34
drank Red Velvet Cake by DAVIDsTEA
116 tasting notes

As the last of my teas from DT’s Chocolate gift set, this one was probably the one I was most excited about… and then disappointed in. I had a chance to smell the dry tea previously in store and I knew I had to try some, but since I had been intending on doing an online order right away (I love free samples :D ) so I held off on buying it that day. Instead I found the gift pack and since it was a good deal figured why not. In the end I’m glad I did the gift pack as it was a great way to try a bunch of new teas out without getting tones of leaf, but I really wish this one had come through for me.

Dry this tea smells absolutely delicious; the sweet baked cake aromas combined with the chocolate makes for a wonderful (and powerful) blend, but I don’t get much from the black tea… a few dark notes but they’re quite hidden by the rest of the scent profile.

When steeped the liquor comes out a murky brown-rose color, certainly not red despite the addition of the beetroot powder. And between the chocolate, sprinkles and the powder it’s no surprise that the tea is murky, nor that there is some film on top… To be honest I’m really not sure about the addition of sprinkles in this tea, while it certainly gives it some visual interest (and perhaps a bit of sweetness) I feel that they don’t really add much to the tea (then again I’m not a big fan of sprinkles in general so shrugs). Scent-wise I now get a few more “cake” notes with less sweetness, and I’ve almost lost the chocolate all together, and still no sign of the black tea either.

Now, I will admit that I’ve over leafed this cup since my previous experiences with it have all found a distinct lack of flavor. But even with almost 1.5 times my normal amount it’s still disappointing. The flavor is a weak mix of nondescript cake made from a box and a touch of chocolate with not much else. I’m getting the occasional hit from the black tea now but even at that it just doesn’t stand up to the scent profile of the dry tea. The mouth feel is very light and a touch gritty on the back end of the sip (perhaps from the powder? Not sure on that one.)

Well I think it’s time to give up on this tea, I keep trying thinking maybe I’ll like it at a later date but it just doesn’t seem to be growing on me. Oh well you never know till you try, right? :)

Preparation
185 °F / 85 °C 5 min, 30 sec
Tuscanteal

Question for you – how come you’re brewing it at such a low temperature for the water? That might be why it’s brewing up a bit weaker. I have this tea at home too, and it is definitely a “I have to be in the mood for this” kind of tea, and it does brew up a weaker black… but just was curious

Kirlika

:) It’s a valid question. I typically brew my tea at work and I typically use hot water from our Culligan unit rather than waiting for the ancient kettle to heat the water to a reasonable temperature. (To be honest even my kettle at home can’t quite get the water much above 90C without strain, but this is why I have a variable temperature kettle on my Christmas list this year ;) crosses fingers)

Tuscanteal

Or… you can get the big daddy, and get the Breville Tea maker!!!

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Tuscanteal

Question for you – how come you’re brewing it at such a low temperature for the water? That might be why it’s brewing up a bit weaker. I have this tea at home too, and it is definitely a “I have to be in the mood for this” kind of tea, and it does brew up a weaker black… but just was curious

Kirlika

:) It’s a valid question. I typically brew my tea at work and I typically use hot water from our Culligan unit rather than waiting for the ancient kettle to heat the water to a reasonable temperature. (To be honest even my kettle at home can’t quite get the water much above 90C without strain, but this is why I have a variable temperature kettle on my Christmas list this year ;) crosses fingers)

Tuscanteal

Or… you can get the big daddy, and get the Breville Tea maker!!!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

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Bio

Ever since I discovered the wide world that is loose-leaf teas, I haven’t been able to go back. It doesn’t seem to matter what type it is or if it’s “straight” or “flavored” tea is my thing. It’s actually quite funny as I’m surrounded by coffee lovers who just can’t quite grasp why, to me, tea is better than coffee. :D (which considering it’s less-than a 5 minute walk to each of 2 separate Tim Horton’s, a Starbucks AND a Second Cup… that’s saying something!)

On the whole I tend to prefer my tea strong and “au natural” with no sweeteners, milk or other additions, but like most everyone there’s always exceptions to the rule… just not many of them.

Aside from tea I love reading (especially if there is a fireplace or campfire involved), camping/hiking, horseback riding and Healing Touch (similar to Reiki). Oh and computers and board games (euro style, is there anything else? ;)) and… and… chuckles OK so I have a large variety of interests.

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Canada

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