576 Tasting Notes

97

This came as a free sample with my most recent order…and let me tell you, ordering online at Teavana is so much easier than entering the gauntlet in the mall.

Hadn’t tried this before, but loved it the moment I ripped open the package. It smells “happy,” – like Sunny D (orange, citrus-y bliss). I’m trying to cut down on caffeine during the afternoon, so this low-caffeine treat fit the bill. I notice that they add the rock sugar to the samples. I like that you can put the sugar in with the tea in the tea-sac bag so it blends more properly. There is a minty flavor on the edge of the aftertaste. Very pleasant, mint & citrus.

I’m drinking this hot, but I bet it’s even more amazing iced. Love the slight fruity flavor too… mango and pineapple. A tropical slice of heaven.

Bethany

I agree that it is WAYYY easier to order online. All the salespeople at the store at my mall (expect for one) are so entirely pushy that it makes me not ever want to step foot in there again.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

78

This is an interesting blend for me. Hot? Didn’t care for it at all, not even with a bit of sweetener to balance the lemon tartness. Cooled down (because I let it sit out while I attended a meeting)? Delicious! I taste ginger-y lemonade, with just a smidge of hibiscus. (I see you fellow Hibiscus Haters cringing, but it’s honestly not bad.)

I think I just need more time with this, to develop a deeper appreciation for the lemonade twist. Work with me, Jinjaa. I’m not giving up just yet!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

83

I am speechless. This tea is beyond amazing! I’m not super surprised; I love both Blueberry Bliss and Strawberry Lemonade, so of course I’d like the blend. I was worried it would be too tart, so I did add some Sun Crystals and I think that does the trick! The tartness is balanced by the sweetness, I think. (Of course I’m addicted to sugar…so I may be slightly biased.)

I’m going to resteep the leaves, which is what I’d do with the strawberry lemonade… And I bet this tastes just as kick-ass iced. I’ll have to try that at home. In fact I’m bringing this home from work to enjoy in the comfort of my own home…and away from any coworkers who may want to share. ;)

Fairyfli

I love this iced so good it is almost like fruit juice!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

96

If you know me well, you know about my love affair with chais – and this one is getting filed under “Best Oolong Variety.” I love the medley of spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom…and I swear allspice, although I checked and it’s not listed as an ingredient. No matter.

As with most chais, I believe sweetener enhances the spicy flavorings, so I added a Sun Crystals packet. I know many drink chais with milk, but I don’t enjoy milk with anything as I’m allergic to an enzyme in it. I do enjoy a chai latte with soy milk every once in a while, but I really think this would be better off with little added to it.

This oolong hits the spot! Yums!

Preparation
5 min, 0 sec

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

95
drank Chai Tea by Tea District
576 tasting notes

I’m out of my Teavana Chai blend, so I’m waiting (im)patiently for my order. This is a great alternative – I love the spices and mixed with a sweetener (Sun Crystals) does wonders for the flavors as well. I don’t add milk to my chai; I’m allergic to some enzymes in dairy, plus I like it better that way.

Please see other notes. This is another fave!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

100

I love, love, love this one! I haven’t had it in a while – didn’t want to run right through the tin – but opted for it this morning. So glad I did. The strawberry flavor tastes real (not like an additive, or artificial flavor) and is real strong.

Please see other notes – this is one of my faves. :)

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

68
drank White Christmas by Stash Tea
576 tasting notes

First off, I have the bagged variety, and I know there is a difference.

Secondly, this isn’t too bad. I taste a nice medley of ginger and peppermint…but it makes me think of pine & evergreen… Maybe it’s just the power of suggestion with “Christmas.”

Overall, this is a nice cuppa – something I would choose over, say, plain black teas, but not one I would go out of my way to buy.

NOTE: I also steeped this for the length of the cup, which I tend to do with bagged varieties; there’s a stronger flavor and essence when I do that.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

100

Just using up the rest of this… so I can buy more…

Please see other notes. This is a cupboard staple! :)

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

100

Love this one. Reminds me of California (my hometown is San Diego, and once I become a famous writer, me and the hubby are buying two one-way tickets there). Fresh apricots and a bit of spice for the chai.

Sigh. I always miss home around the holidays. Decorating a palm trees, spraying fake snow on the windows…

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

89

Backlogging –
OK not my fave of the holiday seasonings but I do enjoy at least one cup of this a year. I love the cinnamon and nutmeg undertones. Mom had one so I tried it out. Not my fave, but not bad either. I steeped for the length of the cup, as I tend to do with CS teas.

Mom doesn’t have Sugar Plum Spice… stocking stuffer idea! :)

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

Profile

Bio

Hello fellow tea fans!
I’ve been a tea enthusiast for years but just recently started brewing my own. I’ve created some blends, and enjoy researching about new teas. I combined my love of tea and writing to create a tea-devoted blog, Keen Tea Thyme. I have been writing for most of my life and am a former journalist with a degree in Communications and Social Psychology, and a minor in Writing. Journalism is in my blood, so that means I’m inquisitive by nature, will double-check sources and/or get a second opinion as needed, but also fair and balanced in my reviews. If my reviews seem more positive, energetic and have high ratings, it’s because I love tea. :)

If you are a tea company, I’d love to review some your tea! Free samples are always welcome so I can fully enjoy the freshest selections. I’m also open to tea swaps as I always have too many teas on hand to drink & would love to share with other tea enthusiasts! :)

My Simple Rating Scale (as of Feb. 2011)
>50: I’m NOT a fan. I could barely finish the cup, if I even did. I wouldn’t even recommend this to my worst enemy. Not worth my time nor yours.

51-65: Good aroma, good flavor. Just nothing pops to give the tea that special kick. Recommended to try; our tasting palates differ.

66-79: Yes, finally, tea – unique flavor profiles, great aroma & flavor. Recommended to try; our tasting palates differ.

80-99: These are cupboard essentials – delicious, aromatic and perfect everyday teas. Re-steepable (beyond at least one steeping). Highly recommended, fun for all ages.

100: These are my favorites, the ones I would take with me if stranded on a desert island. Beyond Highly Recommended.

Just Launched: Keen Tea Thyme @ Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KeenTeaThyme

Check out my shop at Tea Trade:
http://keenteathyme.teatra.de/

Be “keen” on tea at Keen Tea Thyme, my blog:
http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com/
Reviews, blogs, tea leaf readings, puzzles, contests and more.

And check out some of my blends from Adagio:
Toasted Marshmallow
http://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=15394&sid=0349b21a92100a51134eea7fc2b52f2d&scrollTop=0

Vampire Lemonade
http://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=15766&SID=01971e73a2cbaa7c0b09962b355fdeb8

If you have a signature blend you’d like me to try, we can swap teas! PM me for details! :)

Happy Brewing! :)

Location

Frederick, MD

Website

http://keenteathyme.blogspot....

Following These People

Moderator Tools

Mark as Spammer