13 Tasting Notes
Received this sample all the way from Singapore. Thank you Chinese Tea Shop! The dry tea leaves aren’t like any other green teas I’ve tried- and look precisely as in the picture depicted. The brewed leaves have a very grassy aroma, but the tea itself smells much sweeter and light. Taste was very smooth and delicate. Very mild, at least how I prepared it- which was only letting it steep for a minute. Have way too much tea in my cupboard right now, but will be ordering from Chinese Tea Shop in the future!
Preparation
This is my favorite bagged chai with a touch of milk and sugar. MUCH better than Tazo or Stash chai teabags- has a richer flavor that is closer to the real spiced tea made on the stove. Not as good as the chai lattes that are brewed with loose leaf tea, but delicious still
Preparation
I have this in the teabag version, so I’m guessing the loose leaf is better. But, this chai is pretty bad. Smells very aromatic, but then just tastes very pungent but not in a good way. You don’t get any of the delicious and full-body taste of cardamom in this at all. Would not buy again.
Preparation
I’ve been drinking this tea for the past 20 or so years, and this is my go to Jasmine green tea for after dinner desserts. Beware of over-steeping because it can easily get bitter. The actual tea leaves are more fragmented than higher quality leaves (ie Samovar), but if you brew it properly, the taste is actually almost on par. For the price, such a great value tea.
Preparation
The small green tea pearls unravel into long, beautiful leaves after steeping. I like my tea a little strong, so brewed to a slightly darker color than what is depicted in Samovar’s picture. Nice floral taste. Light green tea. I had this a day after my cheapo Jasmine green tea, and while it is nice, probably not worth the price difference for repeat orders
Preparation
Love getting tea gifts from London. The tea and rose petal leaves are beautiful with surprisingly vibrant pink petal leaves. The leaves themselves have a nice floral aroma…which intensifies after steeping. I’m not a huge herbal tea fan because of the tartness, but this ceylon/china black tea balances the rose incredibly nicely. just delightful.
Preparation
Had this at Samovar lounge in Zen Valley. First time I’ve had loose leaf pu-erh, which was an interesting experience having each small cup brew individually. Brewed to a dark amber color, earthy tones but very smooth. No bitterness even when I accidentally left a half cup brewing for probably 5 minutes. Very nice, but definitely not worth the prices in the lounge. (One pot of pu-erh, one pot of earl grey, and a brownie — sadly one of the worst brownies I’ve ever had — $27 + tip).