Applevania

A is for…Applevania

Will starting my notes like that get annoying? Perhaps. But so far having a day devoted to a letter of the alphabet seems like a fun way to pick teas.

Grabbed this one out because the other A options were another almond rooibos, assams, or a more recent blend. This just worked for what I wanted at the time.

This tea throws me because it’s distinctly apple but not green apple like I expect it to be. Instead it’s a sweeter apple, though not overly sweet. The base oolong isn’t overly floral but does come off slightly that way when paired with the apple. It also gives it a baked apple sort of vibe but as if someone did that without adding sugar. It can also be slightly metallic at times but not consistently.

March Sipdown Madness

Time for the second face off in my March Sipdown tournament – inspired by Mastress Alita! This time, by random draw, I have two oolongs facing off against each other. This one is going up against Adagio’s Fujian Rain…

I think I mentioned it in my last tasting note for this tea, but when I purchased this I was really expecting more of a bright green apple note. Instead, this is a strongly baked apple tasting flavour – but honestly I think that actually compliments the toastier nutty and slight honey notes of its oolong base. It’s a super simple blend, but in its simplicity I find a lot of comfort. It makes for a really good “daily drinker” or more casual cuppa to reach for because, y’know, you don’t always need something fancy or punchy.

However, for reasons I’ll elaborate on in the Fujian Rain tasting note, I ultimately crowned Fujian Rain the winner of this match up. It was a verrrrryyy hard choice to make though!