The Republic of Tea

It’s been a while since I’ve logged anything, but I have had some new teas!
Anyway, I was in a berry sort of mood this morning, so I had this tea with a little Splenda in it. I think it really brings out the fruit flavors.

Just the right amount of fruity flavor. It smells delicious, and has a nice balance with the black tea. I’d love to have this in a white or green variety.

The full leaf version is back at the student center. I was so psyched, but thankfully I looked into my thermos before I put my teabag in. I had just washed it back in the dorm, and a few bubbles formed when they put the hot water in, even though the water seemed clear when I rinsed it out several times. I rinsed it out again and had the tea at lunch. It’s definitely a more interesting flavor than the regular one, though I might start adding Splenda again. Or maybe I’m not digging a darker taste today. I still like it, though, and I’m glad one of my favorites of the teas they carry here is back.

The one I like is the loose leaf version in the “eco-friendly” bag. The cafe at the student center couldn’t get this variety in the loose leaf, and I was really disappointed. The regular version is flat, a little bitter, and has less bergamot. I hope we get the loose leaf back!

As I prefer lighter teas, I find this a little on the strong side. The bergamot flavor is strong enough to not be overpowered, though. The cafe at my school uses very hot water, so I steep it for a very short time.

Decent apple-y pie spice combo. I have tried this a few times, but I am usually a little disappointed with the weakness of the flavors. Longer brew times help. I ended up using up the rest of my stash in a mix of a long brewed infusion and real apple juice. Also the bags work to spice cider.

A little disappointed … this has been one of my preferred flavored green for some time, but this cup tastes a little musty. Could be age of the tin, I suppose.

Weather’s turned warm early; so as not to waste what was formerly berry goodness, I may toss remaining bags in a sun tea jug and bid this one a regretfully chilly adieu.

Woke up craving this for some reason … haven’t been eating well or properly during the past few days (stress), so I’m wondering if the purported nutritional benefits of the acai berry are calling out to me. Mom always said that your body automatically craves whatever nutrient you need the most…

I am now the proud recipient of my own whole canister. Had a cup this afternoon to soothe frazzzzzzzzled nerves…I’m maybe one “z” less frazzed now. Left it about 4 minutes; thinking it could stand even just a bit longer.

Was just introduced to this at a conference last week (the person in charge is also a dear friend and kept her tea basket at our disposal!) and was pleasantly surprised. Nice and fruity without a sharp twang to either the fruit or the green tea flavors. Probably should have steeped a little longer.

This is one of my favorite teas. Very refreshing in the morning.

Wonderfully flavored fall tea. I really enjoy this tea.

Still working my way through this last bit of the tin. I’ve definitely outgrown this blend, although it’s not bad. It was once my favourite vanilla tea (years ago) but I won’t repurchase it after I finish this up.

Thought I would try something a bit bland after my sugary chai mix first cup of the day. This fits… still has a slightly vanilla flavour so as not to clash with the chai aftertaste, but not too flavourful. Boring but appropriate, if that makes any sense!

Kind of re-discovered this while unpacking the rest of my tea collection over the weekend, and brought it to leave at work so I could finish the rest of it off. I went through a phase of loving this blend, and it seems I’ve outgrown it or fallen out of love with it because it just doesn’t hold the same charm now! It’s okay, but honestly not much better than mediocre. Very smooth and almond-y but otherwise not very notable. I tend to brew it for a while to make it as strong as possible.

This wasn’t disappointing today, but I think that’s because I knew what I was getting and lowered my expectations. Not too bad… still about half a tin to go through though!

Every time I try this, I want to lower my rating. It’s not that it’s horrible, I just remember it being so much better! This will definitely be the last tin I’ll buy of it—I’m always disappointed when I give it another try.

This tastes really blah today, unfortunately! Disappointing.

This is one of the first “fancy” teas I ever tried and it was a staple for years… I think I’m on my 4th tin of it by now. The appeal has kind of waned over the years, though. It’s a decent enough vanilla blend, but there are way more interesting/exciting ones available now. It’s very smooth and the almond kind of tones down the vanilla a bit but I think I like other teas better at this point.

Nice tea, can’t wait to try it over ice.