Arbor Teas

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Recent Tasting Notes

89

The Final Sipdown: Day 7
Decupboarding Total: 14

Per the husband’s request we are having this one again, which works out nicely since it can then be my second tea decupboarded today. However, if he likes it without additives as much as he liked it with additives, I’m thinking this one won’t stay gone from my pantry long as I will be buying a big tin of it.

Honestly, this one is such a nice relief from the Upton samples I’ve been trying to get through. This has a nice smooth and full tea taste with some light but pleasant astringency to the end of the sip. The scent and flavor is lightly but noticeably Earl Grey. And the EG bit is very nice – not perfume-ish, not frou-frou. If I can call a tea ‘manly’ without making it sound like it’s a nasty b.o. type thing, this EG is manly. Masculine, maybe? Strong. Not as in strong tasting but the strength that confident men seem have – noticeably masculine without being a muscle-bound bully. Perhaps because the astringency makes it nicely bracing even with the flavoring, making it not a girlie or soft tea.

Sigh. I need to just face facts. This is an Earl Grey that a man like Jean Luc Picard would drink. Which is pretty much exactly what we were looking for. So win!

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 3 min, 0 sec
takgoti

It’s tea. It’s tea in tights! [TIGHT tights!] It roams around in forests, looking for fights.

Auggy

Wow, blast from the past there! And apparently not near as blocked from my brain as I thought since now that song KEEPS LOOPING IN MY HEAD! AGH!

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89

I need tea before I am operational this morning. Until I have more caffeine running through my blood stream, I cannot guarantee to make sense.

Sample from Arbor Teas that The Final Sipdown has encouraged me to bust open finally. This tea is now officially part of the epic EG hunt for the husband. Okay, maybe it isn’t epic but it sure feels that way since I have so many EG samples in my pantry. SO. MANY.

The smell of the dry leaves is very nice – potently EG in a way that manages to be strong but not OMG-at-the-bergamot-it-burns strong (I’m looking at you, Upton’s Extra Bergamot). There’s even a nice menthol-type whoosh at the end of the sniff which strikes me as fun (and much better than the more perfume-y after-smells that can pop up in EG).

Without additives. This is really nicely done. The tea feels heavy and smooth and clear but there’s no bitterness that sometimes pops up with additive-less flavored teas. The bergamot isn’t as strong in smell or in taste as it is in the dry leaves but it seems to mesh with the tea flavor and smell instead of sitting on top of it. There’s no chemical aftertaste, no tacky-mouth feeling from the flavoring. The bergamot flavor is nicely balanced – there’s a hint of sweetness to the flavoring but not so much that I would say this is sweet (though sometimes the aftertaste is a bit fruity-sweet which is pleasant). The overall taste is noticeably (but not overpowering) bergamot throughout the sip – from initial smell to aftertaste – and a tea tastes that, while not overly nuanced, gives a full, unmuddied flavor and a smooth but somewhat thick mouthfeel.

Honestly? Best EG I’ve had in the EG Hunt. There’s one Upton EG that might compete with it (their premium or supreme or something) but I had that one with additives and this one without so that makes me think the Arbor Tea’s one will win if there is a head-to-head. I do have super-fond memories of A&D’s EG – I recall it being a juicy type of EG and I really enjoyed that. But the husband didn’t and ultimately this hunt is to find his perfect EG that I also really enjoy. This tea officially makes me list of contenders two.

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 3 min, 0 sec
Jaime

I look forward to watching the EG contenders battle it out the TFS. I, too, am on the hunt for the perfect EG.

Auggy

I got a little EG’ed out but we were having different EGs daily for a while a month or so ago. But now with The Final Sipdown, I’ll be finishing those samples off so I’m sure lots of EGs will be popping up again in my logs!

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74

White chocolate then a creamy spiced center – cinnamon, cardamom, clove…not sure I can pick the spices out of the melody of spices but I think this is delicious. The crunchy dark chocolate topper is delicious as well and I enjoyed the nice crunch. Not a strong tea flavor, but a strong spice flavor.

After the Jasmine I was hoping this would be my favorite, surprisingly the Lapsang Souchong won out as the best.

If you know anyone who loves chocolates, I recommend these as a unique and delicious gift (the entire set) – however they don’t carry a strong tea flavor so you might be disappointed if you want tea with chocolate favor instead of chocolate with tea flavor.

Images: http://amazonv.blogspot.com/2010/11/arbor-teas-tea-infused-chocolate_14.html

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99

Just got up and remembered that I had this sitting in my kitchen. Being that I LOVE black tea this, along with the Pu-erh, are now my favorite teas. Its just an absolutely delicious black tea. Smokey and smooth not bitter at all. I’m so happy I just had a cup of this.

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85

Wow – sweet sweet sweet with a hint of spice. It tastes like I just made chai using the stovetop method – which means, rich, creamy and sweet. And I mean really rich. The sweet creamy is the strongest flavor so it’s more sweet than spicy so those that go for strong chais might be disappointed but as for me, someone who enjoys sweet and milky chais, this is pretty cool!
(Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aug3zimm/sets/72157625259950135/ )

takgoti

Mmm. Now I want some chai. It’s too late for chai, right? Someone tell me it’s too late for chai.

Auggy

… It’s too late for chai. Lavender chai? Eew. Nevermind.

AmazonV

Such pretty photos! your photography skills put mine to shame

takgoti

@Auggy Quite possibly one of your worser ideas.

Auggy

AmazonV, Thanks! I got my a new camera recently-ish and have been doing my best to wear it out. :)
takgoti, Yeah, not one of my shiniest ideas. Urk.

Jillian

I don’t know…lavender could work in a chai if it was used in moderation maybe and mixed with the right spices.

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94

Very rich and chocolaty. It’s citrus and chocolate but it’s not like a chocolate orange – it’s got a fuller flavor that makes it scream fancy, sophisticated chocolate. It doesn’t scream Earl Grey to me but has a nice citrusy flair that I really really like.
(Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aug3zimm/sets/72157625259950135/ )

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80

I wouldn’t have pegged this as jasmine but there is certainly something soft and sweet and floral about it, especially in the aftertaste. Rich and creamy. Not overly tea-like but a very pretty chocolate and I like it.
(Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aug3zimm/sets/72157625259950135/ )

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96

Mmm, very pineapple-y but more dessert or mixed drink pineapple-y than fresh pineapple-y because it doesn’t have the tart bite, maybe from the passionfruit? I don’t really pick out something straight passionfruit-y, more of the pineapple, but it’s very sweet and fruity. It is all creamy and smooth and sooooo tasty. Not overly tea-like but as a chocolate, it is fantastic.
(Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aug3zimm/sets/72157625259950135/ )

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80

Wow. I mean, wow. Rich – insanely rich and tarry and smoky. The smoke is strong enough that it is definitely the stronger taste compared to the dark chocolate, but the two flavors pair together to give really heavy richness. Wow. Probably more tarry of a lapsang than I normally go for and it reminds me a bit of a bacon-flavored chocolate bar I had, but the richness is pretty fantastic. Totally and noticeably ‘tea’.
(Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aug3zimm/sets/72157625259950135/ )

Cofftea

After seeing these I’m thinking a lapsang chocolate cheesecake.

Brian

I’m gonna have to order some of these now 0.o
@ Cofftea, please make one and share the recipe!

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91

Very different – thick and grassy and heavy, like a super-rich green tea ice cream. Not very sweet (well, it is but compared to the whole truffle idea – ‘not sweet’ in the same way that green tea ice cream is more heavy/dark/grassy than sweet) but very realistic and obviously green tea. Very tasty. I would love to have a container of these for chocolate treats. This one is the most noticeable ‘tea-infused’ of the truffles.
(Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aug3zimm/sets/72157625259950135/ )

takgoti

Fancy! Lovely pictures, by the way. Welcome to the flickr club!

Auggy

Thanks! I got a fancy camera so I finally caved and got a flickr account. What can I say, I’m a follower! I need to work on white balance in the house though but eh. And yes, super-fancy goodies!

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57

I like this tea more than I thought I would. It’s got a bit of a grassy, dry tea taste with a bit of a sour cherry flavor. It’s rather smooth for the sourness.

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94

Amazing! I absolutely love these tea-infused truffles from Arbor Teas.

I am not getting a gritty sensation as AmazonV described in her tasting note, maybe a little chalky grit, but very slight and not off-putting. I love the ganache – the white chocolate is a perfect match for the matcha as it really allows the unique taste of the matcha to come through – sweet with faint bitter notes. Vegetative. NICE!

I love these truffles so much… I think I’m going to need more after I’m finished with this box.

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93

This is a great tasting oolong! It’s woodsy and vegetal but not overly-so either way. There is an interesting lemony type taste. Not juicy lemon per say more like a lemon zest would be more my guess as a taste comparison. It’s unlike any hint I have tasted in a tea let alone an oolong! This is lovely!

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92

YUM!

This truffle tastes creamy and rich. If I allow the truffle to melt upon my tongue, I experience the green tea flavor, as well as the pineapple and passion fruit. The chocolate is strong though, so in order to experience all the flavors this truffle has to offer, it should be savored slowly, allowing each flavor to reach the palate.

Like I said: YUM!

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69

AmazonV: Pretty. Sweet white chocolate, mellow firm chocolate center. I think I get hints of grapefruit, I don’t get jasmine :(

I was hoping this would be the best as I adore jasmine.

MilitiaJim: Is this jasmine? White chocolate shell works well with the inside of this one. Jasmine is subtle and would have been overwhelmed by a different shell.

Images: http://amazonv.blogspot.com/2010/11/arbor-teas-tea-infused-chocolate_09.html

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81

Very pretty swirl of glitter on top.

Dark chocolate, toasty, smoky, delicious interplay, smooth but not creamy.

A favorite thus far.

Images: http://amazonv.blogspot.com/2010/11/arbor-teas-tea-infused-chocolate_2627.html

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96

Oh YUM! Of the six truffles in the box, this was the one for which I had the lowest expectations, since I am not a big fan of Lapsang Souchong. But… in a chocolate – IT WORKS. Awesomely!

Going to write a more in-depth review for the SororiTEA Sisters blog, but, I do want to say that this is really good. I love the caramel-y undertones of the Lapsang Souchong and how they complement the dark chocolate. I can taste the tea, and I love the smoky notes and how they integrate with the rich chocolate flavor. Delicious!

Cofftea

I had ManTeas’ Chocolate Bacon today and it was pretty amazing.

Caitlin

This sounds fantastic!

Paul M Tracy

chocolate AND lapsang?! You just found my perfect food!

Michelle Butler Hallett

THUD. (mbh swoons in bliss)

Cofftea

HAHA exactly Michelle! I’m hoping to have $ in my budget for these in Dec., but definitely by Feb!

TeaEqualsBliss

OMG! Again!!!!

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67

Very sweet, creamy, gritty matcha filling goes well with the chocolate shell.

Delicious, a little gritty, reminds me of a Starbucks green tea frappuccino but with chocolate, maybe I can get pumps of chocolate in my green tea frappuccino!

MilitiaJim: The matcha is creamy and sweet. The chocolate is smooth and well done. The two are not improved by their addition. 2 + 2 has come out to 3.

http://amazonv.blogspot.com/2010/11/arbor-teas-tea-infused-chocolate.html
http://amazonv.blogspot.com/2010/11/arbor-teas-tea-infused-chocolate_08.html

Cofftea

RE: “maybe I can get pumps of chocolate in my green tea frappuccino!”… That would be SO good! I can’t stand frappucccinos of any kind, but I do get the green tea latte if it’s ordered 1 of 2 ways: tall, non fat, 2 pump chocolate, 2 pump peppermint, no water green tea latte w/ whip and mocha drizzle or switching peppermint for raspberry- but I think it would be good in addition to as well- also adding vanilla and white chocolate.

Cofftea

….oops my GTL are also no classic

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75

Sweet citrus (bergamot) dark sweet chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth, the milk chocolate shell gets lost with the stronger flavors.

The truffle melts away in your mouth, and the bergamot of the tea shines through.

Images:
http://amazonv.blogspot.com/2010/11/arbor-teas-tea-infused-chocolate.html
http://amazonv.blogspot.com/2010/11/arbor-teas-tea-infused-chocolate_8642.html

Cofftea

Last time I checked they were out of stock- thanks for posting these!

AmazonV

they’re back! i’m betting they’re a get them till their gone for the year kind of deal, apparently they are a holiday only item

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68

The first thing I tasted was smooth delicious dark chocolate, followed by the creamy center which was a mild green tea with a hint of sweet pineapple.
Good chocolate truffle, but not a strong tea flavor.

Images:
http://amazonv.blogspot.com/2010/11/arbor-teas-tea-infused-chocolate.html
http://amazonv.blogspot.com/2010/11/arbor-teas-tea-infused-chocolate_07.html

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96

I totally forgot I had a bit of this one left. I found it today and am finishing a cup now. I also sort of forgot how freaking good it was! Sure…I LOVE all teas but there is a special place in my heart for Black teas and I always start my day with at least a few different black teas…so with all the black teas I drink…I REALLY appreciate the ones that stand out among the rest! This is one of those teas!

TheTeaFairy

in love with this type of tea!!

Donna A

I love black teas too. Curious about whether you can narrow it down to top 5 unflavored blacks?

TeaEqualsBliss

oh wow! I’ll have to really think about that! LOL :) I will – and get back to you!

TeaEqualsBliss

I think I ‘located’ my top ten straight-up black UNflavored teas. I will do a post in the boards and post the link here, too! Stay Tuned!

TeaBrat

oooh, sounds good!

Donna A

Thanks! I almost asked you for your top 10 and thought that might be asking too much!:)Can’t wait to check them out.

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96

Thanks so much LiberTEAs for sending this to me!!! This is the very first tea from Arbor Teas that I have had, I think.

This has a slight bakey smell to it and the color of the liquid is lovely…a dark reddish-brown-copper.

WOW! The taste…WONDERFUL! I’m not getting any astringency at all and it’s quite smooth but also a little malty! I really like this!!!!

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