902 Tasting Notes
My 52teas order arrived! Did a small happy dance at the mailbox (which is one of those communal thingies in middle of neighborhood), then had the crushing thought that I hadn’t ordered anything decaf/caffeine-free and would have to wait until morning to dig in. I’m sure the neighbors had a good laugh at my expense. Got in the house, opened the pack, and I had ordered this! Another happy dance into the kitchen to brew up a pot.
Okay, let me just say this: if you like strawberries, you must go buy this tea now. Naow. Seriously, if you like strawberries, your life is not complete without this blend. I’m having this neat, no additives, no nothing, and it’s the awesome. I can only begin to imagine how magnificent this will be as a latte.
Preparation
I can’t believe I’ve not logged this one yet…I know I’ve had it. Anyway, I brewed a strong cup of this up this afternoon. It went at least 10 minutes (one of the plant operations guys stopped in to chat, so I’ve no idea how long it actually went); 10 minutes is my usual steep for this.
I really like this one. I think it’s the closest I’ve come to finding a tea that actually really tastes like apple cider. Good, strong apple taste, and the spice blend is great. I’m so glad I splurged and grabbed a box this season. I like it much better than Republic of Tea’s Hot Apple Cider. Plus, the individually wrapped bags means it can travel well in my purse!
Preparation
Meghann introduced me to this tea a while back…and sent me a bunch more in our last swap! I’ve brought some to the office to enjoy here. It’s bright and fruity and sweet, and makes for a fantastic afternoon pick-me-up (well, unless you don’t like hibiscus). I really, really love this one, and bringing it to work was an excellent idea. I think I feel a second wind coming on…
Preparation
Down to the last bag of this…and luckily, I brought a bunch of tea bags to reload my work stash. The heat’s out again, so I’ll be trying to stay warm all day.
Preparation
What makes a Chai “Thai”? Is that coconut I smell? It is!! Mmm…coconut. Love the smell of this as it steeped.
Very smooth taste; spices are well-balanced and no single one is trying to steal the show. It tastes “Thai”: spicy, coconutty, lemony. More sweet-spicy than hot-spicy, but it still warms you up from the inside out!
Thanks, Meghann, for sending me some of this. It’s definitely one of my favorite chais that I’ve had!
I’ve been saving my Fall teas sampler from David’s until I’d decupboarded some things. Well, that went out the window this morning. And then I noticed that the Winter collection is already out…
Opened this little bag up, and the smell is divine. Identical to a baking crumble, right down to the crumble brown sugar/cinnamon/oats scent. Smell of the brewed cup is just as delicious. It smells calorie-laden and decadent.
Taste isn’t quite up to the smell. It’s more fresh strawberry than anything else. There’s a hint of the cinnamon/crumble, but not as powerful as the berry. I do also get some hibiscus taste as well. Can’t really taste the white tea at all.
Is it what it’s name says? To a point. Scent is 100% accurate, taste not so much. It’s delicious, but I’m a little disappointed that the two don’t match better. I also feel this would have benefited from being a rooibos or honeybush base: the white tea is essentially lost here, and the rooibos/honeybush may have helped carry the crumble/cinnamon flavors better.
As the cup cools, the crumble taste does come out more. A lot more, in fact. So much so that I’m tempted to delete what I’ve written and start fresh. I’ve never ahd a cup change this much as it cooled. Hibiscus is still there, though, so if you’re not a fan, I’d recommend staying away.
Preparation
No notes yet. Add one?
I actually used this as the basis for a tea-beer once.
Tea-beer? Tea…and beer?! Do you have directions? How’d it turn out?
I have an entry on a strawberry tea-beer I did. It’s on my website: http://www.lazyliteratus.com/953
Still have to do the entry on the chocolate puerh stout. I’ll let ya know when it’s up.
I’ve had this one lingering in the back of my work stash for a while. Finally decided to brew it up, since I’m no longer afraid of chais and in fact, find them quite delightful.
This, however, is not so delightful.
It smells like cinnamon and some other spices. It tastes…old. Not old-tea old or stale-old. No, this tastes old like a really elderly person’s house just smells “old”. Or how old books smell “old”. The tea itself tastes fine, but the flavors…old.
Preparation
Aww…that’s just sad. Have you tried Adagio’s Masala Chai? I have a bunch and could send some your way…
I don’t think so. I think I have a sample of the Thai Chai at home, and the spiced apple chai, but not the Masala.
I’ve had somebody’s Masala Chai, though. Can’t remember whose at the moment, though.
Oooh, with all the strawberry teas I have been buying lately, I better get this one to try too. And the peach cobbler looks pretty great too!
You will love this tea. Love it, I tell you. Yes, I’ve been oogling the peach cobbler as well. Going to hold out as long as possible.
I got the Wiskey Sour in today. I bought it for the hubby and can’t open it. He will be home Friday so I will try it then and report back. Can’t wait.
I’ll be having that in the morning. Already opened , sniffed it, and barely kept from brewing it up.
Just made some of this up. You got me excited to have some again
I made another pot…and am drinking a chocolate-strawberry latte now. Nom!!
This is seriously my favorite strawberry tea, and I only tried it once! That reminds me I should order some…