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A review of Oolong Tea by YamaMotoYama
Date: 10/16/2012
Company: YamaMotoYama
Tea Name: Oolong Tea
Tea Type/Varietal: Oolong
Region: Japan
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup/ tea bag
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: dark rustic brown
Leaf Characteristics:

1. Steepings

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 190 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: I have been enjoying several loose leaf oolong teas and I remember that I had this Oolong tea in tea bags and I thought to fix myself a cup.
I use one tea bag and pour boiling water over the tea bag in my cup and leave it to steep for a few minutes.

I remove the tea bag from my cup to find that the tea’s color is a dark rustic brown. Tea smells wonderfully of roasted chestnuts. It smells very strong, I notice as much of the tea bag prior to immersing it in water. Tea tastes smooth and I continue to smell that smoky aroma, making for the darkness in the tea. Once I get past the smoky flavor there is a sweeter, mellower side to this oolong.

2nd Steeping:
Water temperature: 200 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: I continue to enjoy this oolong tea as previously. It has a strong smoky flavor and scent and after a few sips one can appreciate the smoothness and honey texture of the tea’s liquor when swallowed.

Overall, both cups of tea have that strong aroma of roasted chestnut and the tea itself is smooth and sweet with no astringency.

A review of 100% Organic & Pure Tea Green Tea by Organic & Pure Inc.

Date: 10/15/ 2012
Company: Organic & Pure, Inc.
Tea Name: Organic & Pure Green Tea
Tea Type/Varietal: Green
Region: China
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup/ tea bag
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: light green
Leaf Characteristics: tea bag smells strongly of tea leaf

1. Steepings

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 175 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: This tea is very light tea; so for me one tea bag only gives me one good cup. Tea is steeped for 3 minutes with boiled water poured over the tea bag and into the cup. Tea’s color is light green, most faint, with a natural sweetness. Tea has no astringency as does some green teas; it is clean and very mild tea.

2nd Steeping:
Water temperature: 180 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: I add another tea bag to the one already in the cup and pour more of the boiled water into the cup and leave it to steep for a few minutes. With two tea bags, the tea is much stronger green tea.

I am reminded that this tea is Estate grown, meaning it is grown and processed right at the plantation for its exquisite freshness

This tea is indeed fresh with a lovely pale green color.

A review of Tie Guan Yin (Oolong Tea) sampler by Zen Tea

Date: 10/15/2012
Company: Zen Tea
Tea Name: Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea
Tea Type/Varietal: Oolong
Region: China
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup/ loose leaf
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: pale green
Leaf Characteristics:

1. Steepings I was able to get several good steeps out of the tea since it is so very mild. It really is a meditative tea to contemplate while drinking what this life has to offer perhaps.

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 200 Fahrenheit
Time: 2 minutes

Note: I received this tea sample from the folks at Zen Tea and it is a delight to finally be able to sample such fine tea. I cut open the tea pouch to find small pellets of leaves which smells very grassy. I take one teaspoon and put this in my mug and I add the boiling water into the cup and leave it to steep for only two minutes.

When I remove the saucer, used as a lid from the cup I find that the leaves have unfolded and as I scoop out the leaves, their color is green and the aroma that permeates the air is that of green leafy veggies. Once having scooped the leaves from the tea, I am now able to notice the teas’ color which is a very pale green color and the aroma is of veggies and green.

2nd Steeping:
Water temperature: 200 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: Using same tea leaves I steep this time for few minutes and the teas color is still a very pale green color. I must say it is one of the lightest tea color that I have come across. I scoop out the tea leaves and sip the tea slowly while trying to discern the taste which is very complex with a layered combination of vanilla, violet and orchid flavour.

I am sorry to say, I am not getting this at all. There is faintness of honey once one is passed the leafy/veggies and to finding the creamy smoothness of this oolong. And yes, one can say there is a slight orchid flavour.

I like this Tie Guan Yin and I realize I must experience it many times more to find the hidden complexity that’s offered.

A review of KaiMatcha Premium by KaiMatcha

Date: 10/14/2012
Company: KaiMatcha
Tea Name: KaiMatcha Premium
Tea Type/Varietal: Green tea powder
Region: Japan
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup/ ½ tsp tea powder
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: bright green
Leaf Characteristics: Tea powder is a brightly green color with a very good “umami”, I imagine once tasted; since color and tea’s aroma goes to making a wonderful cup of tea.

1. Steepings

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 170 Fahrenheit
Time: 30 seconds

Note: I am finally trying this KaiMatcha today. I resisted for so long since this product is so expensive and has a high quality of value. It was sent to me to review from the company and I cannot thank them enough for their trust in me.

I add 1 cup of hot water (170-180 degrees) to ½ tsp of KaiMatcha Premium. Whisk quickly for 30 seconds until frothy; I am sorry to say I did not get this frothiness in my cup. Instead, what I have is a very dark green tea, with that wet grassy smell. And when I take a sip of the matcha it is astringent, not bitter since it also smells very sweet. This is the contrast I am confused about. There is a sweet smelling and very pleasant smell but when I taste it is not sweet at all. It tastes like veggies/and greens, cut greens that becomes sweeter after having a few and reaching the buttery aspect of the greens. That smooth, creamy texture that can only be found in natural green veggies with nothing added.

In all, this KaiMatcha Premium has a lovely bright green color and smells strongly of grass. Freshly cut grass and it is a lovely aroma. Upon tasting this tea, one is met with the astringency to be found in this cup, as well as a clean finishing when swallowed. Taste is clean, and lively with a buttery finish.
I am looking forward to trying the many recipes I have read about to do with using/serving matcha. Thank you again KaiMatcha for allowing me to have this wonderful experience.

No notes yet.

A review of Green Tea Ginger Twist by Argo Tea

I purchased this tea while doing grocery shopping at Shaws Market last week and I had placed one bottle in the fridge and forgotten about it until today. I decided to take it with us while out at a fair. Once again, I did not enjoy this fair, I am sorry to say. Anyhow, I shook this tea vigorously before pouring it into my trusty travel drink carrier and sipped it along the way.

Tea color is darkish brown and smells strongly of the spicy ginger and once tasted it is there to meet those tantalizing taste buds. Tea is very sweet and is a strong black tea.
I would have liked/enjoyed it more without the pulp.

A review of Fennel Tea (caffeine free) by Alvita

Date: 10/13/2012
Company: Alvita
Tea Name: Fennel Seed Tea
Tea Type/Varietal: Herbal
Region:
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup/ tea bag
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: very light brown
Leaf Characteristics: tea bag smells strongly of fennel and makes me think of anise.

1. Steepings two bags are best used, I did start with one tea bag and had two good steeps and added a second bag for more tea drinking.

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 200 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: I place one tea bag in a cup and add the boiled water into my cup over the tea bag and left to steep for a few minutes. Tea’s aroma is very noticeable sweet and the tea’s color is a very light brown.
I find this Fennel tea to be fragrant and warmly soothing. I am having this cup of tea after being out today and it was colder than I expected since my spirit is low. So it is a cup of herbal to ail my frail mental state.

2nd Steeping:
Water temperature: 200 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: I am using this same tea bag for a second steeping and after this cup I will add another tea bag and continue as with first cup of tea. It is herbal tea meant to soothe and comfort.

This tea taste similarly to Dill and Anise, if not familiar with Fennel tea; since I was not.

A review of Premium Blended Black Tea by Bromley
I had a full box of this tea purchased some time ago from Market Basket and I am finally at end of tea. I mention this since I never thought that I would drink this tea let alone to have gone through the box. I always remember when first I had this tea it was blend/blah in fact.

Since my tea journey I have come to know what to look for in a good cup of tea. Tea color, tea’s aroma and over all taste goes into making for a fine cup of tea or not.

I took this last tea bag and having brought cold water to full boiled, I pour some of the water over the tea bag into my cup and left it to steep for a few minutes. I removed the tea bag after the set time and take in the color of the tea; it is a lovely dark reddish brown, and with the light directly above it, it is even brighter. Tea’s aroma is strong and robust. Tasting the tea while it is mildly hot, brings about the roasted flavoring a bit more. The tea is malt in taste and overall this tea is rich and smooth when swallowed with a strong finish.

A review of 100% Organic & Pure Tea by Pure and Organic

Date: 10/11/12
Company: Organic & Pure, Inc.
Tea Name: 100% Organic & Pure Green Tea
Tea Type/Varietal: Green
Region:
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: Cup/ Tea bag
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: light brownish
Leaf Characteristics:

1. Steepings I have been sipping this tea using same tea bag throughout the morning; a very mildly astringent tea.

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 175 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: This is a newly green tea for me to have to try. I take one of the tea bag wrapped in green color packet and tearing the packet I take the bag and put this in my tea cup and I add the boiling water to it. I leave it to steep for a few minutes.

Tea’s color is light brown and tea’s aroma is that of wet grass/wet leaves. It makes me think of the dampness to be found after a day of rain. When I taste the tea it is mildly astringent with that drying effect upon swallowing, felt at the back of the throat. There is also a slight tingling effect on my tongue as I drank this tea; less noticeable when more water is added with other steeps.

This tea brand is similar in strength to that of Trader Joe’s Specialty Green Teas.

A review of Matcha (Green Tea Powder) by Hamasaen

Date: 10/10/2012
Company: Hamasaen
Tea Name: Matcha (Green Tea Powder)
Tea Type/Varietal: Green tea powder
Region: Japan
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup/ spoonful
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: bright green
Leaf Characteristics: the tea powder is a very bright green, that minty / misty green color and seems very smooth in texture.

Note: I decided to have a cup of this matcha this morning to load up on Vitamin C. I took one mug and add one teaspoon of the matcha into the mug and take the already boiled water pouring this into my cup and stirring it as I do this. Once I have added enough water I continue to stir it making sure all of the powder mixture has diluted.

Matcha tea has a unique aroma all on its own. Tea’s aroma is cleanly astringent; that marine algae with the ocean breeze nearby. Since I did not whisk the matcha there is no foam or frostiness in my cup. It is just green tea in truest form. I take a sip and another sip and as I swallow I met with the veggies taste of broccoli with a smooth and creamy finish. If I say cream of broccoli soup, I am exaggerating.

This matcha is not sweet/ as in sugary; it is plain and good for you. It has a vegetative quality that keeps true to what a matcha tea should taste like. One could go as so much to say it has not been tempered with.

A review of Coconut Oolong (Oolong tea flavoured) by Zen Tea

Date: 10/10/2012
Company: Zen Tea
Tea Name: Coconut Oolong
Tea Type/Varietal: Oolong
Region: China
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup/ leaf
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: light brownish / amber
Leaf Characteristics: tea leaves appeared to be withered then fried perhaps when I open the tea packet. It smells strongly of the coconut.

1. Steepings: 2 steeps, 1st steep was too strong 2nd not too bad; so longer steeps might dilute the tea’s strong aroma. It is not jasmine but exudes like a jasmine tea with coconut.

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 175 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: I took one teaspoon of the leaves and put this in my cup and poured the water that began boiling and let to cool into the cup over the leaves and left to steep for a few minutes. After the set time, I strain out the tea leaves and pour the tea into another cup and the color is light brown and smells strongly of coconuts. I find this a bit over powering because I tend to not like coconut. When I taste the tea it is very sweet as if sugar is present but I have not added a thing to it.

2nd Steeping:
Water temperature: 190 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: I decided to boil the water longer and using the same tea leaves I pour the water over the tea leaves in my cup and left to steep for 3 minutes. I want less of the coconut this time; or I am hoping to not smell it as much. With the first cup of tea I had I thought I smelled something like vanilla but it may have been the lilac, but I am not sure. There is a faint scent underneath the coconut which makes me think of vanilla bean.

The teas’ aroma is lightly coconut and floral like with sweetness to it as well that permeates the air. It is like candy / sugary. I don’t smell the coconut as much now; it is not as annoying I should say.

I will have to leave this oolong alone for a while. I am happy to review oolong teas but this one seems a bit too strong in aroma.

A review of Magnolia Oolong by Tea Savant

Date: 10/09/2012
Company: Tea Savant
Tea Name: Magnolia Oolong
Tea Type/Varietal: Oolong
Region: Fujian China
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup/ loose leaves
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: light amber
Leaf Characteristics:

1. Steepings: several good steeps, most impressed with 1st steeping because of the tea’s aroma is surprisingly very pleasant.

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 190 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: I was so very happy when I opened the package finally. I found the sample received to be Magnolia Oolong. I have not had oolong tea for a long while. The little tea pouch has a clear plastic back and it reveal small pellets like leaves.

I decided to have a cup of this tea today and after cleaning my tea mug and warming it with warm water, I take one teaspoon of the tea leaves and put them in my cup which I than fill with the boiled water and leaving it to steep for a few minutes.

I am noticing the magnolia scent right away; it is a lovely bouquet. I don’t smell this from the package, it is when I remove the lid and see how the tea leaves have unfolded with the heady aroma of the magnolia (permeating the air) is so nice. I am thinking about some island in the Pacific since I think that is where magnolia flowers bloom. Anyhow, I scoop out the leaves from the cup and place this on a towel dish and take my tea over by the window to examine tea’s color which is lovely amber. I have a sip of the tea and another realizing that it is sweet and aromatic with a smoky undertone.

I find that the tea’s color and the earthiness smell in the cup makes me think of a pu-erh tea but it is oolong and so lovely.

2nd Steeping:
Water temperature: 190 Fahrenheit
Time: 4 minutes

Note: I use the same leaves and pour in some more of the newly boiled water into my cup and leave it to steep a bit longer this time; a minute longer than before.

And the tea’s color did seem a bit darker and making it more smoky in the scent as well. Taste is still a clean, smooth and full bodied tea. I can see having this tea as an iced tea for those liking their teas cold. Since I prefer my tea hot it is exceptionally fine as is at this moment. I think the first cup was better since it was sweeter and not so strong in the scenting of the magnolia.

Overall, tea is a lovely amber coloring resembling at times a pu-erh tea with the earthiness in the way it tastes. I would recommend it as one to be made to drink throughout the day at leisure or after a heavy meal to wash it down with.

I cannot emphasize how pleased I am with the tea’s aroma; that floral bouquet to be found only in an island on the Pacific! Thank you Tea Savant for sending this tea sample to me.

I plan to order a sample of your orange oolong tea next. Happy teas!

A review of Earl Grey Green Tea by Bigelow

Date: 10/08/2012
Company: Bigelow Tea
Tea Name: Earl Grey Green
Tea Type/Varietal: Green
Region:
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup/tea bag
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: light brown
Leaf Characteristics: tea bag has wonderful citron smell.

1. Steepings

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 170 Fahrenheit
Time: 4 minutes

Note: I am having this tea as my morning cup of tea and it is a lovely. I have enjoyed this tea since first I tasted it. I find the bergamot oil evenly distributed throughout tea cup. It makes the tea richer and smoother as all of this goes into creating a good cup of tea.

A review of Green Tea and Ginseng by Xing Tea

I took this with me while attending a country fair in Lancaster, MA the other day. I used my trusty water bottle and filled it with ice and the tea (shaking it very well before pouring into water bottle).

I am always concern about teas that are bottled since they may contain very high amounts of sugar. I am happy to say this was not the case. Tea was lightly sweetened and very pleasant; tasting as if it had lime in it, this was very faintly in the background. I guess I am equating the ginseng with flavoring like lime and it did enhance the green tea.

I enjoyed sipping the tea from my water bottle throughout the day while wandering around. Thanks to the folks at Xing Tea for making such wonderful products. I purchased this tea while grocery shopping at Hannaford Market in Marlborough, MA. Thanks!

A review of Thai Tea by NR. Instant Produce Co. LTD.

Date: 10/07/2012
Company: NR Instant Produce Co.
Tea Name: Thai Tea
Tea Type/Varietal: powder
Region: Thailand
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup/ tea powder
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: orange
Leaf Characteristics: tea powder is a very smooth orange color; characteristic of autumn leaves.

1. Steepings

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 190 Fahrenheit
Time: 2-3 minutes of stirring

Note: I open the tea sachet and pour the contents into my tea cup. Powder is a lovely orange and makes me think of a cream sickle. I pour some of the boiled water into the cup and begin to whisk at the tea in the cup mixing it slowly at first then faster as the tea powder dissolves into the water mixture; leaving a smooth, frothy golden orange cream in my cup. It is yummy to take in this color.

Tea color is orange, and taste heavenly from first sip to last; this was truly an amazing experience found in this cup of Thai Tea since I did not know what I would be encountering.

I purchased only one tea bag while at the Miso Market and now I wish I had gotten more. This is a lovely tea to have as a morning breakfast accompaniment or alone instead of a sandwich during lunch to simply have it as a shake. It is yummy and I thank the folks at Miso Market for bringing us such good things.

A review of Matcha (Green Tea Powder) by Hamasaen

Date: 10/05/2012
Company: Hamasaen
Tea Name: Green Tea Powder
Tea Type/Varietal: Green
Region: Japan
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: Cup/ Tea powder
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: Green
Leaf Characteristics: Matcha smells very green, swampy wet rainy smells like dew. True scent/taste “umami” and marine algae smell.

1. Steepings

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 160 Fahrenheit
Time: 2 minutes

Note: The smell of this green powder is like being at the beach when the tide has come in bringing with it the green algae/sea weeds from the sea. It is fresh smelling and the color is a lovely frothy green color.

I purchased with this matcha, a small wooden spoon for measuring and to spoon it with. I cut open the package as instructed to do and opened the air tight pouch revealing a very smooth greenish powder that smells like the sea; sea breeze in fact.

I take one teaspoon of the powder and place this in my mug and add some already boiled water to into my cup, just fill halfway. I take the spoon and begin swirl the powder with the water until it dissolves. I made sure it is all smooth and frothy with none of the powder caked into the mug.

What we have in color is a lovely frothy green and looks very inviting. I take a sip and I met with the astringency of the matcha; it is not bitter but more like green veggies without salt or seasoning. I continue to sip the tea until the astringency is not as noticeable with the first sip.

Overall, this Matcha is smooth and rich in texture and does not need anything else. It is good to enjoy alone, with milk or as a cooking additive.

A review of Indar Tea by Ets Indar—Compagnie Coloniale

Date: 10/04/2012
Company: Ets Indar
Tea Name: Indar
Tea Type/Varietal: Black
Region: India
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: Cup/ tea bag
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: dark malt color
Leaf Characteristics:

1. Steepings

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 200 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: I wanted to try another tea of similar nature (to what I have been drinking to date), yet with many layers of complexity. This tea when brewed is a lovely malt color / dark malt and if one places the cup directly under the light it glows from the center revealing a reddish orange glow. Having steeped the tea for three minutes and removing the tea bag from the tea I am smelling the richness that is in the cup; a roasted quality and when I take a sip I am melt with that sweet malt flavor.

This is a full bodied tea; it is creamy as it is smooth with no off taste. I always think this tea would do well with pure sugar and not with milk since it is not thick enough and yet I say it is full bodied in that it holds well.

Tea finishes as a strong cup of malt tea and adding pure sugar would do nicely and enjoyed by those favoring a more robust ‘malty” cup of tea.

In drinking this tea, I am very aware that it is a mixture of Assam, Ceylon and Darjeeling teas that goes to creating this Indar.

A review of Earl Grey Green Tea by Bigelow

Date: 10/04/2012
Company: Bigelow Tea
Tea Name: Earl Grey Green Tea
Tea Type/Varietal: Green
Region:
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: Cup / tea bag
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: light brownish
Leaf Characteristics: From the tea bag prior to steep the citrus oil aroma permeates.

1. Steepings

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 190 Fahrenheit
Time: 4 minutes

Note: I wanted a good cup of hot tea this morning to rid me of fatigue and dreary thoughts. I reached for this Earl Grey Green Tea that my in-laws picked out for me during one of their grocery jaunts. I must say that my mother-in-law favors this brand since all her teas seems to be from Bigelow. It is sold at the market 2 for $5:00.

Each of the tea bag individually wrapped to ensure great taste and freshness. I can attest to this; there is always freshness in the cup that I have had.

I open of the tea bag and place this in my cup and adding the boiled water from the tea kettle I leave this for the four minutes or so. I find it is easier to go attend to something else and five, four minutes can be pass with not having to stare at the clock or timer.

The citrus that is to be found in the Bergamot oil in the tea is very heady; noticeable and pleasant I might add. It is lime scenting not lemon. Tea color is lightly brownish and when I taste the tea after removing the tea bag tea is a lovely mixture of green tea with citron. I am not saying it is tea with lemon or lemon zest. If so the tea would be acidic.

Tea’s aroma is lovely and on a day like this (foggy and misty) one wants to have pleasant smelling things about and not floral like. So this tea’s aroma is find the citrus of the bergamot is conducive to how I am feeling this morning. This cup of tea is helping to ease me into a day that seems dreary.
There is no astringency; tea is cleanly; having no off taste. There is no overpowering of the bergamot oil as I have experience with other teas.

Overall, tea’s body is soft and medium, and yet not weighty, the presence of the bergamot oil is very noticeable as said like a lemon scent; the peels or adding a few grinds of a lemon which turns out is the lasting taste for me. Tea finishes smoothly and clean.

A review of Ginger Peach Tea (Single Estate Indian Black) by Teajo Teas

Date: 10/03/2012
Company: Teajo Teas
Tea Name: Ginger Peach Tea
Tea Type/Varietal: Black
Region: Northern India
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: Cup/ loose leaves
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: dark amber
Leaf Characteristics: The leaves are small and crinkly with minutes bits of orange peels, tea flowers and some rose petals. When steeps tea leaves are bit fuller being that they are finely cut.

1. Steepings I was able to have a few good steeps with this tea. Color is loveliest with 1st steep; 2nd and 3rd steep is slightly lighter. I like the color because it is like liquid caramel or fine whiskey.

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 190 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: One spoonful of tea leaves into my mug and once the water started boiling I pour some of it into my cup with strainer, covering it and left to steep for few minutes. I can smell the ginger and orange peels straight away and it is a pleasant smell.

After the set time, I remove the strainer with the leaves in it from my cup to take in the color and aroma. Tea’s color is lovely amber and smells of the orange peels at first and when tasted there is the slight (piquant) sting of the ginger and more of the floral aroma is rising from the cup.

Tea is a strong malty cup of ginger peach.

2nd Steeping:
Water temperature: 200 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: I had the water boiling a bit more before adding it over the leaves and into my cup. Tea is similar just hotter as I tend to like my cup of tea; very hot and this makes the ginger bit more noticeable.

I am not a black tea drinker but I like the tea’s color very much. It really is like caramel and malty in the brew. I am not trying to over state anything.

Thank you Teajo Teas for sending these samples my way. I happy to be a tea reviewer as it gives me a sense of purpose; something to be doing. Mind you I am always busy many activities; it is just that nothing I do pays; this tea’s color was worth the experience of brewing this cup.

A review of Mint Medley (Herb Tea) by Bigelow

Date: 10/02/2012
Company: Bigelow
Tea Name: Mint Medley
Tea Type/Varietal:
Region: Herbal
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup / tea bag
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: light brown
Leaf Characteristics:

1. Steepings

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 185 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes
Note: I had this tea as my cup of medicinal mint to end the day. I Steeped for few minutes with very hot water. I find that this medley of peppermint leaves and spearmint leaves is mild enough to sooth and help one to relax after a long day. If there is not chamomile tea then there is this cup of mint tea to soothe into the nighttime.

A review of Wild Sweet Orange Tea by Tazo

Date: 10/02/2012
Company: Tazo
Tea Name: Wild Sweet Orange
Tea Type/Varietal: Herbal
Region:
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: Cup / tea bag
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: light orange/yellowish color
Leaf Characteristics:

1. Steepings 1 steep in a medium cup of hot water

Note: I purchased a cup of tea while visiting my college library. College libraries have been sporting cafés, so this is not odd to see on campus. Anyhow, I had tried to ignore it but gave in and purchased a cup of tea at this Starbucks shop selling Tazo Teas. I selected the tea bag and was asked what size cup; I said medium and they filled it with hot water into which I added the tea bag with covering and a straw to sip the tea.

Tazo tea’s aroma are always very enjoyable and the tea’s flavor most noticeable and pronounced, this has always been my experience with them. Tea is very hot and smells very sweet with the lemongrass, orange peels and the other citrus vying for attention. Tea’s aroma is a medley, a citrus bouquet and taste very sweet with the lemongrass and citric being more noticeable.

In all, it was a good cup of tea and no need to say anymore.

A review of Refreshing Orange Tea (Single Estate Indian Black Tea) by Teajo Teas

Date: 10/01/2012
Company: Teajo Teas
Tea Name: Single estate Indian black tea
Tea Type/Varietal: Black
Region: Northern India
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup/ leaf
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: Reddish orange
Leaf Characteristics: The dry leaves are very finely curled with the bits of orange peel/ gojiberries mingling for a floral scenting aroma. When steeped, tea leaves are fuller in bits and the berries and bits of orange peels are more noticeable, with the orange peels more heavy in scented oils.

1. Steepings 2 good steeps with 2nd steep being better than first steep.

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 200 Fahrenheit
Time: 5 minutes

Note: I wanted to experience this tea to its fullest so I decided for the first steep to be brewed longer. I let the tap water boiled for a good five minutes until fully boiling and left it to cool down, with less steam. I place one teaspoon of the tea in my tea strainer and put this over my tea mug and then added the hot water over the strainer and into my cup. Tea seems to color at one, that brownish/orange glow and the smell of the orange peels permeating around me.

I let the strainer sit in the water for a few minutes more so that tea color is darker and stronger. I remove the strainer and put this aside and take my tea to have a sip. At first tea is bitter, not because of the orange peels but just tasting heavily astringent; It is a heavy –bodied tea, fullness since it leaves quite a lingering after taste when swallowed.

For this first steep I am not finding anything to like about this tea, I think I let it sit to long with the leaves in it.

2nd Steeping:
Water temperature: 190 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: Since my first experience with this tea is not as good, I am having tea again with lower water temperature and steep only for a few minutes. Tea’s color is a pale orange color with slight orangery/berries aroma; it is a citrus aroma that I am finally getting which I did not get with the first steep. Tea was to heavy, over cooked perhaps.

I find I like this second cup much better and I can see warming the water for another cup with the same leaves. I don’t wish to add anything to this tea, just to have it plainly and a bit hotter. Water temperature can be at 200 Farenheit and to steep it for lesser time makes for a better cup of tea.

Overall, tea has a bright lovely coloring that peeks out at you with the orange peels and goojiberries intermingling in the air while adding layers to the teas texture. Tea’s characteristic is its bright color and full-bodied effect upon tasting of the tea.

A review of Specialty Teas Green Tea by Trader’s Joe

Date: 09/30/2012
Company: Trader Joe’s
Tea Name: Specialty Teas Green Tea
Tea Type/Varietal: Green
Region:
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: Cup/ tea bag
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: light brownish color
Leaf Characteristics:

1. Steepings

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 200 Fahrenheit
Time: 2 minutes

Note: Instructed is to let the water cool 5 to 7 minutes after boiling. I take one tea bag and put in my clean cup and add the water over the tea bag and let it steep for 2 minutes. I dunk the tea bag a few times after desired steep time and remove the tea bag.

Tea’s color is lightest brown, and smells of leaves in the tea cup. Tea smells very grassy like when wet after rain has fallen. I missed that smell somehow, since I have not has Trader Joe’s tea is a long while. When I take a sip of tea, I am met with something that is astringent in taste, that drying sensation on the tongue.

Overall, this tea is clean with a refreshing and mouth-drying effect, but not bitter; more like the taste of a full plate of greens veggies.

A review of Premium Blend of Orange Pekoe & Pekoe Cut Black Tea by Market Basket

Date: 09/29/2012
Company: Market Basket
Tea Name: Premium Blend of Orange Pekoe & Pekoe Cut Black Tea
Tea Type/Varietal: Black
Region:
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: Cup/ tea bag
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: amber in color
Leaf Characteristics:

1. Steepings

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 190 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: I took one tea bag and place this in my cup and I add the boiling water to my cup and leave it to steep for few minutes. After few minutes I remove the tea bag from my cup and take sip of tea. It is fine nothing exceptional, just a cup of tea and not green tea but black tea. This black tea reminds me of the basic difference: black tea is stronger in taste, and has more caffeine; has a brighter coloring to it and should be enjoyed with milk and sugar.