teabird

Definitely getting the malty notes today – the Assam gives this a real heartiness and full body. It has a depth and strength that I miss in some of the more delicate blacks (Darjeeling, Ceylon). I’m having a little more trouble picking out the Ceylon in the blend, but that’s probably what’s making it more interesting than a straight Assam – there are some high notes above the malt. With a little milk, this is rich and satisfying.

This is…ok. I’m not a fan of herbals in general, but I can’t do caffeine at bedtime and I do love vanilla. As far as I can tell, they literally took the basic Sleepytime blend (chamomile, spearmint, lemongrass primarily) and added fake “French Vanilla” flavor. It smells strongly of the fake vanilla, but (fortunately) tastes milder – more of a gentle vanilla/mint. It’s a bit tastier than the classic Sleepytime, but I think I’ll keep looking for a well-flavored honeybush or rooibos for bedtime.

This one’s been sitting in my cupboard for awhile, maybe for good reason. The bright orange color seems to be its best point. It seems that 5 minutes was too long, or I used too much leaf or something, because this is almost undrinkabley bitter. I can get some of the fruity muscatel flavor still, but for the most part my tongue is overwhelmed with the astringency. Some milk mutes the bitterness and brings out more grapey flavors, but I’m definitely going to have to play with this a little to get it right.

I love this blend; it actually contains green tea along with the oolong, so I never brew it near boiling. More cream and caramel than fruit, the scent and flavor are both rich. The aftertaste has jasmine, vanilla,… purple was a good word, actually. The aftertaste is very purple. Be sure not to brew, or drink, this one too hot – it loses a lot of the complexity.

Very smoky, a little sweet, but not as sweet as the Keemun Concerto. I’m not getting much of a rich or chocolatey flavor, but there is kind of a woody astringent aftertaste. Good, but not my favorite Keemun.

More deep orange-gold in color than pale, but I suppose that will fade on later steepings – still, a lovely color. Definitely getting the fruity/muscatel flavor, and maybe a bit of amaretto nuttiness as well as the roastiness of a Formosa. Good, but not my favorite oolong

No notes yet.

First steeping is being a bit harsh this time, more smoky than sweet; I’ll try a higher water-to-tea ratio on the next. Milk softens the harshness, but it feels like a shame to add anything to such a normally classy tea. For those who found a caramel taste – do you add anything? Cream/sugar/honey?

More tart than sweet, a dollop of honey would likely do some good. Tastes predominantly of hibiscus, but to be fair it is… softer, if not sweeter, than plain hibiscus tea. I was disappointed that the rosebuds didn’t come through more. Still, if you like the floral tartness of hibiscus and rosehips, but want something a little less sour, this may be the tea you’re looking for.

My go-to black tea, lately, this is a solid pick. More cocoa and spice on the nose than the palate, but I am drinking it with milk, to be fair. Adagio calls it “velvety” and that’s not wrong. I also haven’t managed to oversteep it, despite my best attempts – soft, with little or no astringency, without being bland. I’ll likely buy more when this 4oz runs out.

Aroma, flavor, and after taste are all faint, but enjoyable; Hints of honey and flowers. Color is pale green. There is a slight astringency – it’s possible 3 minutes is too long. The 2nd steep is at least as good as the first.

On a second steeping the color is just as vibrant if not more so, and a bit yellower than the first. I think it got sweeter too, though that might just be because my water was a little cooler. The honey/tropical fruit flavors are more pronounced.

Several seconds after sipping, there’s an intriguing tropical fruit aftertaste; I’m not too familiar with orchids, but there is certainly a floral aroma. I’m suddenly tempted to try drinking this out of a wine glass to concentrate the aromas! There’s a warm roasted flavor on the front of the tongue, but the overall impression is fruity, probably due to that aftertaste. I like it – but I think I like it more after drinking than while drinking. ETA: As it cooled, the roasted notes gave way to a much peachier taste – not a bad thing.

Quantity matters as much as steeping time: last time I steeped exactly 4 minutes, but went a little overboard with the leaves (I usually like my black tea strong) and it came out harsh; this time I used an even teaspoon on an 8oz cup, and with a bit of milk it’s just perfect. Warm, malty and satisfying.

I’m not usually a big herbal or mint tea fan, but this is great for what it is (a remedy tea). The taste is pleasant, mild, and minty. I have a cup whenever I have cramps or general stomach pains, with a bit of honey, and usually find it soothing. Way cheaper than similar blends from Traditional Medicinals.

I would not call this a “natural” vanilla flavor – more like vanilla icing. Aside from that, it’s tasty enough, and satisfies my evening vanilla tea cravings without the caffeine. Don’t oversteep, it will get bitter.

Strong and highly caffeinated. If you like brisk Earl Greys, you will probably like this, as it has the same brisk citrus notes and astringency. Oversteeping makes little difference, and it has held up in my cupboard for several months now, so I’d say Red Leaf’s claim of a long shelf-life is accurate enough.

Very unique tea. The only added flavorings are flower petals, but I invariably smell apples on both the leaves and the brew, and usually taste a hint a cream. Definitely something to sip and savor, no milk or sugar needed.

This is the same blend as Harney’s Hot Cinnamon Spice, but if you bought this from a grocery store it’s going to taste different – a bit stale and bland from sitting on a shelf for months or years. If you like it, or it sounds interesting, do yourself a favor and buy from Harney direct so that the tea is fresh. In my experience, it makes a huge difference.

This is the absolute best cinnamon tea I have ever had; no fake flavorings, naturally sweet from the spices, and completely delicious. A must-own for any spice lover.