161 Tasting Notes
A friend brought me a most generous T2 package from her trip to Australia this winter. I’ve tried some of the teas in the sampler she gave me but definitely not all. Super excited to try them.
I had the Melbourne Breakfast this morning pre-breakfast. I’m generally haven’t cared much for the English Breakfast teas, so I went into this mug with some hesitancy. Steeped the pyramid in boiled water for 2-3 minutes. I really like this one. The vanilla adds a sweetness but not overly so. I’m reminded of a sugar ice cream cone or waffle cone. I could see this one being a favorite for me.
Flavors: Marshmallow, Vanilla
Preparation
2022 Bird & Blend Advent calendar Day #7
This is light and fragrant. I like the spiciness at the end. It’s just enough to warm the throat. I didn’t add anything to it. It has a creamy taste already so no need for additional milk. I get ginger and chili and possibly some cardamom.
Flavors: Cardamom, Chili, Creamy, Ginger
Preparation
2022 Bird & Blend Advent calendar Day #3
I’m a rhubarb fan. So I had high hopes for this one and I think it hit the mark. It reminds me of cooked down rhubarb. I think the rooibos is definitely a good base for the rhubarb and cuts down the sour taste. It’s creamy, not super tart. I would say it’s my favorite rooibos so far.
Flavors: Creamy, Rhubarb, Vanilla
Preparation
“I had now swallowed my tea. I was mightily refreshed by the beverage; as much so as a giant with wine: it gave new tone to my unstrung nerves, and enabled me to address this penetrating young judge steadily.” ― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
I’m heading to the library today. I’ve read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. Perhaps I’ll look for another book by the Bronte Sisters. I recently read a novel, The Eyre Affair, that stuck with me. I wonder if there’s a sequel.
This is a light fruity black tea. The tea leaves are pretty too look at with bits of papaya and marigold peeking out. I think of spring when I drink it. There’s definite apple and raspberry flavors but not too overpowering and not tart. I like it well enough.
Flavors: Apple, Grass, Raspberry
Preparation
oh there are MANY sequels to The Eyre Affair!! And also a few other books by the Brontes.
It was an accidental check out that I really enjoyed. I don’t often dip into futuristic time travel but this one was very entertaining
I was going to comment that there are many sequels to The Eyre Affair, but tea-sipper beat me to it! That series is wild!
I haven’t read Jasper Fforde in a long time, but just seeing the title made me smile.
Same as gmathis, it has been a long time since I read Fforde. Thoroughly enjoyed the books years ago, so I should look for new ones!
Tea and reading seems to go hand in hand. :-)
I had this one at church yesterday with the boiling water that was available and it was bitter but drinkable. I was excited that someone had left something more than the usual Red Rose. I thought I’d try again today at home. Steeped in 175* water for 3 minutes and it still is bitter. I do taste the peppermint but it’s not a strong flavor.
Flavors: Bitter, Peppermint
Preparation
A friend loves this one and had included it in a mug gift for me. It’s been hanging out in my “to try” bin for a bit, so I snagged it and heated up some water. The tea bag smells quite a bit like blueberry candies. The tea has a purply- red hue to it and smells sweet. I’m reminded of Sweet Tarts candies while drinking it. I don’t quite taste the blueberry but do taste the acai. This would not be a winter tea for me but I think it would be good in the summer months or as an iced tea.
Flavors: Tart
Preparation
I had this at a friend’s home this winter and she sent me home with at least 20 tea bags. She loves this tea and was absolutely excited to share it with me. She had purchased the “family sized” order and ended up with far too many for just her. I love chatting with friends who are as excited about tea like me.
The tea is a nice dark color and the scent of cardamom is fantastic. There is a strong rich flavor. I can see why she loves it so much. There is just so much warmth in the mug . My friend doctors her with oatmilk and some clove/cinnamon. I have enjoyed it plain and doctored. My mug today was steeped for 3 mins with boiled water. I did add a dash of cloves and cinnamon.
Flavors: Cardamom
Preparation
Another family gifted me a sampler pack of Uncle Lee’s this Christmas. I haven’t tried all of them but the ones I have, I have enjoyed.
This morning I made a mug of the vanilla rooibus chai in my new mug. The mug was a surprise gift this week from a co -volunteer and made my day. It’s a beautiful red stoneware clay glazed with blues and greens. It fits well in my hand and is a good weight.
The tea bag was steeped for 5 minutes in boiled water. I like the vanilla with the spices. It needs no sweetener because of the stevia but I did add a splash of milk this time. The cinnamon and cloves really come through. I do catch the scent of the cardamon.
Flavors: Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove
