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Oops! I mixed up my tasting notes! I tried two Verdant blends this evening and forgot to double-check the titles. This really does seem like more of an under-the-weather tea, but it’s also a nice little evening kick of ginger, which I happen to love.

Thank you, Dinosara for the opportunity to try this complex and very interesting tea! I completely understand what you meant when you talked about the different elements of this tea blending together in such a fascinating way. It’s not quite what I’m looking for in an Earl Grey, but it’s only by trying so many different varieties that you do get to dial that in!

You can see pictures here:
http://wordsabouttea.blogspot.com/2013/09/exotique-by-chado-tea-room.html

Oh… a tasty way to end a busy afternoon! A sample of this came with my Verdant order today (more Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black!) and it sounded intriguing. I just want to slide on into it, but I think a little grading will need to get done first.

Of course, I am a little goofy-happy over the new Breville that arrived today. There was no way I was waiting until the 17th to open it, so I decided it needed something wonderful – that required a special temperature – to try it out.

I’ve lived in too many places that don’t have regular seasons, but right now this tastes like fall in the Pacific Northwest. Mmmm…

I was actually on time this morning, so I finally got a chance to steep this up in my 16oz to-go cup!

I used 1 tablespoon of tea, added 1-1/2 tablespoons of raw sugar and a small dash of milk. While it does give me happy joys to actually have a warm cup in my hand (unlike yesterday), it’s neither the best nor the worst chai I’ve had. I like the mellowness of it, and the subtle hint of squash. There’s no mistaking the pumpkin pie spices, and they add a nice layer of interest.

Overall, I’m glad I placed the order and got to try this, but I’m not going to go crazy about it and stockpile it before the change of the next season.

I just learned the best feature of my new cheap porcelain teapot – unlike the tetsubin, I can just shove the whole works into the fridge without any worries!

This afternoon I pulled out what was left of the huge pot of this I made last night, and I can happily say I like it just as much – if not better! Yes, the chamomile is definitely present, but it’s easily ignored, and I still taste guilt-free spumoni that’s even more ice-cream-like now that it’s chilled. I am still very, very happy with this purchase!

And I’m making up a mixed bag of teas for a co-worker who’d like to try some loose leaf. He’s one of my husband’s friends (they nerd-out together to Sci-Fi movies I don’t want to see), and a coffee drinker, but likes TAZO Passion and Celestial Seasonings Peppermint. His wife is also going to have baby #3 in a couple weeks. Anyone want to peek in my cupboard and give me some suggestions of what to include?

This was a very difficult choice today, as both these teas are strong contenders. In the end, though, there can be only one… that moves forward in the Battle of the Earl Greys!

Read on to see why this tea moved on to victory!
http://wordsabouttea.blogspot.com/2013/09/earl-grey-extra-by-simpson-vail-vs.html

I really had no idea what to expect from this one, but I was so curious I decided to chance it. I’m glad I did, because it smells – and tastes! – like spumoni! Pistachio ice cream that leaves me thinking about hints of chocolate and bright cherry… num!

Today was the third face/off in the Battle of the Earl Greys – and this tea was victorious!

You can read a re-cap of the battle here:
http://wordsabouttea.blogspot.com/2013/09/earl-grey-imperial-by-mariage-freres-vs.html

I think I have fallen in love. This tea was absolutely amazing, and did a good job of changing some perceptions for me. I have never actually paused in writing a review before to go order more of the tea, but this one convinced me.

You can read the full review – and see some pretty pictures – here:
http://wordsabouttea.blogspot.com/2013/09/bergamot-rose-laoshan-black-by-verdant.html

I promise, I will try to stop personifying my teas! In the meantime, this was a nice Earl Grey with a surprising natural sweetness and slightly fruity notes neither my husband nor I could place. Well worth a second cup!

You can read my full review here:
http://wordsabouttea.blogspot.com/2013/09/earl-grey-by-ninas-paris.html