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A review: Ruby Red Chai (Spiced Rooibos) by Trader Joe’s

I am having this tea since it has been a long while, as well as I was reminded of this tea because of the way it is packaged (individual teabags are wrapped in clear plastic bags) and another tea (Kukicha) by Haiku has similar packaging; clear and individually wrapped tea bags. It is a nice effect, you open the box and the spices rise up in the air filling your nostrils and lungs with such sweetness and delights and you can view the teabags without really trying to since it is clear.

I use one tea bag and poured hot water into the cup and left to steep for few minutes. I am trying shorter steep time; since last time I had this tea, it cooked for five minutes, and I will not be adding anything else to it.

I find with shorter steep time the spices are more potent/pungent even. It is a full-bodied tea all on its own. It is a warming tea because of the spices; cloves, allspice and cardamom all vying for attention it seems with the nutmeg and cinnamon not too far behind.

I am looking for warmth and comfort when selecting the teas I chose to drink. This indeed did provide the warmth and soothing mind, but my soul is still in turmoil. And cannot be helped. Not the teas’ fault, but of mine own.

This is good chai; an allspice cup of chai!

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A review: Genmai-cha by Yamamotoyama

This is my mid-day tea that I turn to when wanting a cup that will make me feel full. I like it mid-day brewed for a few minutes, really hot and as I sip the tea, I can think of cooking rice later on in the evening for dinner. As this will tie me up nicely for now.
I like that the aluminum-sealed teabag does keep to their freshness since I have had this tea still in stock for some time now. This is another good tea as the nutty brown rice is evenly distributed with the mixture of green tea.

A review: Kopili Assam black Tea by Stash Tea

I have tried to brew this tea for five minutes and enjoyed it. Now having left to steep for three minutes, I find the overall taste to be much richer and darker; finding the malt ness in the cup that I missed when brewed longer perhaps. A heaping teaspoon of sugar captures the sweet malt flavor; making for a more smoldering cup of Assam.

A review: Kukicha (Twig Tea) by Haiku

Tea farmers turn to the harvest of tea twigs for kukicha, the “peasant drink”, so-called because farmers drank it after selling the leaves to sophisticated urbanites as a cash crop.

Kukicha is described as twig tea, which is a Japanese blend of green tea. Tea farmers carefully select 40% of medium twigs aged 3 years, 40% thick twigs aged 10 years, and 20% thin twigs and leaves aged 1 year; they then roast each variety separately to bring out its rich flavor. Over all tea has a nutty, slightly creamy flavor.

The water is bought to full boil and adding some to a cup with two tea bags, I allow for it to simmer for five minutes. I like tea’s aroma straight away: smelling of burnt wood from a roasting fire. It is a very nice smoky smell; those liking tobacco would favor this type of aroma.

Tea’s color is a dark red, or a very dark amber because it is more brown than red. As I sip this tea I am reminded of the other time I have tried twig tea, it was last year and I did like then as well. It was loose-leaf tea; and this Haiku Kukicha (Twig Tea) is tea bag. Tea is mildly astringent and has a nutty grainy texture to it as it reached the back of the throat.

Signature attributes of this tea are that it is nutty, with a slight creamy flavor. And I think I can understand, appreciate why it is described as “peasant drink”, not affording tea leaves and wanting something hot similarly to tea; this twig tea could suffice.

I remember using such words to describe the kukicha I had last year: ‘a large oven baked cookie slightly on the burnt side; and with longer steep and two tea bags as opposed to one makes for a nuttier taste, bringing about the smokiness in the aroma and adding sugar brings about the burnt sweetness of the cookie; were it to be that.

I am saying it is good tea to be played with and to enjoy discovering its many folds.

A review: Pu-erh Premium Loose Tea by Stash Tea

I brewed this red liquor for four minutes and since the taste did not seem like other pu-erh that I have had, I decided to just try for the whole five minutes. There seem to be no improvement since my mind is set on how it should taste.

I keep looking for that mineral aspect and that raw pineapple taste but it simply is not there. This pu-erh is damp and smells of moisten earth. Politeness would make one say overall this tea brew red liquor with a unique slightly earthy taste. It is to be an acquired taste.

A review: Kopili Assam Black Tea by Stash Tea

Assam (India); is one of the world’s most popular teas, and often among the best. Grown in low lying Assam region of northerneastern India, it’s typically astringent, robust, and “malty,” with an orange or red liquor; it is often mixed into “breakfast” blends, and is well suited to the addition of milk and sugar.

I steeped this fine Assam for a full five minutes; taking care to add on teaspoon of sugar (granulated) to it. I wanted to have that licorice aspect with the robust and malty that it is known for. I was not disappointed.

For five-minute brew; the tea yields a lovely darken red; and smells wonderfully robust. Upon tasting it, the malt hits you at once with the sugar surfacing nicely. I should intermingle within the cup of tea. I kept thinking if I added more sugar I could accomplish that sugary kind of coffee/tea Moroccan tends to favor. In truth, I know not, I imagine they like.

This is indeed finest of tea. After having the likes of some horrid musty and moisten earth kind of tea, this is a welcoming home of sort. A much needed troth. I am saying I like this Kopili Assam tea.

A review: Açaí Green Tea by The Republic of Tea

Having placed one tea bag in my cup, I pour in the hot water and infuse for a few minutes. I do not remove the tea bag as I taste the tea since I might want to steep it longer, but not, as the steep time seems rightly enough.

Tea is a lovely darken purple color with a lovely fragrance-like bouquet; a medley of hibiscus, blueberries and that of Concord grapes…all conjuring that of a glass of wine. Well in this instance it would wine cooler mists.

I must say that this is a tea I am happy to have a full tin of since I can see to having it time and again knowing it will be a good cup of tea.

A review: English Tea No. 1 by Ahmad Tea

I like returning to this tea; after having had The London Cuppa. As this tea is lightly flavored with that famous bergamot making it for a delightful cup for all occasions. I mean it is balanced in aroma, color and strength.

Tea was infused for five minutes and I removed the tea bag and I don’t feel the need to add anything to it. Tea brews a lovely amber color and smells nicely full-bodied. It is clean on the palette with a good heft possessing of color, strength, substance and roundness. This all mean that the tea holds its own.

A review: The London Cuppa by The London Cuppa Ltd.

I brew this tea for three minutes and allow for the bag (round disc with no string) to remain in cup as this makes it easier to simply keep adding water to it and in time to replacing the bag with another.

This cuppa is robust, deep and rich in flavor. I never need to add anything to it. I like the robustness in the cup and I can drink this through out the day as I do my chores etc. around the house.

One thing to note in making this tea; it does cloud over at times when pouring the water into the cup unto the bag. I am not sure why that is? I am thinking it is because water is not hot enough and when I let it boil longer and clearer, and then pour some over the tea bag there is not clouding.

I cannot believe I still have some of this tea left. It was a good purchase made last year, from British Delight.

A review: Rose China Black Tea by Choicest Tea

I think I am beginning to know difference between fine gourmet tea and poorly sanitary tea as this Choicest Tea is turning out to be when compared with the London Cuppa and English No. 1.

Rose China Black Tea does not measure to them at all.

Tea is steeped for three minutes for first infusion and nothing added but 1 tablespoon of the leaves. Tea color is dark amber and smells of malt but not like the Kopili Assam tea. It is much weaker by comparison.

For the next steep, this time done for five minutes and adding a teaspoon of sugar and this makes it more palatable as coffee/tea should be taken. Except I don’t like black teas but prefer green teas with nothing added to them. With adding of sugar, the rose fragrant is more surfaces in the fragrant and when tasting the tea; closing your eyes and envisioning the fragrant aroma of a rose bouquet…not of a fresh bouquet but of a forgotten one. Kind of like remembering what a rose smelled like.

Overall, five minutes steep, boiling water and the adding of sugar does make tea a choicest cup, bliss even!

A review: Pu-erh Premium Loose Tea by Stash Tea

I wanted to give this pu-erh another try since I do not like it as other pu-erh. It does not excite me.

Adding one teaspoon of loose tea to my cup and I poured hot water over the leaves; leaving to steep for 3 minutes with a lid on. I remove the lid after the usual time and began to inhale the aroma and yes there is that raw, earthiness in the air.

This pu-erh has a damp smell to it, the likes one finds when gardening; moist soil. I do not mind the smell; actually it is sort of nice. I tend to want to be one with nature and since I am not a gardener this tea would do to getting me close enough to the garden with none of the enduring labor. This is quite a stretch on my part in depicting this tea’s character and its effect on me.

Still unimpressed!

A review: Lemon Verbane (Herbal Tea) by Hemani

I like that I can mix this tea with my regular green tea. I am not sure if mixing is the right wording. Anyhow, I took one teabag of the lemon verbane and one teabag of the store brand green tea and put them in my mug; adding boiling water and left to steep for close to five minutes with a lid.

In sipping this tea I find that they blended quite well; it taste as if I had added a slice of lemon to my cup of green tea. This was what I expected and it is what I got.

Overall, this verbane is a lovely tisane mixing well with the green tea. It is a calming and soothing tea for when one’s day is overwhelming. Looking into the cup with the amber coloring’s glow reminding of warmth from the sunny room.

A review: Kukicha (Twig Tea) by Haiku

Tea’s color: Dark amber
Tea’s aroma is of wood burning, twigs to be specific, like when at campfire.
Tea was steep in 160farenheit water for close to five minutes.

This tea is not astringent; in fact it is quite a welcome change. It is flavorful and raw with a roasted aroma like none other. I would say tea is fuller in body in that it has a good heft to it. And the aroma is definitely of a roasted cup of tea, making one think of coffee and yet not.

This tea would do well with milk and sugar and those who like coffee and wish to switch or try something somewhat similar might like this tea for its roasted aspect.

I have tried Roasted Kukicha tea from the New Mexico Tea Company and they both have a roasted flavor. With the Roasted Kukicha being smokier in flavoring. This organic Kukicha is milder when comparing the two.

Overall, this kukicha is milder and more subdued. The roast aroma does add to the character of the tea since this is what this tea is all about; finding remnants and making use of them; the twigs in the forest, on the branch have importance as well. This tea can be had throughout the day; it is very low in caffeine.

A review: Lemon Verbane by Hemani

I wanted something lemony today and decided to try this verbane. I put one bag in a cup and added boiling water to the cup and placed the lid on it, leaving for 3 minutes. After which I took the cup while cover is still on and proceeded to sit down. I slowly removed the lid and took in the smell of this tea. I knew instantly that I would smell the lemon and happily I did.

I am reminded that this herbal tea is naturally caffeine free and tea’s color is a golden brown. I like the refreshing taste that meets me upon first sip of this tea. It is refreshingly clean tea and sweet-scented.

Overall, this tea is a most enjoyable herbal infusion made of lemon verbane of highly selected quality.

A review: Senna Herbal Tea by Hemani

I find myself getting in the habit of having this senna tea late in the evening.
I put one teabag in a cup of boiling water & leave to steep for 3 minutes. I do not add anything to this tea. It is taken plain as I do most teas.

I like that this tea is relaxing and helps me to eliminate waste and clean out my system.

I find I enjoy this tea more so than the Slim Tea by Hemani, which is similar in quality and usefulness.

A review: Rose China Black Tea by Choicest Tea

Steeping instructions:
Place 1 tsp of tea leaves for every 8oz (1 cup) of water
Bring the water to a rolling boil about 2120F

Color: is a reddish brown

Leaves are black and finely curled, more like bits but when boiled they become full leaves and retain their black color. With three steeps the leaves still remained the same.

Tasting notes or teas characteristic: black tea with tiny flakes of rose bits, not bitter but sugary like without the sugar, and malt. When first inhaling the aroma I can smell the scented rose, more like burned smoke with a slight floral undertone.

I am enjoying this malt liquor brew as I try to envision what it might be like to add sugar and perhaps milk to this tea. It would go well if fully cooked on the stove after removing the tea leaves to add milk and honey or sugar and let cook a bit longer; this would be an ideal way for true lovers of black tea to have it.

Something about this tea reminds me of The London Cuppa tea I have been enjoying, making this similar to a Darjeeling perhaps.

Title for this review: Bien Etre —calming tea by Sultan
Brewing time: 2-3 minutes
Tea color: amber

I purchased this tea some time ago and I have been enjoying it on and off. When under extreme duress it is a good cup of tea to turn to.

This is a lovely lemony tisane; as it is just right for calming and soothing one’s aches. For me this tea is a mental retreat from the day’s havoc. I am glad that I still had some tea bags left.

Title for this review: Green Tea Specialty Teas by Trader Joe’s

As much as I like to sample different teas, it is always a nice welcome of sort to return to just plain green tea.
I let the water boil fully and took one tea bag and placed in the cup and poured the boiling water over it and left to steep for three minutes.
I am drinking this tea as simply and quietly as possible in that not to have to think about flavor or taste bud and teas color and teas character. It is brown in color and somewhat astringent but likable by me. It is what I need in a cup of green tea. There is the store brand green tea and that of Trader Joe’s. I have convinced myself that I can tell the difference.

All that is meant: one if of higher quality; tasting a bit richer more like tea. Tea aficionados would disagree since they know only the finest of teas and dismiss all else perhaps; I don’t know this for sure.

Title for this review: Organic Passion Plum by Harney & Sons

Organic Passion Plum is long on taste with no caffeine this herbal brew delivers delicious taste with the added benefits of American Ginseng.

I purchased this tea at a café as my morning cup. Fragrantly it was wonderful, and very hot. I enjoyed the medley of the plum with the ginseng. Plum was more prevalent; ginseng was in hints of earthiness to the cup.

The aroma was lovely, depicting the plum right away and sweetness in the cup so that sugar was not needed. The color of the tea was like a dark grape or a soft mauve; I am not sure if one would equate the taste or character to wine since the coloring could be like that of wine.

I don’t know, I just know it was a good comforting cup of tea.

Title for this review: Açai Green Tea by The Republic of Tea

I wanted to drink something other than black teas today, so I went for a fruity blend as found in this Açai tea.
I placed on tea bag in my cup and pour in the water and placing the lid on the cup I left it to steep for three minutes. I always look forward to the smell of this tea since it is so fruity and floral like.

In removing the lid, I can indeed smell the berries and the sweetness in this cup of tea. The aroma is delightful, the teas liquor conjures floral and sweetness like smelling honey. I am reminded this is a superfruit green tea, since it is exceedingly high in amount of antioxidants.

As depicted on the tin: Açai Green Tea serves up a one-two punch of antioxidants. Green tea has been revered for centuries in the Far East for its health enhancing properties. Recent studies show green tea to be robust in polyphenols while açai berries are shown to be potent with anthocyanins. It all helps to guard the body against free-radicals causing heart disease.

It is nice to know of the health benefits of this tea. I drink it for its goodness found in the cup. It is a joyous fragrance ringing true the nose and surrounding air.

Title for this review: Kopilli Assam Black Tea by Stash Tea

I continue to enjoy sampling teas by Stash; since having tried the pu-erh with its earthy properties I wanted to try the Kopilli Assam to see if I noticed differently this time around.
Tea color is dark amber
Teas aroma is malt and smoky
Teas body is full with a fullness lasting to the last drop
Tea’s character is fullness in body; as the name “Assam” implies and means to be “peerless” unlike any other.

Overall, tea was brewed for full five minutes and the tea is a sweet malt flavor that is indeed characteristic of Assam teas.

Title for this review: Pu-erh Premium Loose Tea by Stash Tea

Pu-erh is recognized in the Orient for its medicinal properties. Red liquor with a unique slightly earthy taste.

Ingredients: 100% Black tea

Brewing:
Start with a pre-heated cup or pot. Use cold fresh water (bottled or filtered water is recommended). Bring the water to a rolling boil. Don’t let it boil too long since this will result in a flat tasting cup of tea. For white and green teas, water should be just below boil. Use one level teaspoon of loose tea per cup. Pour hot water over the tea leaves. Brew 3-5 minutes or to desired taste. If using an infuser, be sure to fill it only half full to allow proper infusion of the tea leaves.

Upon opening the sealed bag and sniffing the tea, it is indeed pu-erh and not a pleasant smell at first. I took some of the loose tea and placed it on my palm and see that they are very finely cut and crunchy.

I brewed the tea as instructed for three minutes with first infusion. The color is red and taste is slightly earthy as is distinctive of pu-erh.

One either likes or dislikes pu-erh, there simply is no other way.