82

Big huge thank you to Tea Ave for sending out samples to me along with an amazing tasting and aroma cup set! I think most people on Steepster have by now either seen the thread on the DB where we were discussing the packages or read some of the reviews that have been posted, but if not I need to again emphasize how all out this company went!

Not only did I receive three awesome looking samples with very clear and well formatted information on the packaging (seriously guys; probably the most information I’ve ever seen incorporated onto the packaging for a tea; sample or otherwise) but it didn’t feel crowded or overwhelming either. And, I know this isn’t a big deal to a lot of people – but the fact that cold brewing instructions were added made me really, really happy. Not “Iced Tea” mind you, but actual cold brew instructions. It was a small detail but one that made a big impact to me.

They also included a very nice tasting and aroma cup set with an oak tray – this review wont have anything about them in it really because I drank this cold brewed because, at this point, I hadn’t practiced with the aroma cup let and wasn’t confidant in my ability to use it properly. Everything was packaged incredibly elegantly and it made me feel like I was getting a really expensive and classy gift. I haven’t received such a beautiful sample package since I got my pre-launch contest reward package from RiverTea; and this may even be better than that!

My only point of criticism is that one side of the packaging for the samples has a clear side; but honestly with something as small as a sample it’s not really a big deal at all because, it’s sort of assumed, you’re going to drink the tea quickly and light exposer wont really be an issue. I just hope that when it comes to buying larger sizes of things there wont be a clear side to the packaging like some companies (52Teas was the first that came to mind) do.

Anyway; like I sort of already said I decided that I’d try this one cold brewed first, though I made sure to save enough leaf to do a hot cup Western style later for comparison. Since Tea Ave included cold brewing instructions on their packaging (again; this small detail excites me so much) it feels right to do at least one cold brew anyway.

Out of the three samples I received from Tea Ave this is the one that I was least excited about; I don’t really like ginger a whole lot. But I went into this with as open of a mind as I possibly could and I’m really glad I did because if I’d assumed things prior I think it would have really tainted the experience I had – and it was a good experience.

This is a really sweet oolong; surprisingly sweet. It reminds me of the almost extreme but pure, raw and natural sweetness of ginseng. Not that in tasted like ginseng – to be perfectly clear here, that level of flavour is just really comparable. With the greener oolong used here and the unexpected presence of strong butter and cream flavours I was immediately reminded of the really good, higher quality Milk Oolongs that I’ve been lucky enough to try. I’m kind of thinking Mandala’s milk oolong here; which I know is pretty popular here on Steepster and the only Milk Oolong I’ve actually debated getting more of.

Side Note: I wonder if it’s time to explore Milk Oolongs again; it’s been a while and I know my palate has changed considerably.

In addition to having similarities with milk oolongs, this is also very obviously a floral tea. During my time drinking it I was able to pick out very distinct notes of not only lily but peony and orchid as well. It was kind of like drinking a bouquet of Spring flowers with honey drizzled on them – and I know that doesn’t sound appealing, but I liked it. A lot.

And now that ginger flavour…

Again, keep in mind that I don’t actually like ginger so despite having an open mindset when drinking this I do have a bias. Now that we’ve made that clear; I liked the ginger. Yeah, I was shocked too. But, I really liked it. To me it was mild and light handed, and definitely much more of a sweet flavour than a spicy one, like I see other reviewers have noted.

How does this all tie together? I guess I’d describe the ‘order’ of flavour as a consistent and steady “milk oolong” background flavour atop the initial flavour of ginger that transitions to in the middle of the sip you taste both ginger and the floral components and then just the floral by the end. Obviously a higher quality oolong base being used here, and good, natural flavourings. I was really impressed.

Very curious whether people who actually consider themselves ‘ginger fans’ would find the ginger too light for their tastes (I thought it was mild; and usually it’s the ingredients you dislike that you notice the most – or so it seems) or whether it’d really work for them. Ginger fans who’ve tried this one, weigh in please!

I’m so excited to try my other samples now! Monday’s my next day off, so I think now that I feel comfortable using the aroma cup, Magnolia Oolong will be the next one I go for. Already anticipating that it’ll be good…

carol who

Great review. Can you tell me what an ‘aroma cup’ is?

Cheri

I’ve never used an aroma cup, either, Ros. I agree about the packaging. It blew my mind when I actually opened the box — and I’d seen the pictures others had posted.

Roswell Strange

@carol who – this is the video that someone else linked me to use as reference when learning to use my shiny new aroma cup! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUl1_FeACmg :)

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Comments

carol who

Great review. Can you tell me what an ‘aroma cup’ is?

Cheri

I’ve never used an aroma cup, either, Ros. I agree about the packaging. It blew my mind when I actually opened the box — and I’d seen the pictures others had posted.

Roswell Strange

@carol who – this is the video that someone else linked me to use as reference when learning to use my shiny new aroma cup! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUl1_FeACmg :)

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Bio

Hello! My name is Kelly, though many people in the tea community call me Ros or Roswell.

I am a mid-twenties tea addict, blogger, and all around nerd. I grew up in the Prairies, but a few years ago I relocated to Quebec to pursue a career with DAVIDsTEA in the tea industry! I’m still working on getting my French language skills down…

My first introduction to tea, in any form outside of instant and bottled iced tea, was about seven years ago when I happened to stumble upon DAVIDsTEA while looking for a birthday present for a friend! I tried their Birthday Cake rooibos blend, and I’ve been hooked on tea ever since! In those seven years; I was introduced to the online tea community, expanded my interest in flavoured teas to include a deep love and appreciation for straight teas and traditional brewing methods, got a tea themed tattoo, started reviewing teas, amassed a sizable tea and teaware collection, became a TAC certified Tea Sommelier, & even came full circle by beginning a career in the tea industry with DAVIDsTEA!

I consider myself a Jack of all Teas, and strive to have a knowledge and appreciation of all tea types, formats, and styles of drinking. I don’t like to feel boxed in to just being a “flavoured tea” or “straight tea” drinker – my expectations may vary depending on the type of tea or how it’s been processed/prepared but if it’s good tea, it’s good tea no matter how it’s been made!

You name it, I probably drink it- and I’ll absolutely try anything at least once.

My default method of preparation is hot, Western style, and straight – but I’m not opposed to additions if I’m in the right mood. If I ever add something to a tea or use a different method of preparation I will ALWAYS call it out in the tasting note though.

I like to listen to music when drinking tea, especially when I’m brewing a large pot at a time or steeping Gongfu. Often I curate very intentional tea and music pairings, and sometimes I share them here in my tasting reviews. Music is something that I find can deeply affect the experience of having tea.

I’m also one half of the “tea and fandom” podcast GeekSteep where, weekly, we discuss newly explored fandoms over tea as well as try to figure out the perfect tea to pair with each fandom. You can find us on Spotify and Apple & Google podcasts.

Favourite flavour notes/ingredients: Pear, lychee, cranberry, cream, melon, pineapple, malt, roasty, petrichor, sweet potato, heady florals like rose, hazelnut or walnut, sesame, honey (in moderation), and very woody shou.

Least favourite flavour notes/ingredients:
Lemongrass, ginger, strongly spiced profiles (and most Chai in general), mushrooms, seaweed, chamomile, stevia, saltiness or anything that reminds me too much of meat that isn’t supposed to taste like meat…

Currently exploring/obsessed with: Sheng from Yiwu, Yancha (Qilan in particular), anything with a strong sweet potato note. Also, I need to try ALL the root beer teas! Searching for a really good caramel flavoured blend, ideally with a black tea base.

Please contact me at the instagram account listed below if you would like me to review your teas.

Currently I’m employed in the tea department of the DAVIDsTEA head office. While I’m still sharing my own personal thoughts on new & existing DAVIDsTEA blends, I am no longer numerically rating them due to the obvious conflict of interest. Any comments expressed are a reflection of my own thoughts and opinions, and do not reflect the thoughts and opinions of the company. Any DAVIDsTEA blends you currently see with a numeric score were reviewed prior to my being hired there and have not been adjusted since becoming a DAVIDsTEA employee.

Location

Montreal, QC, CA

Website

https://www.instagram.com/ros...

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