Joy

As an unfortunate side effect of being bagged-and-boxed tea, it has a slightly cardboard taste amongst the rather more enjoyable darjeeling and oolong. As others have pointed out, it isn’t as complex or textured as it purports, but the notes are balanced and defined, with a pleasant, mild aroma of jasmine which belies the boldness of the mixed black teas. Not the best tea in the world, but I look forward to it in winter. Steeped lightly, it’s best on its own; if left longer for the black teas to develop, it is nice with a splash of soya milk – the soya milk has enough of its own flavour to stand up to the tea.

Not exciting, not terrible. It’s a pretty middle of the road blend that I probably won’t get a whole lot more of. But it was not bad. It’s just not what I had in mind when seeking out Christmas blends.

A little more green tea than I was expecting. Went well with some Earl Grey.

To be honest, this wasn’t half bad.
It steeped for a while and yet it was smooth.

It’s not strong, but it has a slight caffeine kick, like that of a can of coke.

If you’re wondering what size to get Starbucks for this tea, I’d recommend medium as it will make it less strong than the large with two bags. Eeeeeggghh.

Get some! It’s not bad as an afternoon to evening relaxing tea.

I didn’t realize this was a blend, otherwise I would have altered my steep a little. Nonetheless, I shall judge this as it is, and hopefully not be committing too much of a steeping sin as a result.

I was actually surprised by my first sip, as the waves of flavour seemed to hit me individually. I was expecting the richness of the black tea, but then there was a hit of something else, and then the lingering flavour of the oolong. Overall, it’s a little sweet, much better sipped than gulped, and apparently at its best while hot.

Mostly tasted like a black tea to me, with hints of floral and green tea notes. It was very pleasant and smelled nice. 6.5/10

This filter bag blend by Tazo includes a stout Assam-like black along with both oolong and green tea. As a result, it is somewhat challenging to get the right brew. Sometimes it seems closer to darjeeling; other times it may as well be a brisk breakfast blend. When I oversteep it (as I did today), it ends up looking rather close to Tazo Awake, and I add cream before drinking, but then it is not quite as satisfying as full-on rich and malty black tea taken that way.

A few years ago, this was a really excellent tea with nothing added. More recently, changes appear to have been made to the formula, with the result that it is no longer “foolproof” as it was before. In fact, it’s now easier to miss than to hit.

I’ll try the whole leaf version soon and report back…

Tough to make properly, but well worth it. Steep it too long and the black tea takes over. Too short a steeping time will leave it tasting like little more than weak green tea. If you can hit that sweet spot somewhere in the middle, it’s a well-rounded and interesting cuppa.

I get this about once a year, when they have it, at Starbucks. Some times it’s good, sometimes it’s not as good. This one is particularly hit or miss for me. This year it’s too bitter and strong. I suspect that’s a combination of too many tea bags for the water and too long of a steep. Oh well. After this one I’ll have something tastier!

It’s interesting. I haven’t yet found the exact ideal brewing time and temperature, but I think that once I do, it will be enjoyable enough for a bagged tea.