Kaleisia Tea

I received my order from Kaleisia a week or so ago, but, I haven’t really had a chance to try the tea that I ordered until now. Here is my review of the ordering experience: http://steepster.com/places/3067-kaleisia-tea-lounge-online-tampa-florida

As for the tea, it’s really tasty. A nice caramel-y taste. The black tea is pleasant, a good, strong black tea. Overall, a delicious cup.

I brewed this tea a little longer than recommended because I like it strong. I also added 1 tsp of German rock sugar for each 8 oz of water. It is nice and sweet with a nice peach undertone.

This morning I made the last of it and regrettably skipped the second steeping, which is far better than the first, which isn’t too shabby. It’s been a very busy last couple of days and this day will were to be a nice lazy pace by comparison. Because of my lazy pace, by the time I got to my tea, I had to rush to get to what I needed done. There is a certain enjoyment I find in gulping down tea at that almost-too-hot temperature. I wouldn’t trade the experience for savoring every mouthful, but there is a time to sit- and a time to run.

Mild grassy flavor, a good introduction to Kaleisia Tea Lounge. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere feels very hip-tea. Visited with my girlfriend, and was my first loose leaf tea in Florida. I like it in the morning with my apartment window open and warm Tampa breeze bringing the smell of my basil plant inside.

When this tea is steeping, it smells like fruity pebbles. When I go to drink it, it smells like fruity pebbles. I’ll let it be known that fruity pebbles are a guilty pleasure of mine. The tea itself doesn’t taste like the cereal (fortunately, I think that’d be peculiar for earl grey!!). It’s delicious, just like the description….smooooth. I don’t think it needs to be sweetened, it tastes fine as is. I did sweeten it and add milk, but that’s my preference. Dreamy.

Just got this in the mail today and had to give it a try. I have no experience with genmaicha….or loose leaf green tea for that matter, so I can’t give too much of an accurate review. I over-steeped it because I was confused with the color (ridiculously light, I thought something went wrong). It got a little bitter on me but it finally turned to a neon yellow sort of color. The taste and smell can be described in one word: toasty! Reminded me of japanese restaurant tea….toasted.

Edit: upping the rating here, I’ve been enjoying it.

One cup is never enough!