311 Tasting Notes
More back-logging, oh dear, Christmas cheer has come and gone but I was slow to get these copied over.
For once I get strong apple and spices in the background of a tea that proudly declares itself as containing “apples”. Or the company does, whatever, you know what I mean.
It’s not bad. Also not memorable really. Heavy on the spice. Sugar and spice do not always make everything nice, but this is drinkable for the holidays.
Sadly, it doesn’t make me think of romantic anything.
I have a weird “moon” thing – got into moon artwork, jewerly, and names in my twenties. I naturally gravitate toward any “cool moon” names with teas. Strangely most are disappointments – I need to find some staple moon teas that I adore!
This one is good, drinkable, and floral. Not a top favorite but will definitely be able to finish it off. Blueberries come through as Violet and there’s almost that small undertone I associate with Chai that is made without milk and as a straight tea - almost a colored pencil underlayering.
I do like it. Don’t get a pepper, unless that’s what is causing the other tastes.
I need to also find a Full moon, Wolf Moon, and New Moon Blend I adore -- sadly this is harder to do than my strange, dorky heart requires.
Preparation
Second cup of this. Glad I wrote a sticky note on it to stick to three minutes and needs a little sugar to balance. Perfect – I usually steep teas longer but three is the spot for this one. The blueberry is coming through strong this time and nice after my afternoon walk with cheesy horror music playlist on Spotify. Was craving something fruity and sweet.
Preparation
This one is unique and almost grassy – well, grassy isn’t the right word, can’t put my finger on it. Balanced and gets better the more I sipped it. Have plenty left to keep trying and seeing if I can find the other flavor profiles it mentioned. Not sure yet if it’s a keeper, though.
Preparation
A well done vanilla rich smokey black breakfast tea. August Uncommon does strong and unusual tea blends. I had this with 8 ounces and a tea bag of 1 tsp put together for five minute steep hot with one cube of sugar. I ate with some toast, and still slightly hungry.
Good if you like Vanilla. I will drink down. Do I like enough to reorder? No. The vanilla blends well with smoke and is not artificial, but I am not a major vanilla fan in my tea and it almost makes me think slightly of bananas for some reason.
Preparation
Geez, I am so confused by this tea.
First, have to say I was so excited to try it based on it being Library themed, the back description, the lovely fruit smell that erupts from the bag, the company, the ratings.
But this is so ODD to me. The cocoa is very strong. I figured it would be a back layer but it’s strong and predominate. They did the cocoa well and not artificial at all, but I think mixed with something with rye or a liquor type makes it taste very strange to me. The description said toast - but I am not a rye fan. Caraway / Rye – didn’t make the connection lol.
It is drying and not sweet even with some sugar added. Suggests adding a touch of milk but I don’t see that making much difference. Will finish out the sample but couldn’t finish this cup at the current steep. Steeped 3, then 4.
Definitely a strong and unique smokey blend. It is a bit cool due to my steep, but think it would be better hotter. Thankfully I have plenty left. It almost have a drying feel and is surprisingly light colored in the cup/.
Preparation
Hm, didn’t notice was a “white” tea when brewed it as I would a black tea. Oops.
Didn’t hurt it though. Was very fruit punchy and a deep purple-red “bloody” color. And of course any tribute to Jaws gets bonus brownie points on its own merit.
May be good iced, not sure. Reminds me a little of Harney and Sons Ice Tea Indigo type. The hibiscus is not overwhelming so, while there is a touch of sour buried below these waters, its’ not overwhelming.
This isn’t a tea I’d drink daily or anything but it’s nice for those moments.
