New Tasting Notes
Cold Brew!
I think this is such a fun tea concept and the dry leaf both smells great and looks stunning with the high contrast red berries against the green tea leaf. Brewed up it’s fairly green tea forward, but really smooth in a way that didn’t bother me nearly as much as most green teas do. The strawberry comes through very clearly and has a fresh, bright tartness to it – not too tart, though. The finish is mostly where I noticed that cream note, but it was a little milder than expected. The whole thing has this nostalgic kind of undertone to it like it’s referencing a Campino/Cream Saver but in a much more natural way.
It’s heeeeerrreee!
This past year I purchased one of Anne’s “Create a Blend” fundraiser perks and I pretty promptly sent her what felt like a million different flavour ideas. They all had one common thread, though. I really wanted a rhubarb tea. I think rhubarb is such an underrated fruit (technically vegetable), especially when it comes to tea blends. You rarely see it used outside of strawberry rhubarb teas, and even those aren’t exactly all too common…
I gave Anne a ton of ideas ranging everywhere from rhubarb and vanilla ice cream to just a straight up smoked rhubarb. What I didn’t realize at the time was that Anne hadn’t ever worked with rhubarb before – so it ended up being a bit of a longer and more experimental process (not that I minded one bit). She even sourced some candied rhubarb just for the blend, and dang it looks cool! Ultimately I had all the faith in the world and was really just excited to be along for the ride.
I’m really, really happy with the final tea though! It’s got that perfect jammy cooked rhubarb note with a hint of tartness that I was hoping for and the subtle additions of cinnamon and Lapsang Souchong (just a smidge) give it that cozy baked pie sort of vibe that was in a lot of the ideas I’d sent. Like a rhubarb pie if you juuusssttt slightly burnt the crust. I happen to love that smokey edge though. It feels very tailored to my own personal tastes.
I’ve already seen that Anne’s used the rhubarb flavouring it at least one other blend, so I’m happy to have unintentionally snuck this flavouring into the 52Teas repertoire. If I may be so bold as to suggest another rhubarb concept, I’ve always adored the more British influenced “Rhubard & Custard” rooibos blends I’ve tried but I’d really like to see the same concept on a caffeinated tea base.
Anyway – the tldr is that I am a happy customer!
PS. The name for the blend comes from the 1989 Batman movie where it’s said by The Joker. It basically means something along the lines of “Don’t mess with my girl”. I just thought it was a fun, nerdy reference though.
Sipdown (2579)!
I mean, how could I resist grabbing a sample of this while in Vegas for the World Tea Expo?? It’s not the first “Bohemian Raspberry” tea I’ve come across and I doubt it will be the last, but the concept of a Freddie Mercury inspired raspberry blend doesn’t get any less amusing every time I find a new one…
I expected this to be really tart/juicy with probably a lot of hibiscus leading the profile, but despite still having a sweet, fresh raspberry flavour and some top note tartness I found the blend was actually more herbal leaning with distinct notes of the rooibos and an overall soothing kind of quality. It very loosely reminded me of Celestial Seasoning’s Raspberry Zinger, but I do think I preferred this tea.
It was really fun – I’m happy to have tried it!
Steeped this up last night and it was very good while it was fresh and hot. Aromatic but still crisp and vegetal with notes of cinnamon to go alongside a bit of a more spicy leaning herbaceous basil body. As it cooled it definitely got both bitter and astringent though, and I found myself regretting not having drank the last third of the mug quicker.
Cold Brew!
This brew definitely leaned a little bit more noticeably citrus/lemon tasting than it’s been in the past, but I shouldn’t be surprised by that given the age of the tea. The fact the cola flavouring is clinging onto that tea leaf so well at this point is still pretty dang impressive. Kind of like a cola gummy candy in taste, at this point. Still refreshing! And exactly what I was craving after so many very fruity cold brews in a row.
Iced Latte!
Yes, it’s April but I always feel like I don’t have enough time to enjoy these more Wintery matcha blends in December because I’m so pre-occupied with advent calendar season. So, I’m making time to enjoy it now!
I made this iced latte with regular old cow’s milk but I did add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some bourbon vanilla paste, which definitely upped the anti on the richness and the strong vanilla notes. It was still very custard-y though with that signature sweet and eggy undertone and hint of warming spices that pushes this matcha past being just a cream flavour and more into its namesake. It was a nice afternoon pick-me-up!
Friendly reminder that I do not numerically rate DAVIDsTEA blends as I’m currently employed there and it would be an obvious conflict of interest. Any blends you see with numerical ratings were rated prior to my employment there. These reviews are a reflection of my personal thoughts and feelings regarding the teas, and not the company’s.
I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned this here on Steepster yet, but we recently made the decision to make this a core tea – something that pleases me greatly both personally and professionally because not only do I feel like this is a type of profile missing in our year-round assortment but it’s also one of the teas I’ve gotten to develop that most heavily overlaps with my own flavour preferences. I’ve been drinking it a lot, and I just think that the bright lemon curd note with the super creamy finish is that perfect balance of fresh and lively fruits with that decadent twist. And it just seems to fit so many different moods.
Friendly reminder that I do not numerically rate DAVIDsTEA blends as I’m currently employed there and it would be an obvious conflict of interest. Any blends you see with numerical ratings were rated prior to my employment there. These reviews are a reflection of my personal thoughts and feelings regarding the teas, and not the company’s.
Gongfu!
Brewed up an oldie but a goodie today with this white tea – call it optimistically channeling good weather for the week ahead. This is such a lovely white tea with a really soft and creamy liquor. I’ve been enjoying really taking my time and being slow with this tea session, using it as a moment to re-center myself after an especially long feeling week. As I steep I get notes of cucumber pulp, sugary green melon, and honeycomb candies with a long lingering brown sugar sweetness in the aftertaste. Very fresh and light despite the more decadent leaning tasting notes noted throughout brewing…
In the last few years I’ve really slowed down the amount of straight white tea that I’m purchasing because, as much as I love this tea type, it’s just something that I reach for really infrequently. On top of that, when I do buy a straight white tea it’s now almost always compressed for ease of storage – teas like this one which have such a light density just take up too much storage volume. Buuuutt there’s something really special about this tea, and it’s making me wonder if this more practical shift in purchasing patterns has led me to miss out on some other hidden gems. I will be pondering that this weekend, and the next time I see a company I love release a similar, non-compressed white tea like this one I’ll have to take that into consideration!!
Tea Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5bvsutOk2r/?img_index=1
Song Pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3FO46D1dqs
Gongfu!
Yes, I know it’s not typical to brew a Darjeeling gongfu, but it actually worked out very nicely. And experimentation is fun.
I drank this while rereading some of my favourite poems from my friend yogateapoetry’s debut collection of poetry, “What Will People Say.” I’ve read through her work about twice now – once straight through and once more broken up into pieces. One thing I haven’t done yet is explore any of the well thought out tea pairings that Taniya has curated for the different parts in the sections, and I thought it was about time that I did so.
I don’t want to spoil anything too heavily for anyone who hasn’t read/finished the book yet, but Darjeeling is the pairing suggested for the final part of the collection – which is why I’m drinking this first flush Darjeeling blend this afternoon. It’s approachable and soothing for a Darjeeling with really minimal astringency; with that said it still had some of the hallmark tasting notes such as gentle florals, a crisp mineral finish and that rich, clean and earthy note of cooling petrichor. It feels like a fresh breath of mountain air on a cool morning, and in many ways that in and of itself feels is something I associate with the sensation of being light and unburdened. I think it’s a very fitting pairing for the poems in this section, and it’s honestly really enhanced my read-through.
If you haven’t checked out yogateapoetry’s debut work yet I would HIGHLY recommend it. It’s even National Poetry Month, so you really can’t ask for a better excuse than that. And read it with a good cup of tea. Seriously.
Tea Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5eMVonOx-G/?img_index=1
Song Pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDHxNmJtqno
Friendly reminder that I do not numerically rate DAVIDsTEA blends as I’m currently employed there and it would be an obvious conflict of interest. Any blends you see with numerical ratings were rated prior to my employment there. These reviews are a reflection of my personal thoughts and feelings regarding the teas, and not the company’s.
I got this pack for free and I’ve been wanting to get this review out. Here we go:
Jasmine Bi Luo Chun(3-Scent):
Jasmine flowers inside the tea. The first steep was very floral, but the jasmine scent from the second steep was significantly weaker. The Bi Luo Chun flavor later came to be much more prominent than the jasmine flavor. Still very pleasant.
Jasmine Mao Jian(5-Scent):
Favorite among family members. Shinny dry leaves, the green tea base has a sweetness that’s almost pastry like. Jasmine lasted significantly longer than the Bi Lou chun but the floral flavor isn’t the strongest from this pack. The green tea did not have the savory profile many Chinese green has, it is not quite vegetal. Hydrated leaves are 0.5-1 inches long.
Jasmine Zhen Wang(7-Scent):
Furry long leaves, very perfumy. The jasmine scent is sharp and very in your face. I think part of the fragrance and sweetness is from the tea base, there’s a juicy, vegetal quality to it. This tea handles brewing very well, one time I reused the same leaves for three days and the tea still came out flavorful. If you want to make jasmine milk tea this will be able to take the milk. Hydrated leaves are roughly 1-1.5 inches long.
Jasmine Bai Hao(9-Scent):
Fur on buds, very uniformed, extremely clean. I expected this to be the strongest from the sample pack but the Zhen Wang was much more potent than Bai Hao. I would describe the drinking experience of this one as “sipping on flower water.” There is no astringency, bitterness, or other unpleasant flavors from the white tea, it’s very delicate. Hydrated leaves are roughly 1 inch long and have a very faint mung bean scent on top of the jasmine.
I think this pack will please everybody. The uncles and aunties, the ABCs/ABGs/ABBs, the boba addicts, the Chinese restaurant lovers, the moms, it’s a crowd winner. If you are drinking this yourself this is A LOT of jasmine. I’ve been sharing it with people lol
sold for $39.99
Enjoyed this paired with some sweet maple candies (it’s the end of sugar shack season)! It’s dark and roasty with that perfect combination of toasted brown rice and nuts with golden grains. The maple is rich and decadent and blends in seamlessly with all the warming, cozy flavours. It’s a hug in a teacup!!
Tea Photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5gwBTdOGJG/
Song Pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHvYuDzfzp0
Gongfu!
Sipped on this while working from home this afternoon! I think it was the memories of warm and cozy caramelized orchard fruits that I remembered from past sessions with this tea that were calling out to me today, and this stunning Thai oolong delivered. Though it tastes a steep or two to settle into its own, this gorgeous amber coloured liquor has a soothing mix of poached pear, quince jam, and caramelized baked apple notes with subtle cinnamon, nutmeg, and the spice undertones. Very, very smooth with a medium body and a finish that tastes of rich, dark woods and incense. So fragrant and honestly very forgiving while steeping, which is kind of the best case scenario for a work from home tea. I was able to stretch this session out and enjoy it throughout most of the afternoon!
Tea Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5jhU-OumQ9/?img_index=1
Song Pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkrFCQrK0wo
If you haven’t yet checked out iteaworld (either their company or tea) I highly suggest you do both. Anne has been kind enough to supply me with a sample of this tea as well as some others and I really am impressed with many different facets of this company. I also decided to do an unboxing video on tiktok.
I highly suggest sticking to the suggested infusion time in order to fully enjoy all the tea has to offer without worrying about ruining it. The bitter tannins will punch you in the face.
Update: I’ve opened the second package of this one. I’ve only tried two of the teas so far and for some reason, this was calling out my name again. I’ve raised the score on this because I don’t think I appreciated the flavors the first time as much. In the west we’ve become so acclimated to teas that steep in bags or steep longer that steeping for seconds is something that takes a while to master. This is a good tea for that type of practice.
Dry leaf: Twisted tightly with some slight curl. The aroma isn’t quite as strong as I was hoping but there is some lingering hay and veggie notes.
Wet leaf: Still twisted with the first infusion but slowly opening. Aroma of stone fruits and veggies and a very slight hint of camphor.
Flavor: Very vegetal. Fresh asparagus, cooked green beans. These are prevalent in each of the three infusions I’ve done thus far. Only the first showed the strongest notes of stone fruit and slight cream.
Please do go check out this tea and more here: (https://iteaworld.com/products/chinese-tea-sampler?ref=ay9eddnn
(Couldn’t get a picture to load as I added this tea, but there’s only a picture of the label on the website anyway.)
I always associate chai with fall and winter weather, but Nashville Tea Company has brightened and lightened their blend to make it spring-appropriate. Cinnamon first, then the lemongrass, then the remaining spices. It takes a very long and neglectful steep quite well, and is a nice warmer-upper on a rainy morning.
Ashmanra’s sipdown challenge – April 2024 Tea #2 – A tea that comes in a special shape
I think the only “special shape” teas I have at the moment are tuochas. I’m trying the sunflower tuocha in this old sampler again, because the last time,for some reason, regretfully, I used two tuochas for a mug. I don’t know why! Because trying it again, this tuocha is PERFECT. It must be a “golden leaf” because there is a lot of lightness here to the leaf. I also love the massive biscuity scent wafting from the drenched leaves. The flavor even on the first steep is deep and delicious. Wow. Sweet, biscuit, syrup, rich. This is the ripe I love. Again, I bet age is helping this one. The third steep is a little weaker in flavor, but still decent. The fourth steep, I wouldn’t bother with again. I’d rather just go for a long third steep. But this is entirely forgivable as the initial flavor is so good. It’s a quick unraveller! The rating for this sunflower wrapper tuocha would be a 94. If anyone has any old tuochas left from older Mandala sampler sets that they don’t want, let me know, as I would love to gratefully rehome them!
Steep #1 // 1 tuocha for full mug // 22 minutes after boiling // rinse // 2 minute steep
Steep #2 // 10 minutes after boiling // 3 min
Steep #3 // just boiled // 3 min
Steep #4 // just boiled // 10+ min
the sun came out today, and this tea is reminding me of when I’d sit down in the sun with my grandmother
We wouldn’t drink tea or anything, it was too hot for that, but the smell of the air is exactly what this tastes like
hot wheat from the fields, with something sweet mixed in; the unquestionable scent of rural settings
grief gets easier with time, but it gets harder as well
Flavors: Honey, Wheat
Preparation
What a lovely memory you have! I wish I had had grandparents in my life. I hope my grandchildren will have some nice memory of me for when they are grown.
I agree about grief. When we bought a house next door to my mother, my heart ached horribly missing my father who had died five years earlier, and that was when the grief was the worst. I thought of all the things we would have done together as neighbors, like planting tomatoes and building the fire in winter. I still miss him!
Ashmanra (may I call you Ash?), I bet your grandchildren will have wonderful memories of you! <3
As my grandma used to say, you are two times their mother ;)
(now he may not plant tomatoes with you, but you can plant them for him, in his honor; what would summer be without fresh, home-grown tomatoes?)
Sofia – I don’t mind if you call me Ash, but that is actually my husband and I am RA! That is even shorter so you can call me that! :)
My dad would be so proud of our tomato crops! We always have lots. We are not so great with cucumbers, but this year we are going all out and planting beans and peas as well. We always have herbs and usually sweet peppers, too. I am looking forward to gardening this year as we have added space.
it’s always great to have herbs! Just not mint, everyone I know who has planted mint now has a mint problem
(sorry for using the wrong name, RA!)
I have heard that about mint! The only time I grew it was decades ago and it was in a raised bed and it didn’t really thrive. My oregano is trying to behave like mint, so when extra plants come up from seed I dig them up and share them with fellow gardeners. The bees just adore it!
We have so many tree roots in our yard, we even killed off mint when we tried planting it in the ground. However, it thrives in our container garden and tries to sneak into the other pots.
Banana peppers do well in a large container, but on a whim, I’m also trying one red bell pepper plant this year. We’ll see.
Summertime. A charcoal grill smoldering on a freshly mown lawn. Weed-whacking big, hearty, thick-stemmed weeds. Ripe peaches, dandelion, cold bacon, tomato vine in the hot sun. White nectarine, fire pit ashes. A long lingering tang of plum skins, sun baked grass, and vanilla. Tomato water, flowering pear tree, and yellow cherries. Becomes more like a white tea with each steep. A hot summer afternoon. A beautiful memory.
Flavors: Charcoal, Floral, Grass, Peach, Plum, Smoke
Preparation
Not a bad tea per se, but the roast is certainly too dark for me. Really distinct smokey, charcoal notes, especially after a few infusions. Too much for me.
Flavors: Charcoal, Nutty, Roasted, Smoke, Smoked
Preparation
Surprisingly sweet for a roasted oolong, muted fruit notes like plum or tamarind. Not to much in the way of the charcoal-y smokey notes you can sometimes get from roasted teas, which is welcome.
Update: Changed my gong fu brewing to 95 degrees Celsius and 4g instead of 3g per 100mL – brew was great! Would definitely reccomend.
Flavors: Honey, Nutty, Pear, Plum, Roasted, Tamarind
Preparation
Sipdown. Tea club
I did not like this tea all that much, which is unfortunate because I usually like white2tea’s black teas. I drank this western style for the entire 50g bag.
Faint peach flavor. Very easy to over steep, sometimes woody. Not a very robust tea and easy to make unpleasant. When it was a decent cup, it didn’t have a lot of flavor.
Flavors: Peach, Woody
Sipdown 37 – 2024
Didd not expect how reddish brown this steep would be, considering how green the dry leaf is. This smells so unique – spinachy, but also really floral (like lilac). Super umami broth. Like a veggie stew.
Flavors: Artichoke, Lilac, Mushrooms, Spinach, Umami
