Ceylon Star

This blend has a very strong cocoa aroma right out of the package. I was expecting more anise, but that doesn’t emerge until after brewing, as a lighter note in the background. Anise is one of those weird flavors that I enjoy even though many people I know do not, and it balances out the cocoa and bittersweet-chocolate flavors of this blend nicely. The Ceylon base is enjoyable and identifiable as well. Overall, a little heavy on the chocolate, but fairly good. Thanks beelicious!

I have a bit of a sugar rush from breakfast this morning. I had two English muffins slathered in butter and strawberry preserves. Now I’m not feeling so hot. Probably should have used less preserves. I blame my husband. He bought the kind with added sugar, which I usually try to avoid.

Anyway, this is a free sample I’ve had in my cupboard for at least a year. The dry leaf aroma is cocoa and coconut. There’s a fair amount of scum in the water after brewing. This seems to be somewhat common with DAVIDsTEA blends and is probably attributable to their use of artificial flavorings. The brewed tea aroma is a weird combination of cocoa, coconut, and star anise.

First sip…bleh not very good. The flavor is just as weird as the aroma. I’m not sure who came up with this combo but it is strange. Then the aftertaste seeps in and YUCK! This is why I avoid teas with artificial flavorings. This is disgusting. I’m going to add milk to see if that helps cut the stank going on in my mouth right now.

I added a little more than my usual dollop of skim milk, and it did help cut the nasty aftertaste. But overall, this tea is not for me. I don’t like this combination of flavors and it all just tastes so fake and gross. Yuck yuck blech blech. Down the drain it goes.

I’ve finally found energy to get back to event organizing for my community, so tonight I hosted a potluck and games night for poly folks.

I packed up a bunch of tea that have in quantity, and this was the first pot of the night. A tasty, mild caffeine boost that was enjoyed by all.

While I was feeling a bit tired and stressed, the night went really well over all. A bunch of new people came out, I got to meet a bunch of people who have been out to other events I’ve organized (but that were facilitated by someone else), and I got to squee over photos of tea shelves with one of my new acquaintances. :) Fun times.

This is one of my favourite teas. It is creamy, and yummy and chocolatey. The coconut is there, but very subtle. I bought a giant bag on Web Special and there are enough anise stars for every cup (and they are so cool looking!) For the record, this tea is delicious with a splash of Bailey’s.

A tea with White Chocolate? YES PLEASE. This tea combines both the sweetness of the white chocolate and spice of the licorice with a hint of coconut that makes for a perfect mug to snuggle up and stay in for the night. One of my favourite’s hands down.

First impressions: While this tea was tasty, I found it to be a little weak/light, and the lack of anise flavor was disappointing (very much just an undertone). I did pick up on a lot of cocoa notes, though.
Pairs amazingly well with a plain bagel and peanut butter.

This was my special treat. I made a big travel mug on days when I knew work was going to be unbearable. I love liquorice, and this did have a slight liquorice flavour to it. I love coconut too, so the whole thing seemed to be made for me. On the whole, though, I found the flavour a bit underwhelming. I don’t like sugar in my tea so I didn’t want to have to go that route.

This is why I swap. I would NEVER have tried this tea. Ceylon – ewwwww, star anise as in licorice, no thank you. I’ve bought teas dozens of times from Davids, never once even considered trying this.
I’m not getting any Ceylon or licorice. Nxtdoor wrote a note about this one a few days ago, and she said coconut was the predominate flavor. I agree with that. Chocolate and coconut and a little spice in the back.
I really like this. Is it discontinued (I remember seeing it on sale?), if not will pick some up next time I’m at Davids.
Thank you so much TheTeaFairy for sending this to me, would never have found it if you didn’t shove me outside my comfort zone. :))

Tea from TheTeaFairy, Thank you!

I have been mildly curious about this one but the whole star anise in the dry leaf is not my thing. Interestingly enough, all I can taste is coconut . I can’t taste any licorice. I can totally smell it in the wet leaf but I don’t get any flavour. Not interested in resteeping to see if it will come out especially since I don’t like licorice. Maybe I’ve had the sample too long and didn’t properly care for it.

I’m glad this sample is a sipdown. I will finish the cup. maybe.

Didn’t realize this tea was on it’s way out when I was talked into buying 25g last night. I only really get the licorice taste as an after note with this tea, otherwise it’s just kind of a mild spiced tea for me. Nice, but nothing to write home about. At least in my opinion.