1429 Tasting Notes

90

52teas 12 Teas of Christmas 2023 – Day 7

OMG, this got reblended?! Weeping Angels taste like pure nostalgia — viciously bittersweet, and filtered through a set of warm, buttery caramel tinted glasses. It’s a full experience.

The flavour profile here is pretty true to my memories of Frank’s version(s) of this tea (I actually like this version a tad better, if my memory is close to accurate). It’s a pleasantly brisk, tannic, and nippy cup — with lodes of buttery caramel (because something about this tea also reminds me of mining and rocks. Also maybe licking those rocks because apparently I do that without question if prompted by tour guides who think they’re funny). It’s maybe a rougher cousin to Butterbeer (mmm, Anne also perfected that blend).

If salt wasn’t already present I’d be tempted to sprinkle some in so I could really recapture that salt mine experience I had in Poland (That’s where I licked the rock wall. I’m only moderately embarrassed about it now). Salt * Caramel is deliciously perfect.

Weeping Angels was one of my first encounters with 52teas (back when Frank ran it). It, like many other of his blends, was initially tricky for me to work with because the base teas were often bolder and brisker than I was used to at that time. Less (leaf, steep time), is more for both old and new Weeping Angels blends. Letting the cup cool down for 10-15 minutes, really makes the buttery sweet profile pop as well.

Anyways, it’s nice to have this tea in the same year David Tennant returns for Doctor Who specials. I didn’t have any of that on my 2023 bingo sheet, but I’m delighted it happened. Fantastic reblend!

Steep Count: 3

Flavors: Brisk, Butter, Butterscotch, Caramel, Caramelized Sugar, Creamy, Dark Bittersweet, Kettle Corn, Malt, Rich, Salt, Sweet, Tannic, Toffee, Wet Rocks, Woody

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 3 min, 0 sec
ashmanra

Yaaaaaaay! I am so glad you get to experience an old favorite tea again and even better this time around!

Crowkettle

:)

I believe the first time I tried this tea was also around the time I had my first 52teas 12 Days of Christmas. Looking at old notes, I see I had it in time for the beginning of 2013, just in time for Dr. Who specials, and again 11 months later as part of the 2013 Christmas advent (it was day 7 too!).

Thanks for refining this one and taking me down memory lane, Anne!

52Teas

@Crowkettle – I’m so happy that you enjoyed it!

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74

Dammann Frères Advent Calendar – Day 21

I don’t know what made Dammann Frères decide that anise should be the dominant flavour of “Manhattan.” It’s a mystery.

When I’m feeling icky, I love anise (not licorice) so was glad to see this familiar tea this morning. Pairing it with a couple almonds, apple slices, leftover popcorn, and a steamed bun also brings out certain aspects of this tea – it’s butter, apple, and chestnut notes. The chestnut is like a sweet yam today. It was good enough to steep twice (and the anise toned down).

Flavors: Anise, Apple, Butter, Candy, Chestnut, Citrus, Fruity, Maple, Sweet, Toasted Rice, Vegetal, Yams

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88
drank Banana Eggnog Oolong by 52teas
1429 tasting notes

52teas 12 Teas of Christmas 2023 – Day 8

Yes!!! This is a flavoured tea that feels tailor-made for me! It’s a unique twist on one of my favourites 52teas creations: Banana Oolong (which is green… so pleasantly green). I was admittedly a little worried when I could only smell banana when I sniffed that dry leaf, but once it’s steeped up it’s pure alchemy. Banana but also Eggnog. Eggnog but also Banana. If there is any spice it’s swallowed by the incomprehensible depth that is Banana-Eggnog Infinity Loop – at least in this initial tasting.

Second Steep was more banana-y but still deliciously creamy, silky, buttery, floral, and smooth indulgence.

Flavors: Banana, Butter, Creamy, Custard, Eggnog, Floral, Silky, Smooth, Vanilla

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Mariage Frères Advent Calendar – Day 10

I forgot to write a note for this one! It was pleasant – with an effervescent citrus quality to it. A refreshing and lively cup. One of the better “In Love” oolong blends.

Flavors: Bright, Citrus, Effervescent, Floral, Mineral, Smooth, Sweet, Vegetal

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drank Opera In Love by Mariage Frères
1429 tasting notes

Mariage Frères Advent Calendar – Day 18

Just like Habibi Rhapsody was the first in its respective collection to truly appeal to me, this blend also is the first to make me feel love in the “In Love” collection (Marais was also pretty good). Vanilla, Chocolate, Roses, Red Fruits – all on a black tea base… Collectively, it tastes like a rich, creamy, chocolate raspberry filled truffle. I polished off the pot way too quickly!

Flavors: Berries, Creamy, Floral, Milk Chocolate, Raspberry, Red Fruits, Rose, Sweet

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Mariage Frères Advent Calendar – Day 17

This might be the first of the Rhapsody teas that I actually enjoy. The signature hibiscus is toned down compared to others in the collection – allowing the gorgeous pairing of rose and lychee to shine through (always a winning couple in my book). A garnish of orange blossoms help emphasize the sweet floral notes of the blend and subtle base. Good choices were made here.

Flavors: Citrus, Floral, Fruity, Hibiscus, Lychee, Orange Blossom, Red Fruits, Rose, Sweet

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drank Chaï by Dammann Frères
1429 tasting notes

Dammann Frères Advent Calendar – Day 19

I steeped this directly in hot, frothy milk. It’s not as bold as my favourite chai (should’ve steeped it a little longer), but its still velvety, rich, and warming. I wasn’t paying enough attention to determine which spice was dominant; none of the spices really popped, and it generally tasted well balanced.

Flavors: Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Malt, Peppercorn, Silky, Smooth, Spicy, Woody

Preparation
5 min, 0 sec

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Dammann Frères Advent Calendar – Day 17

I enjoyed this one more than I have in past years. The cherry is working for me for a change (maybe I’m more receptive to cherry flavouring when I’m sick). Only minimal bubblegum this time, and more spiced hot punch too.

Flavors: Almond, Apple, Cherry, Cinnamon, Ginger, Grass, Orange, Spices, Spicy, Stewed Fruits, Sweet, Vanilla, Vegetal, Woody

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drank Lung Ching by Mariage Frères
1429 tasting notes

Mariage Frères Advent Calendar – Day 19

No, way. A Dragonwell?! I almost entirely forgive you for all past advent wrongs, Mariage Frères.

Truly, there’s not much I enjoy more than a Dragonwell tea. It’s what made me fall in love with green teas in the first place (I didn’t know green teas could be that good). I haven’t had one in my stash for way too long now and drinking this feels like a big, long overdue hug.

This offering is more floral (almost pollen) than I’m used to. It’s also characteristically nutty, silky, and pleasantly vegetable-sweet. It’s a stunning tea.

Flavors: Floral, Nutty, Pollen, Silky, Smooth, Sweet, Vegetables

gmathis

Dragonwell is definitely my favorite green, too.

Leafhopper

It’s a favourite of mine as well. Glad it showed up in your calendar. I’m surprised they carry such a nice version of it.

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52teas 12 Teas of Christmas 2023 – Day 5

This tea smells good. I picked up on the pear but got mulled red wine from this more than anything else; I was pretty sick and out of it yesterday though, so wasn’t paying too much attention. To be revisited soon to see if I can detect the pomegranate.

Flavors: Cinnamon, Fruity, Malt, Pear, Red Wine, Stewed Fruits

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Profile

Bio

I started my Steepster loose leaf adventure back in 2012. I can’t say I’m completely new anymore, but I still view oolong as a magical, extraterrestrial creature that unfurls in water.

My favourites are teas like Milk Oolong, Silver Needle,and Japanese Sencha/Gyokuro, or fruity and floral flavoured ones. However, I generally enjoy ALL the teas, including a good old cup of Earl Grey or Breakfast blend.

FAVOURITE INGREDIENTS/NOTES:

DESSERT FLAVOURS
Vanilla, Maple, Caramel, Butterscotch, Cream, Toffee, Nougat, Marzipan, Butter

FRUIT & BERRIES
Citrus Fruits, Passionfruit, Banana, Pineapple, Melons, Blackberry, Raspberry, Currants, Elderberry, Persimmon, Rhubarb..

SPICES
Ginger, Turmeric, Clove-forward chai, Cardamom

AROMATIC & HERBACEOUS NOTES
Sandalwood, Frankincense, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Mints

FLORALS
Lavender, Jasmine, Rose, Lilac, Violet, etc.

VEGGIE/GRAIN NOTES
Spinach, Grass, Hay, Cucumber, Rice, Sweet Potato

Less Preferred Flavours/Ingredients:
Stevia, Apple, Cocoa Nib, Almond, Licorice, Cinnamon-forward blends, Chinese Sencha

Subjective Rating System:
I don’t give a lot of low ratings out, since a) I tend to grab tea I know will appeal to me, and b) I don’t have a lot of strong dislikes.

90-100: Favourites. The Desert Island Teas.
80-89: Loved teas. Possibly staple-worthy.
70-79: Good teas, but I’m less likely to repurchase. Minor quibbles.
60-69: Ok teas. Likely a few preference and/or quality issues.
50-59: Cup of meh. Will do in a pinch.
11-49: Varying levels of undrinkable tea.
1-10: Nightmare tea from the chaos realms. This tea is the embodiment of the primordial swamp, an unholy abomination. It’s very gross and I’m almost positive it doesn’t exist.

Location

BC, Canada

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