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…
Comments
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.
@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 :)
Great review. Can you tell me what an ‘aroma cup’ is?
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.
@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 :)