961 Tasting Notes
Overboard TTB #2
So apparently I was in a maple mood this week! This one wasn’t bad, but it didn’t hold a candle to the one from David’s Tea that I tried yesterday. It did have a pleasant maple flavor along with a hint of nuttiness, but I mostly tasted the strong black base. It was also a bit astringent. If I had this tea again, I would try it with milk…but I think for now I’ll just stick to Oh Canada! when I want a maple tea.
Flavors: Astringent, Maple Syrup, Nuts
Preparation
Overboard TTB #1
My sister just came downstairs and said suspiciously, “The house smells like maple syrup. Is that your tea?” Why yes, it is! :D This stuff is amazing! Both dry and steeped, it smells just like real maple syrup and the flavor is natural but sweet. Piping hot, I was picking up a little bit of the rooibos base, but the maple flavor took over completely as it cooled. A very tasty bedtime treat and a great start to this massive TTB!
Flavors: Maple Syrup
Preparation
Hidden Gems TTB #12
This is one of those wonderful oolongs with HUGE leaves that you can just keep on re-steeping all day long. The flavor is fantastic too…rich and nutty with silky smooth mouth feel and a lingering creamy aftertaste. Absolutely delicious!
Flavors: Creamy, Nutty
Preparation
Hidden Gems TTB #11
Wow, this stuff is potent! Super strong and malty with a dense, “chewy” sort of flavor. I followed my standard parameters for black tea (3-minute steep at 205F) but I’m thinking a shorter steep time would benefit this particular tea, as it came out slightly bitter and quite astringent.
Flavors: Astringent, Bitter, Malt
Preparation
Hidden Gems TTB #10
This tea smells like a basket of juicy fruit and the flavor is almost as good as the scent! Peach is the strongest flavor, but I definitely notice the lychee too and maybe a hint of apricot as well? The base is very smooth and just slightly vegetal, as if a few leaves got mixed in with your fruit salad.
Flavors: Lychee, Peach, Vegetal
Preparation
Hidden Gems TTB #8
Although I’ve tried quite a few English Breakfast teas, this is only my second Irish Breakfast blend. The first one was from Great British Tea Store and it had a delicious caramel flavor that I couldn’t get enough of. This one is nice…robust and malty and takes milk well…but not outstanding.
Flavors: Malt
Preparation
Hidden Gems TTB #7
Ooo, this is lovely! I didn’t realize it was a green tea and probably over-steeped it, but it came out delicious anyway. I would never have thought of putting apricot flavor and chai spices together, but it works so well…warm and sweet with just a little bit of spicy kick. This got my day off to a great start!
Flavors: Apricot, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves
Preparation
Hidden Gems TTB #6
This is such a unique tea! From the name, I would expect something smooth and sweet and buttery…and it is! But it’s also unexpected spicy and slightly savory thanks to the cumin and peppercorns. It’s an odd combination of flavors, but somehow they all work together quite well and I ended up really enjoying my cup. I don’t think this is something I’d reach for often, but I’m glad for the opportunity to try it out!
Flavors: Butter, Spices, Sweet
Preparation
I completely missed out on the legendary Foxy Roxy tea, so I was so excited when Stacy came out with another banana bread-type blend. Now that I’ve tried it, I’m kicking myself for not ordering more! This stuff is magical…smooth, silky oolong supporting an incredibly natural banana flavor with hints of walnuts and a nice sweet aftertaste from the butterscotch. A cup of this could easily replace dessert for me…but I’ll be saving it for special occasions because I want to make this last as long as possible!
Flavors: Butterscotch, Walnut
Preparation
Mmm, I am so glad I ordered an extra ounce of this one in Stacy’s 50% off sale! The plum flavor is strong and sweet with a bit of cashew nuttiness adding depth and richness. I don’t really pick up on the cake flavor, but I don’t mind a bit because the combination is SO delicious! I’m sure going to miss Butiki…
Flavors: Nuts, Plum