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67 Tasting Notes

Mayan Chocolate Chai from 52teas
100

Seriously, this is my new favorite tea. 52teas manages to knock it out of the park again and again with these kickass tea blends. This chocolate chai is no exception. I’m drinking it now with soy milk and sugar and the play of heat, spice, warmth, and chocolatey goodness is intense and delicious. After each sip, I breathed in cool air to cool my mouth, then felt it seep out my pores in tiny goosebumps.

Yes, it was that good.

Maple Bacon from Man Teas
72

I felt like I needed something breakfasty to go with Thursday’s poached egg with toast dinner. This hit the spot right nicely. It’s best taken with sugar and milk/cream though.

Vanilla Rooibos from Teavana
61

By itself, it’s not so special. But I brewed it up extra strong to use for some Thai iced tea, and it was heavenly.

What, you were expecting poetry?

Ti Kuan Yin from Ocean of Tea
34

Brewed up my last little bit of this from Ocean of Tea, and was not pleased. The resulting liquor was dank and sweaty like boiled sweatsocks. The taste was light and floral, but the smell completely overpowered it. Poured the rest down the drain. Blech.

Eastern Beauty from Teavana
72

On a whim, I decided to purchase this from Teavana because I was looking for a new oolong since my plum oolong ran out.

And for $20 for 2 oz., I was expecting an oolong that made me say “ooh girl”!

On the first brew, this has an interesting buttery note that plays off to a more floral after taste. I’ll have to try a different brew in the morning.

Organic Orange Sencha Green Tea from two leaves and a bud
69

Light and citrusy, with slight woodsy notes. Had this tea in a coffeehouse, which to me is always a mixed bag because they always give you the same temperature of water — HOT. I did a short steep since I wasn’t sure just how hot it was, but I’m pleased with the cup.

Lemon Mate Delight from Ocean of Tea
97

Brewed up my last batch of this amazing tea. Ocean of Tea has stopped shipping for some bizarre reason, so I can’t re-order. It’s a light and refreshing cup with a faint licorice/anise undercurrent that’s just lovely.

Yellow Gold Oolong (Huang Jin Gu Wu Long) from Jing Tea
1

Had this at a cafe, and I tell you…the main difference between making tea at home and going out to a cafe is the preparation. They dumped boiling water on top of this, turning the liquor into a musky, dank, mustardy cup of gross. Maybe I’ll sample this on my own one day, but it’s highly unlikely.

Chelsea's Chocolate Banana Rooibos from 52teas
100

OK, after changing up the brewing time, this tea is one of my new favorites. I had a nice equally delicious mix of chocolate and banana. I sweetened it and added just a splash of milk, and I tell you, it blew my mind. Uber good.

Plum Oolong from Ocean of Tea
100

I brewed a full pot of this once I received it, and I was blown away! This is a rich, wine-like tea. Nice red color, amazing aroma, and delicious plum flavor. I also picked up some nice raspberry flavors. And yes, it is EXCELLENT iced too! Amazingly good.

I wished Ocean of Tea was still shipping. This blend is too good to not order again.

Chelsea's Chocolate Banana Rooibos from 52teas
100

Great tea, but I think I overbrewed it on this first try.

It definitely delivers in the chocolate and banana categories in smell, but didn’t fully come through in the taste department. I also tried adding sugar and milk, but those drowned out the subtle chocolate and banana notes.

I’ll try again with a shorter brew time (packet suggests 4-10 minutes; I went for around 8:30).

Maple Bacon from Man Teas
72

A very interesting blend. When I opened the package, I was intrigued by the complex smoky notes of the bacon and slight perfume of the maple flavoring. I hoped these flavors would carry over into a brew. (Generally, I don’t drink black tea straight — it’s way too bitter and I usually need sugar and milk to make it palatable.)

Unsweetened, this stuff is stronger than strong. It’s SKRONG.

Sweetened, the maple and bacon flavors are more pronounced, but overwhelmed by the muskiness of the black tea.

Sweetened (and with milk added), this tea sings. Each sip brings a full-bodied taste of maple and bacon with a slightly smoky aftertaste. It’s not my favorite 52teas blend, but certainly a conversation starter.

Tahitian Limeade from Teavana
95

Had this iced with a bit of mint and club soda. WOW. Tastes like a fruity tropical fizz you’d only find in specialty markets stateside. The lime is present, but not overpowering. It’s subtle and warm. Would probably be great hot with honey and lemon.

Raspberry Riot Lemon Mate from Teavana
93

Deliciousness in a cup. Brewed according to package directions and used raw sugar to sweeten…but I really didn’t need it.

Chamomile from Adagio Teas
75

A guaranteed sleep aid. I take it with some organic volcano white honey and I’m out like a light in less than 30 minutes. Who needs Unisom?

Blueberry White from Archer Farms
1

The blueberry completely overwhelms the delicate nature of the white tea. Also, I’m used to loose leaf blends with smaller pieces — this batch looks like it contains the twigs and branches of the tree, not just the leaves. Unpleasant. I trashed it.

Pina Colada Honeybush from 52teas
89

Absolutely heavenly iced. I had it hot with a splash of cream. The coconut is the real star here, transforming plain old rooibos into a base for something delectably delicious.

Luzianne from Luzianne
75

Brewed it strong for a big batch of Southern iced tea. Mmm.

Lemon Mate Delight from Ocean of Tea
97

Fruity like a lemon LifeSaver. A great pick-me-up on a cold day. Lemony and light.

Profile

Bio

OG blogger (c. 1997), web designer, tech entrepreneur, early adopter, tea aficionado, live event and TV show master tweeter.

Location

Atlanta, GA

Website

http://www.karshwrites.com

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