1363 Tasting Notes
This is a silly old note that was originally posted to the Caramel page. Just moving it here!
Coconut, distinctive level flavoring. One pound package. Free shipping sucked me in again. No regrets, though, because the sugary deliciousness of this burns with the intensity of 1000 suns. I will never get a green tea frappe from Starbucks again (that statement is almost definitely a lie).
I made this up as a warm latte, with one tablespoon of powder and about a cup of frothed soy milk. I didn’t sift or whisk anything up although I superstitiously stirred with a spoon a few times in a halfhearted manner. There was no debris at the bottom so I figure I got away with it.
I’ve tried the regular coconut matcha from Red Leaf at a robust level, and wasn’t particularly won over by the whole sunscreen on the beach vibe. It turned out to be an excellent flavour here, however; it’s a lot lighter on the senses than the robust coconut matcha. This is exactly how I like my coconut- creamy, thick, and light, with a good dash of sweetness to boot. One pound will likely not last too long.
My invoice says I ordered Caramel but the package label and it’s powdery green contents clearly say Coconut. I’m not phased by this whatsoever, and wasn’t fully invested in caramel anyways.
Edit: looking back, I never thought my mother would get so attached to this blend! It’s the only thing she asked for Christmas so it must be good..
I think I got a lot of ginger pieces in my steeper today, and I’m picking up more toffee “nut bread” notes than I usually do. It’s a different spin on my favourite strawberry butter spread in a cup, but just as good.
Words cannot describe how much I love this tea but I’m still falling asleep trying to read this article (It’s on spirit possession/mass hysteria in Malay factories and schools). I’m not impressed with my mental stamina right now. This little essay needs to get done! I guess I need a few more cups..
Preparation
I put off opening my two sample packets of this because Lapsang Souchong is a mood tea for me, and I wanted to be in the best state of mind to appreciate it. I shouldn’t have worried.
I poured boiling water over the leaves before I realized the label says 195F, so I steeped for only 30 seconds instead of 1-2 minutes. It came out gently sweet and smokey, and whispering of pines.
I’m looking forward to drinking the rest up this week. It’s funny, out of all the teas in my black tea sample pack I didn’t think this would be the one I would want to reorder. This and the organic silver needle so far! :)
Rating: 90’s, 90’s for everyone!!!!
Preparation
Oh, boy! I made this at double strength, with two spoonfuls in one of David’s Perfect Mugs. I steeped it for a shorter time than normal but the cinnamon still came out strong today! It cleansed my throat out like mint.
This is quite pleasant and steeped nicely in the almond milk (my new favourite thing). Thanks, Jackie T, for the sample.
Preparation
I didn’t think the white wolf would be such a soft tea. I was expecting the mint and anise to nip, but it’s so fluffy!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8EFVDq0crs
Mint, anise, and vanilla are all well-balanced here, forming a fresh and sweet beverage. There’s a hint of smoky spice creeping into the finish that I’m enjoying. It’s almost musky. The delicate white peony base is powdered over by those wispy ingredient notes but I get glimpses of gentle lemon and melon fruit profiles under the surface.
I feel like I’m wrapped up in a warm fuzzy blanket at my parents place, looking out of the solarium window after a snowfall. The back of that house overlooks a canyon/creek and all the tall pines! When the sun starts to set the lights from the house 100 meters across the ravine from us become visible. With snow, everything becomes so quiet and it seems even farther away.
Long story short- this tea makes me feel nostalgic, romantic, and cozy. I’m glad I have lots and lots of this tea, because this is totally my thing.
And to think I bought it solely for the association with wolves, and the suggestion of cedar, which there’s little to none of. I thought the lack of cedar would disappoint me but it doesn’t!
Preparation
I couldn’t resist the look of that White Wolf blend any longer and finally caved in a few weeks back. So here I am now, with so much white tea, and even more yellow tissue paper. I’ve never seen a tea parcel look more like a birthday present! This tea was generously included as a free sample.
Anyways, how does it taste? Lavender, lavender, lavender, melon, white grapefruit, garlic-onion.. whoops! That last one is coming from the aftertaste of my exquisite tuna-mayo-garlic-green onion lunch mix. Come on, I know you’re all jealous of my fabulous meal (a container of mouthwash couldn’t fix this).
That lavender is definitely the dominant note in this one, but I don’t feel it gets soapy. It blends into everything extremely well, actually (including the tuna onions). It creates soothing “spa-like notes”, and something almost nutty and juicy mid sip. I could see me wanting a nice cup of this during the rainy spring season.
Edit: I enjoyed the cooled down second steep even more than the first. The lavender takes on a sweet minty quality, and lemon/white grapefruit notes pop out. Yes, this is a good tea with fish.
Preparation
Boiling water, 4 minutes 30 seconds, no milk or sugar.
Ah, I haven’t had a lot of plain black teas lately and didn’t realize how much I needed this! Malt, honey, and some raisins- I missed you! Token astringent bite, I missed you less! If I let my imagination run away with me I can taste caramel and cocoa, but I think I may be overexcited.
Thanks, Heather, for giving me your last cup’s worth yesterday! Also, an indirect thanks to Cavocorax for sending her this sample in the first place.
You know what sucks? Fire alarm testing day in apartments.
Preparation
Awful, especially if you’ve got work to do. One of my student ‘experiences’ was in this building that had so many false alarms the fire department wouldn’t come for what seemed like hours. Thankfully I lived near lots of cafes and restaurants amenable to students.
Thanks Cavocorax for these many sessions of strawberry marshmallow goodness! I was curious about this one.
This blend isn’t bad, and I really like the sweet creamy notes that come out later. The pineapple throws me off a little, however. I don’t think I like hot citrus pineapple; maybe I should use the last bit for an iced brew.
Preparation
This one was originally from OMGsrsly. I’m sending the last few cups off to Heather today so I guess I should get around to trying some!
I love the sugary-sweet and malty aroma of this one. The main notes to me are vanilla, caramel, and cocoa, with a touch of astringent sharpness. Huh, I wasn’t expecting to like this one! I’m not sure I get tamarind, but I like the sharp burnt sugar notes and citrus rind that I do taste.
The experience reminds me of unsweetened dark chocolate. I should probably add a little sugar to see if I get something different but I’m too lazy, and I ’m ok with this as it is right now.
Edit: TeaEqualsBliss, and Cavocorax both mentioned Cream Soda- Yes! Especially as it cools. The tamarind is starting to come out too. Fun tea.
Preparation
Did I? Ha. I don’t remember, but maybe I should grab an oz some time! I think I just had a little sample of it so wasn’t sure what to think.
I noticed that nobody is mentioning Stacy’s contest. People should vote for the tea they want to win. (I can’t remember last year’s winner, duh! Old age!)
Yes! I’m excited about that contest. I check it every few hours (because that’s more productive and appealing than research). :P
Two scoops of matcha, two scoops of soy protein powder, a bit of fresh ginger, and a cup of cranberry juice. Can’t really taste the matcha but this contraption is good- nutty, sweet, and tart. It’s almost creamy too. It makes up for not having a banana (or any fresh fruit) in the apartment right now.
Normally, this is a nice, mild flavour, even though it’s Robust. the nutty hemp blends into the natural notes of the green matcha well. I’m not sure this is something I would get again but it’s a pleasant flavour.
Edit: I had 3 scoops this again today in a smoothie with pear, ginger, lemon, cranberry juice, and a little soy protein for fizz. I’m down to my last scoop.. almost time to buy more matcha!
This is the first time I’ve ever tried anything with Hemp in it, so I don’t know how it compares, but this doesn’t taste strange. To me it tastes like normal green matcha with a few extra dimensions filled out.
I’m curious to see how that and the raspberry(?) one work out for you :)
I’m thinking of going with cheesecake, pumpkin pie, more caramel, and french vanilla/maple syrup but can’t decide on the flavour level.
The raspberry & whatever one was tasty, but I can still barely taste. The pineapple is just so strong it sits there on the counter and the smell seeks out my nose! I’d probably get the lowest flavour option for most, if not all, of them.
Raspberry and cream is definitely good. I want to try the strawberry and champagne one (apparently they have either strawberry or champagne now). And black cherry. And sea buckthorn. I’m going after all the fruity flavours for some reason.
Haha I remember reading this ages ago, but the “burns with the intensity of 1000 suns” made me laugh again this morning. I really need to order this one, but I am so out of control with ordering lately.
This is my favorite Matchaccino flavor so far. SO GOOD!
Seeing this, it makes me want a coconut matchaccino RIGHT NOW! I suppose I can wait till I get home. :)
If only my mother hadn’t consumed the whole bag in the last few months.. Hopefully more arrives tomorrow (I’m also out of control with ordering right now)! :)
LOL. My mom just steals my plain blacks and puerhs. :)