Good Morning Sunshine

Today was not a very good day. I’m very physically and mentally exhausted and the weather has been so cold and dreary. My arthritis has been acting up and I think driving today seeing the damage in my neighborhood has dragged my mood down a bit. Tonight I went to a viewing of an old best friend. It was very tough. Even though I hadn’t seen him in 10 years, I feel like a chapter of my life has closed and I feel like I had missed out by not reconnecting.

I just needed something to cheer me up and help wake me up so I can catch up on some work. This is definitely my cheer me up guayusa. The smell and the taste of the lemon, creaminess, and earthiness make me smile and the caffeine is helping me make it through this long day and get some work in. Think its time for another cup of Helena’s guayusa.

Oh yum. I wanted to wait to try this one until I had a day when I needed something to wake me… today is that day. My daughter’s wedding was Friday, yesterday I was practically a zombie but I didn’t want much motivation yesterday, I was just kind of enjoying the fact that I didn’t have anything that I had to do. I didn’t have to make cupcakes, bouquets, programs, or anything else. I just pretty much vegged out yesterday, wrote a few reviews but that’s basically it. But today, I need to wake up and get back to the normal routine. So I’m looking for a little Guayusa turbo charge.

Mmm… I love the way that this tastes fresh and citrus-y, but there is enough of a creamy note so I’m not getting that acidic taste of the citrus. Just the sweet, bright flavor of it. This is really quite good, and I can already feel it start to energize me.

It is incredibly smooth and delicious!

I already had my little wake up call (literally) this morning. Long story short I have Lyme Disease…not to worry first dose of meds is already on board. Anyway it was early when I got the call this morning and I wasn’t fully awake. So I dug this out of the box from the order that arrived yesterday. The lemon smell started to give me a little bit of a wake-up. But let me tell you the tea was something else. Zesty, creamy, def an easy push into my day and has kept me going without all the nasty coffee jitters! :)

Thank you Stacy for this Sample with my order!

I’m cracking up! I drank coffee this morning when I got up with some LS in the brew basket…yes, yes, yes…even there folks…I put Lapsang Souchong in my coffee! Har Har!

Soooo, here I go thinking later that a sunshine cuppa would be the best beginning to my tea day…forgetting that it is a Guayusa…uh…more than your average kick of caffeine!
My house is going to be super clean today, I’m going to be especially well groomed, my shopping will be done in a snap efficiently…before the CRASH! (which will come…we know the feeling). When the crash comes later what will I do? More tea of course!

With the joke on me, I have to give it to Butiki again…this tea is fragrant, not bitter with improperly processed lemon peel and very creamy. All the best flavor of Lemoncello without acidity. Smooth and lingering softness, sparkling and a tea that I want to have on hand. A very beautiful dark golden tea.

I sweetened mine a bit…but what can I say beyond delicious? It is like sunshine!
(Oh….hyper thought! I have fresh mint growing outdoors…a bit added to the second cup…just a tiny bit would be good with this….or iced… I like lemon and basil when It’s a hot day also!)

http://youtu.be/mabAgtA38rg Lazybones Harry Connick Jr.

Good morning Steepsterites.

This one came from Hesper June as one of the selection of Butiki things that she sent me. I didn’t request any particular ones at the time, I just asked for a sample of whatever she was willing to share.. Had I made actual requests, I don’t think I would have looked twice on this one as I’m highly sceptical of the guayusa base. I’ve tried that stuff twice before and I found it sort of meh to unpleasant plain and revolting when flavoured Earl Grey style. So right now I suppose I’m hoping that it’s like rooibos, which I also don’t like plain but do like flavoured with SOME types of flavours. People are so enthusiastic about this one that I’m honestly a little nervous now. I really don’t want to be the first one to say I don’t like it! O.o

The aroma seems safe enough. It’s very lemony and there’s something ever so slightly creamy about it too. Kind of vanilla-ish, although no vanilla has been added as far as I can tell. There’s something very… herbal about the aroma as well. Nothing that I can really put my finger on as anything special or details about what must surely be the base. It’s just very Not Tea.

I taste primarily lemon, and again that vanilla-ish aftertaste in combination with something that’s really only definable as Not Tea. The aftertaste first turns slightly minty and then decidedly leafy and a bit sour. This, I imagine has to be the base at work, and in the case of the souress, perhaps also some of the lemon.

I suspect this is something I’ll have to pay attention to and get drunk while it’s still warm. With most regular teas, I don’t mind continuing after they get lukewarm or even cold, but this doesn’t really taste like something that I would enjoy much cold. As it is now, however, cooled just enough that it’s drinkable with scalding myself, I’m surprised and pleased to say that I will not be the first person to say they didn’t like it. I will, however, also not be handing out hundreds of points. It’s pleasant, this, yes, but it’s not something that I would seek out later. I’m still not really convinced by the base and will always prefer real tea.

“Do you feel like a Zombie this morning?”
That is question that is posed in the description of this tea on the Butiki website.
Why, yes, I do.
Last night was so hot and stuffy that I barely slept, so I am groggy and grumpy this morning.
It did not help that my dog ran away this morning too (she is back safe and sound after I went running through fields after her)
This tea certainly evokes sunshine upon opening its bag, bright and citrus.
The scent encourages us Zombies along in the making process…turn on kettle…grumble grumble…measure tea…grumble grumble…pour water…grumble…WAIT 6 Minutes!! GRUMBLE!
Tea is a golden brown in color.
I have never drank a brown tea before.
I must mention that I have not drank a Guayusa Tea before either.
Once brewed the tea takes on more of a herbal scent.
It reminds me of a herbal tea my Mother would have made me drink for some ailment as a wee lass.
As for the sip, I was quite surprised at a dry like pucker that appeared.
The tea reminds me of a dry wine, it appears on the tongue and then evaporates.
I am finding this tea so interesting!
It is complex, light and bright, herbal yet slightly bitter, perky yet centering.
It seems to be shooing away my zombie grumbles though, so I think I will just sit back and contemplate this tea and maybe life itself.

I keep reading about this tea on here, and knew I had a sample from Stacy… so since I need a kick in the butt this morning….!

I’ve learned that I’m not the biggest fan of guayasa. The flavour just isn’t one I particularly enjoy, although I think that the right combination of flavourings could make it quite palatable, if not enjoyable! Therefore, I keep trying!

Although I know this tea is supposed to be all citrusy, I’m really not getting much of that from the aroma. It smells like guayasa. Boo. Hopefully the flavour is better! (Something sure smells good in my room though… but I think it might be the Killers Vanilla, which is next up!)

I was bad and sweetened this one with some rock sugar even before trying it out, which was probably not the best idea, as I don’t know how the tea actually tastes, now! I can taste the vegetal guayasa flavour, and a bit of a hint of lemon… oh, finishing with a creamy citrusy flavour. The citrus is rather difficult to pick out though, until the end of the sip, which I find rather surprising. Although I must say, this creamy lemony lingering taste in my mouth is a little addictive…

I may have to wrangle some more of this one to try without sweetener. I actually am kind of enjoying it sweetened, although for me that sort of thing is not something I’ll allow myself to get used to… although the guayasa is behaving quite well here, and that may be in large part due to the sweetness.

Thanks so much for this sample, Stacy!

ETA: Also re-steeps well enough for a second go-round. I really adore the citrus flavour in this tea, and can definitely see why people love it! Stacy – any chance you could flavour a white tea this same way??

Oh I am a happy camper!
So Stacy of Butiki did me a solid and took out the lemongrass from my blend and added a little extra Meyer Lemon rind because I don’t like lemongrass AT ALL.
My tea is amazing and I am sure the original is just as good if not better for those who like lemongrass as it was her master blend having it in there.
This tea is a good morning wake up – both cleansing and flavorful!
There is a slight creaminess to it – fresh zesty lemon flavor – and its somehow just slightly sweet. I did not add anything to my cup.
Citrus – especially lemon is a known mood enhancer – studies have shown that when used in offices the employees are more productive. Lemon is uplifting and energizing so I thought with the guayusa it should be the perfect morning cup and let me tell you – it is perfection!
LOVE this!
Thank you Stacy for spoiling me and making this without the lemongrass. YUMMMMMMM

For some reason I just do not want to be awake today so guayusa it is! I asked for this as a sample in my last order since everyone who has tried it seems to enjoy it, specifically Helena.

While it was steeping, it smelled like lemon candy. I almost wanted to just drink it then.

I am definitely going to need more than a sample of this one! It’s so lemony and creamy, and it tastes so fresh. I definitely feel better already.

I forget what I tried with guayusa that just tasted so herbal I couldn’t take it. The flavored guayusas from Butiki are the exact opposite. Everything plays on the guayusa while tasting amazing.

This one is perfect for days where the sun is hiding too, I needed that boost today since it’s very overcast!

Thanks so much to Stacy at Butiki teas for sending me this sample…

I think I let this steep for too long by accident and my tea is MUCH darker than the one in the picture. This is interesting, it tastes kinda spicy, peppery almost! I do like lemon a lot and that element is very nice here. I’m going to hold off on rating it until I’m able to steep it properly, I did mess up this cup unfortunately!

This tea is sponsered in part by Helena even if I did get the sample from indigobloom For those who aren’t following Helena she posts almost daily with this tea as her morning wake up and go tea. As a result, I’ve been wanting to try it for a bit. When indigo gave it to me she mentioned someone about the lemon but i was feeling overwhelmed by all the tea, likely muttered something incoherent that she took to mean i understood what shed said and then promptly forgot what it was :)

In any case, this is a lovely tea. I can understand having this as a staple in my cupboard. Stacy is going to awesomely bump up getting the grapefruit tea out so I’ll have to pick up some of this one when that comes out. I’ve already told my other half that because she’s so awesome there WILL be another tea order even though I promised to wait haha. He agreed but only if I can finish getting through all the samples in our house ATM. I figure if I can knock 10 out every weekend I should be good!

As for this tea….since this is apparently a random talk about everything else post – no I’m not awake yet-it reminds me of another butiki tea that I can’t place my finger on at the moment. Probably having sometig to do with the base. Once I figure out what the hell indigo told me about this tea I’ll be in a good place.

Thanks for the sample Azzrian! so glad I got to try it:)
This is a nice solid tea!! but… I couldn’t find any lemon in it? hrm. This is the second time I had a cup, just to be sure, and still, no flavour. Don’t get me wrong, I quite enjoy the earthiness and natural deepseated sweetness there, but that’s all I got. but then, I’ve found that with most lemon flavoured teas lately. My lemon receptors are missing. Ha!
Thanks again Azzrian!!
Rating: 75

I smell lemon pie! It’s my first guayusa :D It tastes of lemony goodness nice and creamy :D

New Cupboard Staple.

This instantly wakes you up, the aroma is so lemon-y fresh and fabulous (both the dry leaves and while its brewing)!

I’m feeling really out of it today and very disconnected with reality. I’ve been so sick lately (the migraines) and out of work that I just hate being me sometimes. This is helping to fight that feeling.

The lemon-y pow kicks it up a notch once it’s brewed. This really is a new cupboard staple. If you try only one guayusa from Butiki Teas, try this one! :)

Yet another sample that comes to me thanks to Azzrian! I have sampled guyusa at a tea festival before, but I’ve never had a whole cup of it. It intrigues me, so I was glad that Azzrian included this one in our swap!

I cannot believe that this thing steeps for 6 minutes, but I did it, even though it goes against all my instincts. It smells like citrus and, well, guyusa, which I know isn’t helpful but its hard for me to describe. Kind of a tad leafy-twiggy, but in a good way. The flavor is quite nice… lemon and cream, with enough guyusa to bring it down to earth. I am definitely enjoying this one, and I hope it energizes me like its supposed to!

This is really fantastic!

Thanks Liberteas

I’ve been wanting to try this one and I must say I LOVE it! One of the best Flavored Guayusa’s I’ve tried!

The lemon is AMAZING…it has multiple lemon flavors! One being a juicy lemon, another being a semi-tart/puckery lemon, with that Lemon grass type flavor to it, too! AND…a wonderful creamy flavor and texture to go along with it. The perfect flavor ratios and combos for my palate! I REALLY LOVE THIS!

This is delicious!
Thank you Stacy from Butiki Teas – I won 1 oz of this tea on Twitter!

It’s an awesome start to my day. The dry smell and brewed smell are teeming with sweet lemon. Lemon is something that I never think of – but when I drink it, I’m in happy heaven. AND when I eat it!

This tea is more than just lemon drops – I’m drinking it without sweetener and I’m getting the taste of sweet, tart, creamy and delicious lemon bars. Every family’s recipe is different – but every bar is amazing in my books. As is this tea.

There’s this great tingly, refreshing sensation after each sip. I’m not sure what ingredient does it, but it’s very nice and refreshing in the morning. Your mouth feels clean and fresh! Does that also make it a good date tea? I think so ;)

It’s my first guayusa blend. I was sceptical about this base as I am really a tea lover, rooibos and herbal blends are generally not my cup of tea.

I read so many laudatory comments about Good Morning Sunshine that I choose this sample with my Butiki Order.

I am happy to have pick up this sample because I really like it.
Even if for me it is not a tea, it is very well blended and delicious.

To me the Lemon Grass is the leading flavour, very very far before lemon.
It is very herbal and it appears strange to me to have such a blend in the morning – this is typically the kind of flavours I’d prefer to have in the evening – not possible due to the high level of caffeine except if I want to dance rumba all night long !

This blend has an incredible efficacity to wake you up, as efficent as a coffee.

Probably not a future staple for me but I should recognize Stacy is the best person to make you like herbal & rooibos blends when you don’t really appreciate them.

After a long night of being woken up multiple times by Danny (3) who climbed into bed with us late last night, and muscle soreness from my exercise yesterday I woke up feeling pretty lethargic. But it’s Friday which means it’s time to clean the apartment, so I made myself some of this- the name just called out to me! Good Morning Sunshine!

Throughout the steeping process the tea smelled crisp, fresh, and lemony. Danny said it smelled “sunny” which I thought was a very accurate description! The flavor of this tea was just as lovely as the aroma. Delicate, lemony, refreshing! Plus it’s caffeinated so it had me perked up in no time!

The second steeping was light and even more delicate than the first- but just as flavorful.

The perfect pick me up for a sluggish morning :)

I have read sooo many reviews from Awkward Soul and I finally decided to order some. I am SOOOOO glad I did. I had previously tried straight guayusa and I did not enjoy it in the least. But, I had next to no sleep last night and my day involved 8 hours in a retail setting 2 weeks before xmas. . .
So I made this my second cup of the day and it was perfect.
The lemon isn’t sour and it isn’t creamy. It’s kind of like a lemon sucker. Yet another butiki staple.