AJ

There’s a faint swirl of oil on the surface; probably from the almond pieces, I figure.

I tried a sample of it in-store a few weeks ago, and planned to get it. It’s a wonderful, Christmasy caffeine free drink. Which I need more of for late nights.

It’s deliciously sweet, definitely getting almond and sugar in there—maybe some chocolate bits. I think it actually goes very nicely with the natural woodsyrooibos taste. Mmm.

The dry teabag smelt SUSPICIOUSLY like Paris. Probably the “fruit and bergamot” they both share. Brewed, it smells sweeter—less tart than Paris. Probably the drupe fruit used.

In the sips, I think I definitely get some honey. A deep sweetness not tied to any fruit. I can see why it’s gotten quite a few rave reviews. This stuff’s delicious. Although I’m sipping it after eating half a bag of salty chips, which really isn’t helping the taste buds. But even through that, this is rather enjoyable.

I got it from one of those Home stores, that sells kitchen supplies and interesting knick-knacks for the home. They recently started selling loose-leaf Harney and Sons as well (the ONLY PLACE in my area that does so), however they haven’t much to choose from at the moment (English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Bangkok only). The only tea they had that I pondered trying was Bangkok. But I opted for this instead. Next time!

There’s also a definite Parisy taste in it. But still delicious.

My brother works at Starbucks, and yesterday night, he texted me saying they got in some Festive Teas for Christmas, and that he was going to bring me one called ‘Joy’.

Little did he know, I’m a sucker for blackgreen blends. He didn’t know what it was, he just saw that they had new ones in, and so he grabbed a teabag out of one of their serving tins and tucked it into a plastic glove (to preserve the freshness!) for me.

I didn’t think they would DO a black-green blend. You really have to have the taste for them. Even more interestingly, this is a black_oolong_green blend. I set it aside to make this morning.

The dry bag had a strong black-green odour. Brewed, not much difference. The brewed tea itself, however, had more of a bakey oolong smell in there.

Initial, first hot sip was green and black. As it cooled, you can definitely taste the oolong in there. It’s a very dark, baked taste, and I’m almost not sure if it actually fits in. The green is bright, almost jasminey (I think I’ve been tainted; I always associate green tea with jasmine, regardless of whether or not it’s actually been scented with it). The black is… black. It’s not there very strongly, the two greener teas taking over with just the black to ground them. Sipping it more as it’s cooled, the black is definitely bright, Darjeelingy, although I think there’s supposed to be another black tea in here as well. It’s darker, and I can taste it too. It grounds everything.

Overall, I wish the black were a bit stronger, but it’s still nice. I doubt Joy is sold outside of Starbucks, so I’d probably have to pay some outrageous price for a box (this is the fancy Full Leaf bag they get in).

Squishy leaves!

Otherwise, it’s very mild. I’m really not tasting very much.

Just using up the last of this. I find I rather like Yunnans, or what I’ve tasted of them so far, so I think I’ll probably try a few more from different countries in the future. I’ve still got the sample from Life in Teacup. I think they’re a pretty brilliant company overall, so I think I’ll have to add Yunnans and perhaps Keemuns to my list of things to get from them.

This one was still pretty good, considering I am not much of a fan of Tea Desire’s other teas. I made a good-sized pot of this to finish it off. My breakfast today consists of a pot of this, toast (with a bit of honey spread on it), and Train’s new CD.

A really good morning tea for those that’ve gotten sick of Assam, which can happen because it IS pretty bold. This is bold without the sharpness. Smooth.

Once I’ve opened the samples from Life in Teacup, I’ve been storing them in odd, empty tins. This one’s in Andrew and Dunham’s Earl Grey tin (I haven’t removed the label or anything—this is just temporary).

Dried, the smell of the leaves is a fainter ‘tea leaf’ smell, which is also somewhat sweet. I like it.

First steep I ended up doing twenty seconds instead of ten (didn’t use quite as many leaves—about two very rough teaspoons [the leaves are a fair size and don’t fit in my teaspoon very well], to six ounces water; also did a rinse-steep prior to the first steep). I’m not getting any smell from the tea. Hmm.

It has a darker oolong taste, I guess. I’m bad at explaining these things, especially since I haven’t tried many. It’s lighter than say Honeybee, but darker than ti kuan yin. However, it’s floral and sweet. In fact, the sweetness is kind of fruity almost, but without any tart. I suppose this is what people mean when they use fruits to describe teas. Maybe peach? I’m glad I got up early, this means I can experience a few more infusions before I leave for class.

This is VERY nice to sip. The sweetness sits as an aftertaste on your tongue for a bit.

Second steep, did thirty seconds. There’s definitely a sort of nectar-sweet quality, so definitely sticking with ‘peaches’. And possibly something else, but I can’t really place it.

Third steep, did a minute. Since I let the leaves sit overnight, this may be the reason I’m getting pretty much no flavour at all. Huh.

Happy Birthday to me.

The Tea Randomizer recommended this for the occasion. I think it is an apt choice.

I don’t know what I will do when I run out of this tea. I suppose I will go on a great Hunt for my next favourite smoky tea. I have read so many great reviews, especially by Rabs. I need to look more into Black Dragon and other teas.

Mm, this is coming out as sweet and smoky today. Makes you think of barbecue sauce. …In a good way?

Still delicious. I wish I could just stay here and enjoy it all day, but you’re still expected to attend class on your birthday.

The brew is a very pretty honey gold. This one didn’t have any steep parameters on the site, so I after some thought, I decided four minutes couldn’t hurt.

The leaves are quite large (not as large as Dawn, but big), and didn’t need a strainer either.

The brewed smell actually REMINDS me of Dawn. Dark, dry, dusty. The taste is similar too, although not without its differences. I didn’t know how to describe that tea when I drank it, thus making this one difficult as well, but—it has a sort of dark dryness, like Dawn’s cocoay taste. This is lighter though; I don’t know how to describe HOW it’s lighter, just that it is. There’s an aftertaste that sits pleasantly, sort of sweet. Overall, it’s earthy but bright.

I really like this. Although I still think something’s been going on with my tastebuds for the past few weeks.

Edit: The tea cooled right down to room temperature, and from that I got a few notes of Assam.

Second steep SMELLS like an Assam. THat sort of… deep berry (but I doubt anyone else would agree with me using the term ‘berry’ with assam, but I don’t know). The dusty taste of the first infusion is completely gone, and it tastes somewhat like an assam, but different, milder.

Trying my first sample today. I had a bit of a crisis when I tried to tear open a corner of the package and ended up tearing it RIGHT IN HALF. Luckily I didn’t lose more than one or two leaves, and I happened to have an empty tin to dump the sample into.

The leaves were quite soft, which I wasn’t too sure about.

SMELLS like a Yunnan. I didn’t do any pre-rinse, just sort of threw myself into 1-minute-steeps. First is very mild, but still flavourful, and actually somewhat sweet. I don’t know what to say about it right now, except that it does remind me of the Yunnan I got from Tea Desire (only in that there is some similarity, but I can’t really tell what). It’s sweet, and there’s a sort of pepperyness in with the taste as well.

Second steep, only meant to do a minute and a half but wasn’t paying attention and let it hit two minutes. Ahwell. First sip I get tea sweetness; this steep’s definitely stronger. Still getting the sort of pepper in the aftertaste as well, although I don’t really know if pepper’s the right word for it, it was just the only one I could come up with.

Third steep (three minutes) has lost the sweetness a bit. Still lovely and mild.

I’m finishing off the rest of this blend today. Made a small pot. I actually went by Murchie’s about a week ago and had it in-shop again, and once AGAIN enjoyed it, but am disappointed that mine doesn’t taste nearly as nice. Maybe I should buy a package of their Queen Victoria teabags instead.

Only somewhat bitter today, at least. Almost enjoyable. Which may be because the tea itself included a lot of the fannings that settle to the bottom of the tin. Huh!

Perhaps I will get a box of teabags of this next time I find myself at Murchie’s. I just wish the difference in taste between the loose and the bagged wasn’t so significant.

Sipping this sweet, bright earl grey, and adding tea to my cupboard.

I chose this one today with the Tea Randomizer again (as I have been doing for the past several days—I’ve just forgotten to log them). And I think something’s wrong with my tongue, because I’m not tasting very much. My mouth just feels dry. Ick. Still, I can taste the bergamot, and something slightly lighter and sweeter.

Finally got my Life in Teacup samples in today. It always takes no less than two weeks for things to get to me. Canada, you know. But they’re here and I’m happy! Although I hate that I was already in the process of making this tea when I noticed I had mail. I should have waited on the tea a few extra minutes so I could have made one of these. Ahwell. Tomorrow!

This tea is brought to you today, courtesy of That Tea Cupboard Randomizer that someone posted on the forums about at some point!

I think I’ll use it every morning from now on, so I don’t keep defaulting to my Newest Teas. Except when I have samples to finish, then I’ll finish those first.

Definitely still my favourite earl grey to date. Strong tea flavour, good bergamot flavour, and they both balance so as not to be overpowering.

Finishing up the rest of this sample! Bright and fruity, with sweet caramel. Not picking up any vanilla today. Would possibly consider getting this myself… Although I’d like to try every last Kusmi Russian blend I can get my hands on, first.

Used up the rest of this sample. Made it slightly diluted, and found that I liked it a little more. Almond fruity rooibos. Won’t be buying it though—really not an amaretto fan.

It’s that time again. Sample Cleanup. It started with Prince Vladimir, and will continue with St. Petersburg, but I took a break and used up the rest of this sample first. I still REALLY like it. I’ll have to look into putting an order in with GTC. There seems to be a lot of good things said about them, and this is just a really delcious, deserty, sweet coconut tea. Vanilla, coconut, almond, leaves a sweet aftertaste on the tip of my tongue. Mmm.

Removing it from my cupboard and adding it to my shopping list.

ROOT BEER.

The sample was only for two cups. Just finished it off with said second cup. Nice, sweet—don’t know if I’d get it, though.

I am officially OUT of this tea. I hate a few dustings left in the can that I couldn’t bare to part with, but they’re gone now. Wasn’t even enough for a full cup. I should have just poured the fannings into my LAST cup.

Quite nice. I’ve had good days and bad days with this earl grey. I don’t always love it, but sometimes I make a cup of earl grey and realize I’m not in the mood for it. And I find that bergamot is oddly sensitive to temperatures and steep times, like the tea itself. So I have days where the bergamot just seems unenjoyably bitter on its own.

I never liked this earl grey as much as Hazo’s, but I do like the two for very different reasons. This is certainly a very nice, fruity grey. Today’s cup turned out perfect.

I don’t know what I am going to do with the tin now. Obviously I could still use it for other teas—it’s a perfect little tin—but I can’t bring myself to rip off the tag, and I certainly wouldn’t put ANOTHER company’s earl grey in there. I want to keep the tins as a set. Hum.

Drinking this in the morning because one, I drink tea any time of day regardless of its intended timing and two, I don’t for one moment believe that it is “low in caffeine” as the label reads, because as far as teas go, unless it was chemically decaffeinated, those are flimsy, inaccurate statements!

Dry leaf smells quite nice. Keemun’s in there, and I saw a few smaller, rounder chunky leaves that I thought might be a rather dark darjeeling, perhaps.

I plan to drink this as I download a few scientific papers off of the internet. I’m in the process of looking for one in particular, from the Geological Survey of Canada, but it’s proving tricky to locate. I might actually have to go downtown and into my nearest branch.

Brewed, it smells… A bit more like assam, actually. A bit of a honey scent as well.

I’m getting a darjeeling taste mixed in with darker teas. It’s mellow otherwise, and rather nice to sip and work on the computer with, although it’s getting slightly more astringent as it cools. Not unpleasantly so.

The second sample.

I’m not going to lie, but dried it smelt a bit like liquorish, and brewed it smells a bit like root beer.

Sipping… I’m not getting much of a taste other than from the tea. Getting a bit of sweetness, but nothing specific like vanilla. Seriously though, root beer smell.

I make two-hour-long trips downtown for tea. And I did so again this time, for this little House Decoration store that I learned (through the internet) also sold Kusmi teas. I was planning on buying a bunch of their Russian blends (maybe even the whole Russian giftset), but she was mostly out of them. The ones she WASN’T out of, she had sold out of the tiny tins and only had the HUMONGOUS tins left. So she gave me samples of two, and I bought a third little tin.

This is one of the samples. Although she only gave me two teaspoons, so in order to conserve, I used a level teaspoon full, and 6 ounces of water.

It smells like bergamot and caramel, it tastes like red berries and vanilla. I’m also getting caramel on the tip of my tongue. I think this would benefit from a bit of sugar, as JacquelineM said, but I haven’t any and don’t feel like going upstairs to fetch some. Otherwise, the flavours are very subtle, but still very enjoyable.

I think I will have to get a tin of this, when they come back in stock.

Second steep has a stronger caramel note, followed by the fruit.

Rather enjoying this this morning. Warm and cocoay-earthy. Good for book-reading, I think. Even though I never quite know whether or not I TRULY like this tea, I think I’ll be rather sad when I run out. Especially since the Simple Leaf shut down. There were so many other teas from them I wanted to try! I should have bought an ounce of each one the first time around, instead of just planning to do it in batches of three. If only I’d known.

I don’t think there will ever be a Single Estate tea company as wonderful as them. It’s all the awesome companies that go under, sadly. I’m almost out of the ti guan yin I got from the Jade Teapot too.

It had a pleasant, roasted taste. A bit cocoay, actually—reminded me of Dawn.

Packaging said boiling, five minutes, even though this’ is a green tea, but I didn’t have access to the internet when I made it initially, so I figured maybe the roasted nature of it allowed you to brew it at boiling. So I did, and got no bitterness.

I’m not sure if I actually like it or not, but it was certainly a very DIFFERENT tasting tea.

I’ve been gone for over two weeks, due to internet problems. We were switching providers. …Didn’t work out too well, so we ended up without internet for a time. But it’s all good now.

In that time, I ran out of one tea and picked up two new ones. Both from the organic market near my work. I love that place. It’s got such a wide selection of teas. Mostly all bagged, but still good!

I rather like this one. Brewed, it smells strongly of assam, but sipping it—it’s assam, but not as strong, tempered very well with a bit of ceylon, so it’s bright and bold and quite nice. Would probably hold up very well to tea, I figure.

Once a term at college we have a little Marketplace Setup where local shops sell their wares here. This time around a loose-leaf tea shop set up a booth—the first Canadian storefront for an, apparently, very popular European boutique tea company (Forsman Teas). Although about 90% of the teas contained rose petals (blurg), there were some very good ones in there. But I resisted buying any, because I’d just gotten two teas already (if I’d known a tea company was set to come, I would have held off on this tea and the other one I got!). I regretted it though, because they had some VERY unique flavour combinations (all of their years are flavoured blacks or greens or black/greens; their 1001 Nights is quite different from any I’ve ever seen before). I wanted to try Northern Lights, which is blueberry and mint black. Very interesting!

Back to THIS tea, though—I like it. From what I understand, they company sells loose leaf as well, but there were none at the place I went. Just these bagged. But they’ve got bagged Russian Caravan! How interesting. I want to pick a box up after I run out, just to try.

Also found a shop downtown that carries Kusmi teas. I plan to make a run there at some point—haven’t made any exact plans when, although I’m starting to drown in teas, so I think I’ll hold off until I finish off a few more of what I’ve got. I’m starting to run low on a few, so it shouldn’t take long.

Didn’t mean to let the water cool this much before steeping it, but it does bring the grenadine flavour forward much more. Very fruity. I’m actually starting to get low on this, and it makes me sad because although I’d like to get more, I’d rather try some from a different company. I still strongly dislike Tea Desire’s flavoured blacks base.

Still, finding this enjoyable.