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Finally trying my Malawi Zomba Pearls!!!

I’ve found quite a few teas from What-Cha that I really, really enjoy but this is the one that originally made me take a look at the company and actually place an order. The leaf just looks so interesting and the flavour notes sound so intriguing!

Before trying this tea, I actually tried the Zomba Pearls that were limited edition from DAVIDsTEA first because I wanted to have a vague idea what the tea would taste like. In my head, I pictures the DT version being like learning to ride a bike with training wheels and this version to be more like upgrading to like a BMX or something. Visually, there’s not actually a huge difference in the appearance of the two kinds of leaf. The only major thing I noticed was that the What-Cha pearls were definitely larger. Gong Fu in my glass gaiwan, this was a treat to watch brew. Unfortunately, I was also watching a movie and the tea kept stealing my attention and I struggled to follow along with the plot. Oops.

I didn’t get as many infusions out of this as I would’ve liked before I felt like there was too much flavour loss; maybe four in total? Possibly five. I was a tiny bit distracted, as I’ve mentioned. I did really enjoy the infusions I did get though, and definitely drew comparisons between this and the DT version: both were very buttery with hay/straw and lemon notes! This had the distinction of having a more unique vegetal taste as well though: I definitely tasted cucumber peel (not the flesh/pulp but the peel specifically) and in the last infusion and only the last infusion a tomato-y note as well. I wasn’t eating or drinking anything else during this session so I didn’t confuse the flavours or anything like that. That’s just how I interpreted the taste. But it was nice! Just really unexpected. I look forward to finishing the sample.

Flavors: Butter, Cucumber, Hay, Lemon, Straw, Umami

alexander&james tea co.

This is one of the teas from the Satemwa Tea Estate! We’re in contact with the growers there, they make some really excellent stuff. I haven’t had the opportunity to try the pearls yet (just the zomba steamed green tea, which we carry in the shop) but it sounds delicious! Lemon notes in white tea are always my personal favorite.

Roswell Strange

Mmm, I bet the steamed green would be quite good. And I agree, lemon notes in white tea make me super happy! :)

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alexander&james tea co.

This is one of the teas from the Satemwa Tea Estate! We’re in contact with the growers there, they make some really excellent stuff. I haven’t had the opportunity to try the pearls yet (just the zomba steamed green tea, which we carry in the shop) but it sounds delicious! Lemon notes in white tea are always my personal favorite.

Roswell Strange

Mmm, I bet the steamed green would be quite good. And I agree, lemon notes in white tea make me super happy! :)

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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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