inguna

About 85% of teas I drink are unflavored. However, I’m always on the look out for a good rose tea as it is probably my favorite.

My recent purchases:
English Rose by Davids tea
Rose Scented by Harney & Sons
Summer Rose by Adagio teas

I have to say I prefer Adagio’s version. The rose flavor is not too overwhelming, it’s not too oily and it also has a lovely lemony undertone that reminds me of a Hybrid Tea Rose.
My least favorite was Rose Scented by Harney & Sons which was quite surprising because their flavored teas are usually great. Just did not care for this particular one.

Phew, just cleaned one part of my kitchen. I hate cleaning! So now I feel I’m entitled to something nice: like Assam + french apple tart. The tea is sweet and fruity which goes so well with the sour notes of the apple tart.

I’m a huge fan of darker oolongs as I like the toasty flavor. This one, however, feels, much greener and lighter. I quite like it because it’s full-bodied and has smooth sweetness to it. Next time I’ll try the darker version.
Every time I visit Mandala Tea or Butiki or other smaller vendor websites I have all this new vision for their brands. And yes, in my imagination it all looks fantastic, I just can’t help myself :)

This tea was a surprise as it exceeded my expectations. It’s absolutely awesome: deep, malty, sweet, no bitterness with caramel undertones. Highly recommended!

The tiny rose bud that was on the top of the tuocha was super cute plus this tea was on sale so how could I resist? I’m a big fan of tuocha format because it’s so convenient and I like to watch the nest shape to unfold.

The taste is sweet and smooth. The rose flavor is very faint, it’s rather floral notes in general that I can detect.

This is such an interesting and even unusual tea. I have never tried anything quite like this.
It very light, sparkly, sweet and creamy and tastes exactly like cantaloupe. I was thinking of making this into a tea popsicle when it gets warmer.

Today on Moods and Appetites: Cherry Blossom Pink: http://moodsandappetites.com/cherry-blossom-pink/

Sakura recipes are really cool and ceramic container with hand-drawn cherry blossom branches would be amazing gift with some Sakura Sencha in it of course.

Thank you Stacy for this sample: I like it enough to purchase in the future for sure.
It’s buttery and smooth, absolutely no musty/funky taste. I detect some notes of roasted rice and slight fruitiness. Vey nice indeed!

I love teas that are malty so it’s hardly surprising that I often choose Assam.
This one is a bit different from the ones I have tried before: more subtle with hints of citrus and honey and nice malty finish that lingers in your mouth. I had it with a pecan covered in premium dark chocolate. What else a person needs?

I have to admit that pistachio ice cream is my favorite so I was really looking forward to trying out this tea and it did not disappoint. It’s decadent, creamy and does indeed taste like a pistachio ice cream.

Also Butiki Teas and Verdant Tea featured today on Moods and Appetites:
http://moodsandappetites.com/mad-hatter-tea-party/

Got this as a sample – much appreciated.
Coconut is one of those flavors that I really like, probably because it ads some creaminess to the tea and since I don’t like milk or cream in my tea it all works out. Some vegetal and fresh notes here, perhaps a bit too “sharp” for my taste. Second steep seems to even it out and I like it better.

I buy this every spring.
It’s delicate flavor is understated, smooth and refreshing. There is something very refined about this tea. I’m drinking it from a matt/textured/rounded glass cup which for some reason adds to the experience.

It’s unapologetically bold, in your face kind of tea. It’s malty and strong. I don’t mind some bitterness in a black tea and I don’t get the milk and sugar thing … Milk and sugar is for wussies!
Retiring to my library to smoke some cigars :)

Wow, this took me by surprise: it tastes like green beans!
At first I was not too keen on this but the more I drank it the more I started to like it.
It’s bold and savory and smells like raw fava bean pods.

Noticed Verdant tea has a new logo. For what it’s worth I like this version much better than the old one. I would dump the gradient though and keep it red like on your packaging because: 1) less is more 2. consistency 3. it evokes association with red seals on Chinese paintings.
Like the website changes as well. Thumbs up from me :)

Just had oven roasted beets and brussel sprouts with balsamic vinegar and pistachios. Finishing it all with a large cup of Wild Monk – it’s sweet, creamy and delicious.

Finally I got to taste Leo. The smell is strong and orangey and I would say uplifting. You can definitely taste orange, rooibos, vanilla with some hints of chamomile. It’s nicely balanced, bold and yet smooth. I quite enjoyed it.

This is truly such a surprising tea. It smells like lilac. I have never had tea that smells quite like that. The taste delicate and yet flavorful and buttery. It is a must-try.

Got this as a sample. Thanks!
It’s deliciously sweet and floral and VERY creamy. Creaminess and smoothness are too qualities that I really enjoy in my tea. I would definitely consider buying a larger amount. So far everything from Mandala Tea has been fantastic!

Just had a nice dinner: black japonica rice with black beans, spaghetti squash, saffron, cardamom and a tiny bit of balsamic vinegar + some tofu with home made tomato chutney. Finishing this with a lovely cup of jasmine tea from Mandala Tea. Actually wouldn’t mind sharing this with some of you :)

It has some nice notes of apple/cider. I steeped it longer than the recommended time and that’s how I like it. For me jasmine is a perfect after dinner tea.

Bought some Zodiac tea tins as a gift for my friends, went to Adagio website and could not see the link anywhere. Strange … Anyway found it via search. Bought Leo blend for myself; looking forward to some flavored teas for a change.

I have never had anything quite like this tea. It has this aquatic, hard to describe quality. It also has some very uplifting impact on my mood; this tea makes me happy.

I’ve been drinking this for a long time and bought another package yet again. I love it because it allows me to brew tea with very little fuss, it lasts forever and there is variety.
I would highly recommend it.

I’ve been so busy with work that I feel like a design ninja handling multiple projects at once.
There is, however, always some time for tea.
I’m really happy with this purchase. Mini-tuochas look like super cute little bonbons + it’s a generous amount. I think it’s great deal, highly recommended!

The smell of this tea is intoxicating, it seeps through even when the tin it closed.
Pisces is light, yet very flavorful blend that packs a punch of all different flavors blended together. I can taste the grapefruit, chamomile, rooibos and lemongrass but none of the flavors overwhelms the other.They all come together nicely. What a treat!

I’m afraid I’ve been completely sucked in the world of Pu’er.
I have never tried Sheng Pu’er before and Wild Monk Sheng Pu’er has been a marvelous introduction. To me it tastes like sweet, dried apples/hay/grass, no bitterness whatsoever. When it cools down I can detect some smokey notes. It’s a complex tea you really want to drink more and get to know it.. Pretty sure I will re-order.

This is an outstanding blend: It smells amazing and tastes even better. Raspberry, bergamot are creme and so well balanced. Probably my new favorite.
I would highly recommend it.