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Scheherazade drank Vicky's Sponge Cake by Bird & Blend Tea Co.

2238 tasting notes

297/365

This is a long-time favourite of mine, but today’s cup was probably the best I’ve had in a while. It was seriously creamy, with a strong (but sweet) raspberry flavour and lots of vanilla. There was a hint of coconut in the background, almost as if it had been stirred through the buttercream in an actual victoria sponge. If ever a tea tasted like cake..!

I feel like B&B might have made some adjustments to the base over time, because I remember from previous cups that astringency could be a bit of a problem. There was definitely less tendency towards that this time – after three minutes, the liquor was noticeably lighter than it used to be. I could have increased the brew time, and it would likely still have been okay. Maybe next time!

Seriously, though. If you want a tea that tastes like cake, this is it. I’ve increased my rating a bit because the base seems so much better this time, but it’s really always a good ’un!

Preparation

Boiling 3 min, 0 sec 1 tsp

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Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.