely not on the rebuy list.

Not bad for a black tea. It’s slightly complex, but not quite as much as I had hoped. The flavour is good, but rather light, unless I oversteep it and then it gets bitter. Hmm, I can’t quite seem to win with this one! Still, it’s better than my standard bagged Red Rose which makes it worthwhile in my books…
As for the flavour, when it’s hot, I taste just regular, solid tea, with a malty note if I add some extra leaves. However, when the tea cools, there is a slight bitterness because of it. I can’t have one without the other. Hmph.
There is a definite raisin note when cool, which I also do not get when hot.
The astringency really comes out on the finish however, when it’s hot, but less when it is cool. This is a tea of contradictions!! complex, in the strangest places, and never all in one sip.
Oh, and I do get a spiciness now, after having half a teacup cool and bare, in the aftertaste.
I wonder… is the David’s version of this tea is as confusing???

Now that I’ve tried a few of these, I can tell that this is a high quality Milk Oolong! I purchased this one months ago before I knew what it was all about, and wasn’t able to appreciate the quality. When I went digging through my stash I found this at the bottom and had to give it another go!! I only have one serving left so I will definitely be buying some more :)
This is very creamy and sweet without any added sugar at all. It really does taste like I added some sweetener.
Overall, a close second to the the ATM version that QuiltGuppy sent me. That one has more depth, so I find it more satisfying, and the flavour is more peachy and distinct. Also, I don’t really taste much of the tea here, it’s all milk and sweetness. I don’t mind that though. There is some scratchiness, but then, it doesn’t help that on the first infusion, I
accidentally oversteeped, again… *sighs
So I’m going to try a resteep but I suspect it may not last beyond two or three of them. Oh well, live n learn. Let’s see what the next cup brings me :)
EDIT: the second cup is much rounder and a bit less creamy. I’d love to try this in gaiwan one day. I’m getting some of the tea now and it has a really nice finish… a bit sour and milky.

This was… good? I have a question mark because, well, I’m still questioning what I think of it.
I enjoyed the bamboo, it makes a really nice, light, toasty sort of base. I think it lent some sweetness to the brew as well, as I seemed to taste two distinct notes that had a sweet nature to them.
The first, right on the inhale, tastes almost like a flowery honey. Then comes the strawberry, it’s very light, mixed with the bamboo in the background as well, but then all of a sudden, boom! the pepper kicks in. and then on the finish… a succulent strawberry note.
Now, I don’t like peppercorn. In fact, it’s one of two or three foods I name when people ask what flavours I dislike (bacon is the other, and ginger in my food, not so bad in my tea) I wonder if the “pink” makes a difference? hmmm
Iced, I think it would be fun, but I can almost picture how it would taste so I don’t really feel the need.
I’m a tad all over the place cuz this tea was sandwiched between my first day of work and watching the Lion King musical. I had to rush the tea to, they wouldn’t let me in the door with my cuppa :(
(tea discrimination. an outrage I tell ya)
So. I don’t think I’ll buy this one, but I am delighted to have tried it. I feel like I learned something about tea today, with the bamboo and all, and I love that!

agh I always forget to add more tea with this one! once again with the thinness…
whatever, it’s delish, I love it :)
Spicy, chocolatey, caffeiney, and just all around yummy!

Ugh, so apparently this is a Pu’erh blend as well?!? are ALL Yunnan’s like that? I thought it was a region, not a type of tea :(
Well it’s better than the one I had yesterday, possibly because I added milk, and when that wasn’t enough, some cream. and about triple the amount of agave I normally add, and I can still barely taste it- agave is potent stuff! apparently yunnan doesn’t take to sweeteners very nicely.
I had planned to share this with a friend, but it looks like I need to find another one to do that with because I don’t see anyone except pu’erh fans loving it…
That said, are there any steepsterites interested in a swap on this one? heck, forget the swap, I’ll just send it to you!

Now, about the flavours… it’s earthy, but not as much as other pu’erhs so perhaps that’s why it isn’t listed as such. The other notes remind me of a plain black tea, with a mild malty flavour. Call it an orange pekoe/pu’erh blend.
It smells earthy to, which I think is half of what turns me off. The other half emerges at that point where you’re about to swallow, that’s when I taste the earthy oddness. I wouldn’t say it’s unpleasant… more like my taste buds don’t know what to make of it.
Anyone ever tried a Bentonite cleanse? like that only a whole lot less intense.
Oh my goodness, I just realized that’s what it reminds me of!! ok now it’s not so bad. There is something comforting in recognizing it. Still, I’m offloading it to any takers…

Eeek, I oversteeped the first infusion and ended up with a super scratchy and bitter brew! ick. The second one is a little too light but is that because I sucked out all the flavour the first time? or is that how it’s supposed to be… *sighs, darn you time, how dare you run away from me like that.
I tried the first brew with some milk just to see, and it was quite lovely. It was actually like a malty black. I wasn’t in the mood for milky tea so just threw the rest out, it was way to strong and I don’t want to know what the caffeine hit would do to me! ha.
The second one that I am sipping at now is light, watery, with a definite honey note but it’s not overly strong. More like a sensation of honey, but I can’t put my finger on it. There is a moment when I swallow where I could swear there is actual honey in here, and I am drinking this bare. Impressive, I must say.
Well, this is pleasant enough, but not enough to say I love it. I really like it… The scratchiness is still found in the second brew so that is definitely biasing me.
Even still. I’m glad for the experience. I’ve never tried a honey oolong before this.
Maybe I will take it the office, it could make a decent “working” tea :)

I passed by the store today, but I only had a few minutes. The sales associate was really knowledgeable! I intended to stay for 2 min, but ended up there atleast ten… making me late *sighs
Anyhow, he let me try a sample of the Grade A dragonwell, and oh boy it was GOOD!! there are very few green teas that will make me swoon, but I will sing this tea’s praises any day.
I think it was the pan-fried part that was so tasty. Roasted teas usually appeal to me. Too bad it was so darn expensive, sheesh!
This nutty, roasty, mild, incredibly smooth brew(among the many others they have) could cause me serious financial woes. I hope there is no such thing as tea rehab, or else I could be in trouble.
oh and the best part, the normal scratchy sensation I get from so many green teas? well I felt the mildest suggestion of it after a few sips, but it was maybe 5% of the scratchiness I get in many jasmine/greens. One day I’ll retire and open up a tea shop somewhere in the city… or maybe just befriend a tea shop owner. Yes, that is the better idea I think!
EDIT: After thinking about it, I really shouldn’t even think about buying a tea like this without a proper gaiwan, but then I have no room in my place to keep one. Perhaps when I move I can have a corner dedicated to tea and a gaiwan (before I meet that tea shop owner, of course)