576 Tasting Notes

90

This tastes just like the homemade blueberry crumble cake my grandma makes – one I’m hoping she’ll have on tap when I visit her and my grandpa in the coming weeks.

There isn’t a lot of blueberry flavor, just a hint of berry. But I can taste the cinnamon and cake-y part of the cuppa long after my sip is completed.

I really like black and green tea blends, but this tastes and looks more like a green to me. No worries, though, it tastes just fabulous.

Wonder what this would be like cold brewed? I purchased this in a custom try-me-pack (love those, Della Terra Teas!) but I think I may purchase this one outright in the future. Actually, maybe I’ll bring it with me to visit my grandparents.

How successful have you been, Steepsterites, with plane travel and loose teas? Any tips? Should I just send a box to my grandparents instead?

Sil

no issues here with travelling on the plane and bringing tea. I usually have enough for a cup on the plane if it’s a longer flight and then toss the rest into my suitcase. Sometimes it’s been sealed, other times, not at all.

Dinosara

Yeah they shouldn’t give it a second glance at the airport. I’ve never run into any problems (and I fly a lot).

KeenTeaThyme

@Sil & Dinosara – thanks! I was worried they would think it’s drugs or something. Not that I planned to just throw it in my bag in a zippered plastic bag or something. I’ll use tins.

I’ve never flown with tea before… I’m also a wimp about flying so a cuppa mid-flight will calm me.

Also, it’s not a long flight – less than two hours. Like I said, wimp!

Sil

just remember the tea may taste different because of the altitude heh

Ellyn

I have also had no trouble traveling with tea!

Dinosara

Yeah you may want to bring a green or oolong for the flight itself. The hot water on the plane will not be boiling (because of the altitude), so black tea might be really weak but it should be better for a green.

KeenTeaThyme

I’ll opt for green tea to be safe. Thanks for the words of wisdom! :)

momo

I had tea in tins and they wanted to look at them, there’s a small chance you get bothered about it but they won’t take it.

No Time Like Tea Time

Blueberry crumble sounds amazing, mouth is watering! haha

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89

One sniff of this aroma as it’s brewing and I’m transported back to middle and high school. Why? The dry leaves and as this tea is brewing remind me of the old Bath and Body Work lotion Pearlight (or something like that). It’s delish!

It’s very fragrant as it’s brewing, but as I sip it, I feel like there is something missing. Should there be more spice? Maybe another flavor with the pear?

Perfect Pear isn’t the worst tea I’ve had, I just have high expectations from Della Terra Teas. This isn’t my fave from them (ahem, Cinnamon Crackle) but it’s decent. I got this in a try-me pack, and I would consider getting it, if I enjoyed pear as a flavor. I don’t, not really. Perhaps pear fans would enjoy this cuppa more?

Sil

i can’t wait till this gets here so i can try it…

ashmanra

I remember Pearberry. Could it be that one?

KeenTeaThyme

Pearberry! That’s it! Thank you @ashmanra – it was driving me nuts. I mixed it up with Limelight, another classic.

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95
drank Creamy Eggnog by Butiki Teas
576 tasting notes

I’m actually unable to drink eggnog. I’m allergic to an enzyme in many dairy products and eggnog is painful for me. I drink the Silk version, but it’s not the same.

So when I saw this at Butiki, and it was on sale, I had to get it!

This has to be one of the best Christmas-type teas ever. It’s so creamy, but not heavy. It’s eggnog-y with a hint a spice (this may be power of suggestion). The flavor is pretty light, which is my only complaint. I bet this would be amazing iced, but there is no way my limited supply will make it to spring so I can try it iced! :)

I wish this could be year round, or part of the permanent Christmas-time collection! (hint hint, nudge nudge) :)

Sil

it is year round…or at least until sales decrease. She might make it go away in the summer she’s said, but it will be back :)

Butiki Teas

^Yep. As long as the sales are enough for me to justify keeping it year round I will. It might be out of stock for a few months in the summer but not sure yet.

KeenTeaThyme

Oh! Sweet! I couldn’t find it the other day, but I’ll keep hunting before my next order. Thanks guys! :)

Kittenna

Last year, I found the most amazing and delicious soy eggnog ever. In a 1L non-refrigerated Tetrapack. Wish I could remember the brand; all I remember is that the packaging had red and white. It was the closest thing to real eggnog I’d ever tried, and with about half the calories! (I can drink eggnog, so the calorie reduction was definitely the more important part for me).

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100

I require some green tea – and this hits the spot! I love this one iced or hot. Double delish!

Please see previous notes; this is a fave.

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Love this blend! Please see previous note. This is quickly becoming a daily fave!

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Forgive the pic. I’ll update with the “real” one later today. Since this is one of my blends from Adagio, there’s no rating.

I love the medley of Irish Breakfast with Earl Grey Moonlight. The Irish Breakfast tea cuts the bergamot flavor beautifully. This tea is also brisk and bold – a perfect AM Wakeup Tea!

A side note – my maiden name is Fitzpatrick and I grew up in a very Irish-American household, so I have a soft spot for this character. :) I will be drinking this on March 17, which was actually the day I was due. My mom says she refused to have a Fitzpatrick baby born on March 17th, so she was prepared to “hold me in.” Luckily (?) I was late anyway and born much later in March. But it’s a fun story to remember! This is the same woman who almost named me Clarissa, prior to the TV show…but I dodged that bullet too!

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95
drank Carrot Cake by DAVIDsTEA
576 tasting notes

I’m waiting (im)patiently for the new DT teas to post, to decide what to order. I definitely want to pick up more of this one and to try some of their other oolongs. I love this no-cal dessert option!

yappychappy

Its on list to be discontinued. Better grab it quick. I’m trying it today for same reason. They got rid of Pumpkin Chai too! :(

KeenTeaThyme

Yeah I definitely want to score it before it’s discontinued. I just need to wait one more day for the new teas to be listed…and then I will stock up!

tattooed_tea

WHAT!? Pumpkin Chai definetly wasn’t on the list. Maybe it’s just out of stock temporarily or will be back in the fall.
Now I kinda want to cry :(

Ellyn

I too hope Pumpkin Chai to comes back!!!!

KeenTeaThyme

It’s probably a seasonal tea, or at least will be back in Fall 2013. I hope so for its fans – including my sis-in-law!

yappychappy

http://www.davidstea.com/last-chance Its gone! :( I didn’t see either ugh.

tattooed_tea

How did I not see that when I made my order? ugh :(

Sweet Canadian

Pumpkin Chai will definitely be back for fall. It’s a staple :)

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No rating as this is one of my custom blends.

I really enjoy this spicy and fragrant cup. I wish I was watching Lost Girl right now, but since I’m not, I’ll have to settle for this.

My only complaint with Adagio teas is that bitter Ceylon/black tea flavor, but if you let this one steep over five minutes, the spiciness wins out. So instead of a bitter cuppa, I’m enjoying a spicy cuppa. Epic!

Alphakitty

Is Lost Girl a good show? I see it recommended a lot to fans of Buffy/Angel

KeenTeaThyme

I love Lost Girl! I’m not a big Angel fan (can’t stand that David Boreanez or whatever his name is), but do enjoy Buffy. I like it better than Buffy, personally. Canadian TV is a lot freer, which is surprising. This has a good plot, great stories and the characters are memorable. I’m a huge fan! :)

Indigobloom

Lost girl is great!! my fave character is Dyson :)

yssah

your version of chai sounds great!

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100

I found this in a box of teas from work. I thought I had either lost it or finished up the pouch, so I was glad to find it.

Over two years old, and still working on the same pouch – but it still tastes as yummy as it did the first cuppa I had. (Even more proof that you don’t necessarily need to use tins.)

The apricot taste is so delish! That’s a flavor you wouldn’t think would be all that strong/bold, yet this blend really packs a punch.

Tastes like happy! :)

TastyBrew

Sounds like a weird combo! Is it more fruity or spicy? Or both?

KeenTeaThyme

It’s more fruity, but there is a hint of spice. It’s nice.

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100

This is quickly becoming my tea choice of the morning. It’s bold, brisk and spicy – everything you’d want in an AM cuppa. Yum! Please see other notes; this is a fave.

Lala

You make this sound so good. I am going to have to get some. Love Pop Rocks!

TastyBrew

My favorite two candies as a kid were red hots and pop rocks. I need to try this one!!!

KeenTeaThyme

This is so yummy! I still love Pop Rocks and red hots and this tea nails it on the flavor. You’ll love it! :)

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Profile

Bio

Hello fellow tea fans!
I’ve been a tea enthusiast for years but just recently started brewing my own. I’ve created some blends, and enjoy researching about new teas. I combined my love of tea and writing to create a tea-devoted blog, Keen Tea Thyme. I have been writing for most of my life and am a former journalist with a degree in Communications and Social Psychology, and a minor in Writing. Journalism is in my blood, so that means I’m inquisitive by nature, will double-check sources and/or get a second opinion as needed, but also fair and balanced in my reviews. If my reviews seem more positive, energetic and have high ratings, it’s because I love tea. :)

If you are a tea company, I’d love to review some your tea! Free samples are always welcome so I can fully enjoy the freshest selections. I’m also open to tea swaps as I always have too many teas on hand to drink & would love to share with other tea enthusiasts! :)

My Simple Rating Scale (as of Feb. 2011)
>50: I’m NOT a fan. I could barely finish the cup, if I even did. I wouldn’t even recommend this to my worst enemy. Not worth my time nor yours.

51-65: Good aroma, good flavor. Just nothing pops to give the tea that special kick. Recommended to try; our tasting palates differ.

66-79: Yes, finally, tea – unique flavor profiles, great aroma & flavor. Recommended to try; our tasting palates differ.

80-99: These are cupboard essentials – delicious, aromatic and perfect everyday teas. Re-steepable (beyond at least one steeping). Highly recommended, fun for all ages.

100: These are my favorites, the ones I would take with me if stranded on a desert island. Beyond Highly Recommended.

Just Launched: Keen Tea Thyme @ Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KeenTeaThyme

Check out my shop at Tea Trade:
http://keenteathyme.teatra.de/

Be “keen” on tea at Keen Tea Thyme, my blog:
http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com/
Reviews, blogs, tea leaf readings, puzzles, contests and more.

And check out some of my blends from Adagio:
Toasted Marshmallow
http://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=15394&sid=0349b21a92100a51134eea7fc2b52f2d&scrollTop=0

Vampire Lemonade
http://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=15766&SID=01971e73a2cbaa7c0b09962b355fdeb8

If you have a signature blend you’d like me to try, we can swap teas! PM me for details! :)

Happy Brewing! :)

Location

Frederick, MD

Website

http://keenteathyme.blogspot....

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