8 Tasting Notes

65
drank Organic Matcha by DoMatcha
8 tasting notes

This matcha is serviceable, but costs too much for what you get for me to really recommend it. It tastes great blended, and that’s what I will be relegating it to. I will be writing up a more in-depth review on my blog regarding it. If you are looking for medium-grade matcha at a lower price to start, try ito en or Lupicia (specifically Ujitawara), or even Red Leaf Tea (look for unflavored as a start. Flavored matcha sounds like fun for dessert and blends).

Preparation
170 °F / 76 °C 0 min, 15 sec 1 tsp 5 OZ / 147 ML

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drank Diksam, FTGFOP1 by Lupicia
8 tasting notes

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80
drank MateVana by Teavana
8 tasting notes

MateVana is discontinued. Ah well, it was fun while it lasted.

This was and probably still will stay my favorite tea from Teavana. Save for the perfectea maker, I don’t particularly see myself buying anything from Teavana in the future—just because I’ve jumped much farther into tea.

What I love about MateVana: Hints of chocolate, but not overpowering. Just enough earthy complexity to keep it interesting, without being bitter. Nutty. Great with creamer. I’ll miss you, MateVana, but this gives me a perfect excuse to try Circle of Drink’s Chocolate Roasted Mate, and attempt replicating you myself with blends (but with organic and/or natural ingredients).

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 7 min, 0 sec 3 tsp 16 OZ / 473 ML

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80
drank lugano pilamisu by Steepers
8 tasting notes

This is a wonderful creamy evening brew. Feels very wintery, but I’ve happily had it during these hot California late summer days.

It reminds me of custard, but with a smoky, roasted quality to it. Coffee and creme, maybe? White chocolate mocha? Faintly, if so. It’s not rich enough to compare it to creme brûlée, but at the same time, that’s my thought.

Flavors: Creamy, Nutty

Preparation
1 tsp 8 OZ / 236 ML

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76
drank My Morning Mate by Teavana
8 tasting notes

Tasty, spicy, and sweet. I’ve had this mix twice now, and it is quite a pleasure to drink as a pick-me-up.

Although, I’ll admit… MateVana is preferred over it. MateVana handles subtlety better, whereas in this it’s come across as watery. Perhaps I just have to steep more. I realize this is not uncommon for Teavana brews to need a lot to get a tasty desired result.

Flavors: Chocolate, Coffee, Spicy, Sweet

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 7 min, 0 sec 3 tsp 16 OZ / 473 ML

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80

Fragrant and sweet, this lychee green oolong isn’t overwhelming, but IS however quite tasty. I know some are rather purist about flavored teas, and I’d venture to guess this isn’t for them. However, for those who like natural flavoring, this tastes like lychee. It’s refreshing in the mornings, and I bet it would taste wonderful iced.

I am still building my flavor palette for teas. The oolong flavor is understated, but noticeable if the tea cools, or if it steeps for two minutes. It is sold as loose leaf, and the rolled oolong leaves were not shredded or chopped in any way. If I were to hazard a guess, the tea used is a greener oolong that is mild in flavor and not too expensive, but not bottom of the barrel. Something, essentially, that would appeal to those who specifically like drinking sweet drinks.

I like drinking tea straight, and I like drinking tea blended or flavored.

Flavors: Lychee

Preparation
175 °F / 79 °C 1 min, 0 sec 2 tsp 16 OZ / 473 ML

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85
drank Tulsi Original by Organic India
8 tasting notes

I love this Tulsi. My only experience with it is in its bagged form.

I find this tisane is rather robust, and can be steeped 8 minutes or longer from 200F+ temperatures. I have not personally experienced a loss in flavor this way, but your YMMV.

Comforting, helps me with sleep issues, balances me out when I’m a little too stressed or a little too drowsy. I think everyone should try it and experience its unique properties.

The flavor has not come across to me as licorice-like or minty (as both of those are not flavors I really like or resonate with). Instead, it’s herbal and slightly sweet, to me, with a lovely warmth to it.

I’d like to get the loose leaf in a tin when I run out next, but I’m also curious about The Tao of Tea’s varieties.

Flavors: Herbs, Sweet

Preparation
Boiling 8 min or more 2 tsp 16 OZ / 473 ML

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80
drank MateVana by Teavana
8 tasting notes

I realize Teavana is generally grumped about in the tea community.

… However, MateVana makes me a happy happy human.

Until I can find a suitable replacement from a smaller brand, this has been brewed daily at my home. It’s just enough awake-ness to make me feel comfortable, but not enough to give my caffeine sensitivity trouble.

The roasted mate combined chocolate-y, nutty, creamy nature reminds me of a watery coffee without the bitterness (which is the point, I realize). But the fact that it’s a little on the thin side is not really a bad thing. I do wish it was more robust—perhaps if I added milk, it would be perfect. I tend to fill up my contigo tumbler with this.

Flavors: Chocolate, Creamy, Nutty, Roasted

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 7 min, 0 sec 3 tsp 16 OZ / 473 ML

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Profile

Bio

I am a simple woman when it comes to my tastes. I have a big sweet tooth, and think I fall under the category of those who like sweet/savory flavors. Chocolate is my drug, before tea.

However, complex flavors have always interested me. Too bitter or too sour, though, and it will not keep my attention. Slightly bitter or slightly sour on top of sweet and/or savory, though, and it adds something to a drink or a dish! I’ve also begun to enjoy spiced and spicy flavors much more, as well. Licorice, however, is still not my friend.

I’m an artist, and a writer, with some tech savvy-ness.

I am new to the world of tea as an enthusiast, but I’ve casually enjoyed it off and on throughout my life. I can’t drink coffee due to anxiety and stomach sensitivities, but tea? Tea in the right quantities is luscious. I am also quite the fan of tisanes and blends. Scandalous, I know.

I’m enjoying the journey of learning. I’ve only just begun.

Location

San Jose, CA

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