cristina

I really like this oolong because of the consistent, yet mellow sweetness… you can also smell/taste the vegetal notes which blend in at the right level to compliment. Simple, relaxing, great choice for after a meal.

Pulled out an old favorite this morning, for the sake of a quicker brewing process (in that I don’t sit there and wonder which tea to make). This time I put in a 1/2 tbsp of Samovar’s Masala Chai to give it a bit of spice/warmth. I have to say it was a good choice! I also have to say you can’t go wrong with this Dian Hong since it seems to provide a base to potentially mix in several other flavors. Cheers!

Wow, this is intensely floral at first scent. Leaves are dark greenish/black and tightly rolled before steeping, almost like gunpowder tho slightly larger. Steeped for 2 1/2 min and let sit for about 5 min covered, aroma was also very floral due to the jasmine. Sipping is so nice and relaxing with the up front jasmine scent then slight vegetal notes of the green coming through after. Perfect for a much needed midday break.

HMMM! Pleasantly surprised with this one… smoky/tarry scent upon opening the sample envelope. Steeped for 4 min and discovered a dark reddish liquor. First sip was a lot of the smokiness coming through with sweet undertone. The sweetness peaks in the aftertaste tho, something like a molasses/raisin taste. Dark and a slight thickness that comes along with that final peak of sweetness. Thumbs up!

No notes yet.

No notes yet.

Forgot how great this rooibos is.. definitely creamy and very floral at the same time. Calming and rich.. desert tea status. Love it.

This is one that I hadn’t had since I bought it from Samovar sometime last year. I had originally made it per the package instructions, but it came out MUCH too sweet for my liking. Instead of boiling it for several min then adding sugar and milk, then bringing to a boil again, I just steeped it for about 6 min along with 1/2 tsp of the Vanilla Dian Hong and added a splash of milk.. no sweetener. Came out perfect.. Also, steeped it a second time for about 8 min and drank it straight.. it was definitely more mellow and just as good if you don’t want the extra calories.

Very woodsy, yet sweet undertones.. color is more caramelish. Great morning cuppa.

This is one my all time faves.. felt like adding a splash of creme brulee creamer for my first morning cup. I think I like it better than with the hazelnut. Re-steeped a few more times and drank it straight. Made for a steady morning pick-me-up without the edge.

Enjoyed Ryokucha first thing this morning as it has been highly noted that it could be considered a meal in itself… I can see that it comes from the matcha powder and brown rice which add the creamy/roasty mouthfeel.

About the roasted brown rice.. I was initially put off by what smelled like rice burning while it was brewing…I wonder if I’m brewing it too hot (tho it says 180-190 degrees on the canister) BUT it has sucha sweet & creamy green taste that I shall definitely be keeping this one in the morning lineup. Goes great with my everything bagel/cream cheese.. I can see it pairing well with other breakfast foods.

It’s also labeled as a coffee converter ;)

I received some of this a few weeks ago along with some Ryokucha and Peppermint Yerba Mate… had been drinking it straight (which is still mighty tasty), then a few mornings ago I thought…

? what if I put in some flavored creamer?

I had a variety of creamers in the fridge (hazelnut, gingerbread, vanilla caramel..) with the hubby still drinking coffee and I being a recent coffee convert … Tried a tiny bit of creme brulee creamer..like a 1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon for a full 16 oz. pot. OMG. SOGOOD. ..and not overwhelming. Though I can see how putting in anymore than that would greatly take away from the tea.

Gives me the familiar mouthfeel of a creamy cuppa jo, but still tasting the mellow vanilla marshmallowy flavor of the tea… Fantastic alternative to coffee discovered!