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See my full review on Sororitea Sisters:
http://sororiteasisters.com/2017/03/01/pine-oolong-from-golden-leaf-tea/

See my full review on Sororitea Sisters:
http://sororiteasisters.com/2017/02/27/feeling-hot-hot-hot-hot-mama-from-tea-and-tins/

See my full review on Sororitea Sisters:
http://sororiteasisters.com/2017/02/18/an-early-taste-of-spring-with-mountain-oolong-spring/

See my full review on Sororitea Sisters:
http://sororiteasisters.com/2017/02/08/perfect-for-valentines-eve-an-evening-with-eros-from-banff-tea-co/

This has been my favorite oolong from Tea Ave so far. It’s a perfect balance of rich and buttery, with bright mineral green and floral notes. It’s just so appealing to smell and taste, super smooth and drinkable. Not too savory, not too sweet. I would definitely order this again.

I needed something festive to help me feel the spirit of the season, and I needed something decaf to help keep my blood pressure and anxiety at a minimum throughout the holiday blitz. Throughout this winter season, I’ve been brewing Gingerbread Chai from Bluebird. This rooibos chai has many of the usual spice suspects: ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. The cinnamon is the most prominent flavor, and I found myself wanting more of a ginger bite to make for a spicier chai. This tea is smooth and warming, with the baked-good quality of cardamom and cinnamon. Most notably, this tea also has mallow blossoms mixed in, which make for a unique visual style and which bring a certain floral, marshmallow sweetness to the tea. Now that I’ve survived the holidays, and everything is settling down, I am getting towards the end of this bag of tea. All things considered, Gingerbread Chai has served me well and I’ll keep an eye out for it next season.

When I ordered a bunch of holiday teas from Bluebird earlier this year, I included a note that I would love to try any of the banana teas that the company offered. Thanks, Bluebird! I received a sample of two banana teas with my order. First up is Monkey Chops.

Monkey Chops has a ceylon black tea base with added vanilla flavoring and banana pieces. I’m a fan of banana in all its forms, the actual fruit, flavored candy, spiced banana bread, creamy banana desserts, etc. and I have to say, this tea actually does taste like bananas-and-cream black tea! Even without milk, the brew has plenty of creamy notes and smooth banana flavor. I’d love to upgrade my sample to a full bag next time and try out all kinds of lattes and desserts with this tea. Banana isn’t a flavor you see in teas everyday, and with a name like Monkey Chops, how can you resist?

I got a chance to try this tea in person at a store. The smell and taste are strong with bright lemon, with some undertones of ginger. Brewed hot, the earthier tones of the matcha green tea help balance out the sharp citrus. I didn’t notice much of the other ingredients listed in this blend, like apple or licorice, though the tea is sweet without being syrupy, so perhaps those herbals helped bring out a natural sweetness.

I prefer my teas to be extra spicy when it comes to citrus and ginger, so as always, I’ll say that this one could have been even flavor-packed to meet my preference. That being said, it was a satisfying brew as is. The matcha gives this blend a good kick of caffeine, so it’s a good choice for that afternoon pick-me-up. I wouldn’t mind a new blend from Davids Tea that uses the hot, spicy, vibrant ginger and lemon tones of this blend, but used in an herbal tea as a caffeine-free option.

This tea tastes and smells as good as it looks and is described on the Davids Tea web page. “Invigorating” “energizing” “refreshing” Definitely worth a try if this flavors are up your alley.

I got a chance to try this in the December monthly box from Amoda and it was by far my favorite from the bunch. Smells like high-end orange jelly candy, with a citrus fragrance that is specifically mandarin oranges.

The black tea taste is coated in flavors of candied orange, cloves, and spice, there’s even a rich, sweet note of caramel liqueur. Full and decadent without being too heavy or over-flavored, but bolder than your average orange and spice tea. Mandarin Spice is a perfect holiday treat.

See my full review on Sororitea Sisters, where I talk about Hostess Cakes and tea:
http://sororiteasisters.com/2017/01/01/holiday-blend-alert-snowball-from-bluebird-tea-co/