1013 Tasting Notes
2025 TTB #27
I suspect there are essential oils in this blend, as the dry leaf is very shiny and almost wet-looking. The orange scent is strong, sweet, and slightly artificial…more like those orange slice candies than actual oranges. That’s also the primary flavor I taste, though there is a floral sweetness that comes through in the aftertaste that I assume is the honey. Overall, this tea is quite unique in my experience. It’s not something I see myself drinking often, but I would absolutely drink it again and I’m very happy to have tried it!
Flavors: Artificial, Candy, Floral, Honey, Orange, Sweet
Preparation
2025 TTB #26
This was a very light, fruity black tea with an almost wine-like flavor and aroma. It had a smooth mouthfeel, but just a touch of bitterness came through in the aftertaste. A Darjeeling aficionado might really enjoy this one, but I like my black teas to have a bit more oomph.
Flavors: Bitter, Fruity, Smooth, White Wine
Preparation
2025 TTB #25
Orange and lavender is such an interesting combination! I smelled the orange more than I tasted it and the lavender was a bit strong for my preference. I also found the base tea to be a bit astringent; maybe it would have benefitted from a shorter steep? All in all, not my favorite, but it was still a fun blend to try.
Flavors: Astringent, Floral, Lavender, Orange
Preparation
2025 TTB #24
I usually drink my Earl Grey with milk, so I automatically added some to this cup. Sadly, I think that was the wrong call. There’s supposed to be orange and vanilla and bergamot in this blend, but all I tasted was the rose petals. And I gotta say…milky rose perfume is really not the greatest flavor combination.
Flavors: Floral, Perfume, Rose, Smooth
Preparation
2025 TTB #23
This didn’t really taste like tiramisu, but it did have a pleasant, light chocolate and vanilla flavor, with the hojicha adding a bit of nuttiness and depth.
Flavors: Chocolate, Nutty, Smooth, Vanilla
Preparation
2025 TTB #22
After the aggressive “berry” chai this morning, this one is a welcome reprieve! Mostly, this is a beautiful fluffy white tea, almost effervescent on the palate with sweet notes of warm hay. I get just a whisper of strawberry in the sip and then a hint of marshmallow in the aftertaste. I’m enjoying it hot, but I think it would also be lovely iced!
Flavors: Hay, Marshmallow, Smooth, Strawberry, Sweet
Preparation
2025 TTB #21
I don’t recall having tried a fruity chai before. In theory, I could see it working…something like a cinnamon-spiced berry crumble? But this one didn’t do it for me, sadly. Both beetroot and hibiscus are bringing a lot of berry-red color but an unfortunate tartness and earthiness that is overwhelming whatever berry flavor might be here. And the spices are very light for a chai…just a whisper of cinnamon and ginger, mostly in the aftertaste.
Flavors: Beetroot, Cinnamon, Earthy, Ginger, Hibiscus, Tart
Preparation
2025 TTB #20
I definitely tasted both the lemon and the lime, but nothing about this blend was saying “cheesecake” for me. The honeybush did add a bit of natural sweetness, but nothing tangy or rich or creamy. But once I got over my disappointment about the missing cheesecake note, it was a lovely bright, fruity cuppa! I think it would be even better iced.
Flavors: Fruity, Lemon, Lime, Sweet
Preparation
2025 TTB #19
I’m not sure if this sample was contaminated or if I’m just tasting something that isn’t there, but this had a distinct smoky flavor to me. Beneath the smoke, definitely some cocoa notes…almost a s’mores flavor if I use my imagination a bit!
Flavors: Cocoa, Dark Wood, Smoke
Preparation
2025 TTB #18
Labeled: “Apple Jack Festival” from Ellen’s Tea House
This blend has a STRONG green apple aroma/flavor that reminded me of Jolly Ranchers! There’s just a hint of cinnamon that comes through in the aftertaste. I brewed it like a black tea, but it tasted more like a green tea; very light and smooth. I think it would better iced.
Flavors: Artificial, Cinnamon, Green Apple, Smooth, Sweet
