teaNsympathy

First off, a HUGE thank you to Frank and 52teas for sending me a more-than-generous helping of this tea after a mishap with my 12 teas of christmas sample. It’s so great to deal with people and companies that genuinely care and support their products and customers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You are amazing!!

That being said, this was a delightful cup of tea. I have a love-hate relationship with chai and this fell on the side of the former. The warm vanilla and caramel notes were in harmony with the spice of the chai. But as I’ve been finding a lot lately, with chais a little sugar and almond milk go a long way and help to tone down the zestiness that is off-putting to me at times. I’m glad I have so much of it to enjoy now! I can’t wait to try making this into a latte, and have it keep me warm in these winter months ahead.

I was intrigued by this tea from the get-go. A tea that cures hangovers, thus bridging the gap of evening and morning? Sounded like a match made in heaven. The guy at davids told me that this is a wonderful remedy, being that most of the ingredients are said to have a calming effect. I wish I had discovered this long ago, as I don’t find myself in need of such a miracle as of late.

That being said, I decided to try this as I hopefully kick the last of this cold I’ve had this past week. I have to admit, it’s true to it’s name. Though the flavor palette is mostly citrus and green tea it has hues of deeper flavors. Most importantly, it’s mild and appeasing, and nothing that would rock the boat if your system was in recovery mode. Being that I usually start my mornings with flavored black teas, this is a welcome change-up. I could see it doing wonders in a more fragile state. I can’t wait to test it out next time after I go out.

I must admit that I’ve shared the opinion of a lot of other steepsterites (steepsterians?) and have been at my wit’s end with teavana of late. Between the pushy, incessant, salespeople, and the mass-produced unauthentic feel of it, I’ve been forsaking the convenience of getting my tea fix there for more hospitable pastures.

Be that as it may, I just couldn’t stay away when my inbox was inundated with lures for their “Heavenly Sale”. I mean who’s tea budget could resist up to 75% off? Certainly not I, I’m not that strong, nor are my ideals that resolute.

Along with said order, I received yet another sample of this blend. I’ve been pretty sick all week, so this seemed the most appealing choice to bring with me to work. It was so pleasant, and really did the trick! It was light and fruity, but not too berry-y. I usually don’t care for anything peach flavored, but even though the Youthberry had a similar flavor palette, it was still pleasing, and well-balanced by the orange. The german rock sugar was a nice addition. I hardly ever add sugar to my tea but this provided just enough of a hint of sweetness without ruining the delicate blend. It tasted fresh and vibrant and led me down the road to recovery! It hit the spot so much that I ended up bringing it two days in a row, which hardly ever happens!

How funny that my favorite tea of this rather bulky order might end up being the free sample? I guess the solution to my teavana dilemma is to stick to online purchases. However, if I’m resigned to ordering online I’ll probably end up placing orders with companies I actually like, and feel good about supporting. After all, there’s plenty of them out there :)

I got this in my very first installment of Steepster Select!! I was so excited to try these three amazing teas! I have to say I was very impressed. I’ve been drinking a lot of mint-influenced teas lately, and even though I’ve been a bit overloaded, this was a nice treat. There’s a pleasant mint flavor, but it isn’t overpowering. The gentle green tea flavor is still able to shine through, making for a well-balanced, delightful cup!

I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I decided to finally crack this tin open. It was a great decision. It’s a beautiful-looking tea with lots of colorful buds in the sachet. It has a wonderful flavor, surprisingly strong for a white tea. It has hints of vanilla and rosebud. I will have to leave a more precise appraisal when I’ve had another cup in better health, and with my taste buds recovered. For now, it’s just what I needed, and definitely made me feel a little better, if only mentally ha

what a wonderful treat! Right now it seems like all my rooibos is either very fruity or very chocolatey, so while this one is still sweet, it’s a nice little departure. Its maple syrupy goodness is amazing! It also has some warm vanilla notes, and smells like breakfast. Having a cup of breakfast after dinner, what could be better!?

I was excited to try this new tea by Harney, probably because the description sounded so elusive and mystical. It did not disappoint. It’s subtlety is evident in aroma and taste. It smells like the first day of summer. It has a young and grassy taste that is very delicate, and true to the description, a little sweet. This is a very nice cup of tea.

I don’t know what originally possessed me to put this tea on my Christmas wishlist, but boy am I glad I did! It’s not typically my cup of tea (pun intended) I don’t usually go for herbals, but have been trying to expand and explore more Rooibos. The no-caffeine factor won out and I decided to brew some up since it’s getting pretty late. It has a luscious tangy cranberry, that isn’t too overpoweringly fruity, and is a welcome departure from all the heavy, flavored black teas I’ve been on a kick with lately.

Reminds me why I went through my original tin of Cranberry Autumn by Harney and Sons so quickly this past fall.

This is very close to the Mint Chocolate Rooibos by David’s tea, but the flavor isn’t as intense. It isn’t as minty or as chocolatey (this is shaping up to be a very sophisticated analysis, eh?) But it IS caffeinated, so I guess that will be the determining factor on which one I’ll reach for in the future.

Backlogging from Christmas: What a lovely and apropos finale to an amazing 12 teas of Christmas!!! This black tea is interesting to say the least. It’s sweet, and creamy but also has an almost floral-y element to it. I used a shorter steep time (thanks for the tip, Uniquity!) and I think I finally got a hang of it. It was a lovely christmas treat!!!

Moral of the story: 12 teas of christmas made the holiday season festive and bright!

Tragedy Strikes!!

Previous installments of my 12 teas of christmas set have had significant holes in the bottom, where portions of tea have escaped, but previously I’d been able to salvage enough to make a cup.

That all changed today! The ENTIRE (and I mean every last particle) of today’s sample had disappeared through an entirely open bottom, leaving only the sticker left to taunt me about an amazing-sounding tea I won’t get the chance to try :(

I just can’t say enough good things about this tea! Had a rough night, and am exhausted on every level. I needed an emotional pick-me-up that wouldn’t bring on a caffeine-induced pick-me-up. This never fails to do the trick.

I was very excited when today’s christmas sampler revealed this little number. I was even more enticed when I caught a whiff of the creamy vanilla scent. However, with all this anticipation, I must admit I was a little let down. It was a little too astringent for my liking, a sort of bitterness I could not get over. The vanilla flavor was nice, so I broke down and did something I hardly ever do. I added a pinch of sugar and some almond milk. It seemed blasphemous to contaminate the tea with these accoutrements, but after a cup it just seemed too underwhelming without anything, plus I enjoyed it so much more!

Bottom line: When it comes to vanilla-y flavored black teas I’d stick with Paris by Harney and Sons (even though it only has a hint of vanilla) I think it’s more satisfyingly vanilla than this.

MMmm this is the ideal after-dinner tea! I just had it along with a christmas red velvet cupcake from Magnolia Bakery and it was a match made in heaven! The best of everything all at once and only a few days until christmas!

Delicious! Today (although it’s only Monday) was my Friday, since I have the next two days off. Usually that makes for an especially long and tedious day, however, this was the perfect tea to energize me and calm my nerves with it’s perfectly-balanced sweet demeanor. It cheered me up and allowed me make it through! It has a toasted quality that I assume is because of the Genmaicha, and the marshmallows complement divinely. A most intriguing concoction and wonderful addition to the 12 days of christmas lineup! So far they’ve all been a hit!

I can’t say enough great things about this tea! It was such a pleasant surprise! I stopped by the David’s tea on Bleecker Street and was going to get a sample of it to try, because although the description was alluring, I am skeptical of overtly cinnamon-flavored teas. However, all that hesitation melted away once the salesperson lined up some flavored black teas for me to smell. I instantly swapped the sample packet for a large pouch, and it is easily one of the best decisions I’ve made! The cinnamon is so subtle, its just a warming hint of sweetness that is capable of melting away the harsh winter days!!

What a perfect christmas tea! Unfortunately I didn’t read any of the caveats about oversteeping until after I committed the same sin. I typically like my flavored black teas a little stronger, and disregard steeping instructions, but this delicate blend would have none of that! Despite the bitterness, there was excellent deep, dark chocolately flavor mixed with caramel and a hint of nuttiness that made for a decadent indulgence, which helped get through today at work! After all, isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

WOW! The berries in this are unreal! It brews to an appealing ruby-red. This enticing cuppan did not disappoint. So much sweet, juicy and tangy flavor, I was pleasantly surprised!! I bet it would make a wonderful iced tea- who am I kidding- I’d just add some ice and wine and use it to make sangria!

My least favorite Harney & Sons tea I’ve had this far, which saddens me because it sounded so promising. Making iced tea as we speak to see if it’s any more promising. Will update later. In the meantime if anyone is dying to try this let me know, i’ll send along a teabag!

Picked this up on my first official visit to the Harney & Sons Soho store. I told the salesperson that two of my favorites were Paris and Winter Earl Grey, and this was her recommendation. She said that instead of the vanilla hints found in Paris, this one had honey. One whiff of the canister, and I knew this would be right up my alley! Its a tough call whether I prefer this or the Paris, but both are simply lovely black teas with a little something sweet, and I can detect the berry tinge that some of the other tasters were commenting on. Mellow, full-bodied and wonderful anytime!!

A dynamic duo! This is quickly becoming my go-to for relaxing before bedtime. Colorful, alluring perfume with significant flavor (definitely more than I expected from the very light color). One of my floral-y favorites.

A lovely, flavorful tea with an exotic kick to it. Picked it up while on vacation in Edinburgh, and every sip is reminiscent of the lush, fecund, highlands.

This was my first Matcha experience, so I thought I’d stick with the basics. However, I did do my research and decided to purchase Teavana’s bamboo whisk to ensure proper blending. I would say that this has been an overall positive experience. I like it a little thicker than the Barista at Teavana made it for me, but it does have a very crisp and fresh flavor. I love the health benefits and heard that although it’s high in caffeine it doesn’t provide a jolt like coffee does, but rather gives a sustained energy over the course of 5-8 hours. I can’t wait to start experimenting with matcha lattes and smoothies, and to try the Pure Matcha you all have said such nice things about!

EDIT: I just made my first Matcha Latte, and I think I’m in love. I used the recipe on matchasource.com, and it is quite a treat!

The scent and taste of this fine tea is inundated with florals, which I had known beforehand was magnolia, but probably wouldn’t have been able to identify on my own. Once these magical oolong pellets unfurled they brought with them the first glimpses of spring. This fragrant tea is a delight and already has me dreaming of that initial thaw and the onset of spring!!!!