292 Tasting Notes

I didn’t used to be an Early Grey fan at all but I’ve fallen head over heels for Victorian London Fog, and now decided to try another from the Harney line that’s always so recommended, this one. It’s actually very good! I will likely get some more of these too to sip when in the mood. Strong and flavorful. Had a satchet sample of this.

Courtney

I am going through something similar where I’m now quite fond of EG creams! And before a few months ago, I couldn’t really stand EG!

Cameron B.

Yay, I’m glad to see more people coming around to Earl Grey! :D

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80

I miss A quarter to tea. Finished my last cup of this tonight to try and clear out older teas. Forgot how sweet this one was and overdid it with the sugar but oh well, was in the mood for something sweet

Lexie Aleah

I miss them too! She kept it a little open-ended so I’m hoping at some point she’ll reopen.

Lupiressmoon

That would be nice if they reopen

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83

Thank you, Cameron B, for sending me this sample!

A few things about this tea really stand out. One is the strong smell when steeping – as I was scooping the leaves in, I got a whiff of what I think of as butter, and the smell and taste match it to me. I know it’s supposed to be caramel, but to me this is a buttery type tea, and it reminds me a little of the taste of the Butterbeer in Universal Studios in the Harry Potter theme Park section. The tea has a nice and silky texture – I’m a bit smoke fan, but not picking up on that part much. I have another cup to try and will update if the smokiness comes through more my second cup – may try steeping it a bit longer to steep.

One thing is for sure, this one is different and I like different sometimes. It’s a unique tasting tea that’s not overpowering. I can see how I couldn’t sip too many of these cups in a row due to the caramel and almost buttery profile and my sensitive stomach, but I like it for one cup at a time.

Flavors: Butter, Caramel, Smoke

Preparation
195 °F / 90 °C 4 min, 0 sec 1 tsp 5 OZ / 147 ML

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80

Thank you Cameron for this sample!

I am still brand new to Hojicha. This one was pleasant but I found the flavor profile a bit mild for my taste. The warmth roast quality comes through and makes it a relaxing, peaceful cup. I like how earthy and soothing it is, but I’m looking for a little more oomph in flavor with my weaker taste buds to be a higher rating. People should enjoy this one, however.

Flavors: Earth, Roasted

Preparation
195 °F / 90 °C 5 min, 0 sec 1 tsp 5 OZ / 147 ML
Cameron B.

The kukicha version is often milder, as the stems are milder and sweeter than the leaves!

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80

I will add rating when on computer. I’m going with 75. For some reason I expected mint but this is an older sampler and I’ve remembered incorrectly. It’s not bad, just a little bland and basic. I detect a slight dose of almond and the black tea part is good quality to muster a flavored blend. With a name like White Christmas, I can’t help but want something more, something different, something special.

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87

My last sipdown of this sample pack.I have the cranberry touch already in my tin of Boston from Harney, but may end up ordering a tin of this too at some point. This one is as good in a different way – it’s warming, calming, strong enough, not bitter, the cranberry is light but noticeable off the bat. It is not multi layered in taste but that fits this cozy blend. Great for evenings cuddled under a blanket by a fire reading.

I prefer this one steeped 3 1/2 – 4 minutes

Preparation
Boiling 3 min, 30 sec 1 tsp 6 OZ / 177 ML

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85

When you think of a bold breakfast tea or morning tea, this would suit. An afternoon pick-up when your energy is lagging? This would suit. An evening calmer with a pleasant, bold tea? That would suit. Good for anytime of the day, although it gets its strength during sunny hours for that caffeine kick and strong black tea taste. I steep at 4 minutes by taste, but 5 is fine if you want a stronger cup. Malty and honey filled, smooth and calming.

I just bought a new tin after a few years of being out of it. Rediscovering teas – new and old favorites – all over again.

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 15 sec 1 tsp 6 OZ / 177 ML
ashmanra

I had this kne for breakfast today! I also like it at four minutes best, perhaps because I drink it without milk and sugar. Long live the Queen!

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85

Another I got for both of the tea and the tin. The tin is large and stands out, and it’s available in reasonably priced satchets. I am sampling for the first time today and have to say this tea is very enjoyable. The smell out of the tin is strong and fruity, and that doesn’t disappoint when sampling with taste. There is grapefruit but not any sourness, and a fruity undertone that stays noticeable but not artificial or overbearing. It’s mainly a pleasant, smooth, reasonably strong black tea with some fruit bites in it that give it a bright lift. I drank with some strawberry jam toast and scrambled eggs for afternoon food, which went together well.

IF it weren’t for the brightness of the fruit adding another layer, this black tea by itself would be a bit too weak to recommend.

Flavors: Fruity, Grapefruit

Preparation
Boiling 5 min, 30 sec 6 OZ / 177 ML
ashmanra

I have never tried this one! It sounds pretty good.

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Profile

Bio

I have a drink obsession in general – daily lattes and coffees, and of course teas of many varieties. I mainly drink hot tea in Florida, but still enjoy the occasional southern sweet iced.

My preference is black tea, although I’m open to trial and error with others. I like the old fashioned English style tea cups, tea parties, food pair-ups, mini desserts and pies, cubes of sugar, small collection of Rose Red tea pets, you get the idea. I will always have an old fashioned tea kettle on the stove, but have recently purchased an electric tea kettle that I absolutely adore. I’m lazy by nature, so I have switched to stuffing tea bags for the loose teas to save on clean-up and disposal with other strainers.

I love smokey teas, non-bitter, not overly astringent, strong tea background mixed with flavored teas, no artificial sweetener tastes, balanced florals IF there must be a floral. I used to love spice, but it has to be done right. A former chai fan – now it reminds me of colored pencils. Cinnamon sounds good but so many teas have it artificial or odd tasting. Same goes for chocolate, some things have to be done just right to work.

Primary Tea Companies currently in 2022 – Harney and Sons, August Uncommon, Simpson & Vail, Fusion, Tea Spot, English Tea Store for odds and ends, The Tea Table

Most missed tea place and tea: Plum Brandy Cheesecake by Butiki

Very picky with anything Roobios, and Darjeeling/Oolong are hit or miss depending on the blend and my taste buds. Mint works in a mood but I’m not a big fan. Gravitate toward good name blends and fall themes when doing yet more sampler orders.

I like adding a cube of sugar to almost all teas, not usually milks. I don’t like stevia or any artificial sweetener taste. I adore honey, but to me it doesn’t suit tea unless I have a sore throat as both the tea and the honey change their flavor profile quite a bit if I mix them.

Location

Lakeland, Florida, United States

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