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Another tea from postcrossing, from same person as yesterday one, Berry Gelato. While previous one was black-fruit blend, now I will try typical Russian herbal. Fireweed or rosebay willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium), also known as Ivan’s tea in Russia, is herb from northern hemisphere, but using it as a tea is typical for Russians only.

I have no steeping parameters for this tea, as I got typical white tea bag with name and QR code on other side. The QR code is a link to their website, I will do my best, around 5 minutes steeping and boiling

My brew is turning from light green-yellow to brown, copper colour. It stays clear. Aroma is rather on sweet, honey-like side. I don’t notice much of the herbaceous notes, it is rather bit like some black tea; with hints of muscatel as well.

The taste (oh, it’s still very hot) is again like a black tea; although much less body of it. Honey-ish taste and hints of muscatel. Although it’s herbal, there aren’t any notes of herbs in taste. Taste as I said, it is like a black tea, though weak one a bit. Some may say it is as well caramel like, which a little in aftertaste.

Off I go, I have lecture from Probability and Statistics in 5 minutes.

Weird tea. I like it, but not for lemon nor lavender. Thank you derk, or White Antlers.

It is pretty nice, but lemon — I would expect more sour taste. But okay, at least it’s not terribly strong note. I don’t have sour face after drinking. It’s rather on sweet side. And lavender? Well, I don’t note that much. I notice way more lemongrass as of herbals, and apples as of fruits.

While it don’t have bad notes, I am rather sad about this tea. Adding fresh lavender would help for sure (gladly we still have some in the garden); but maybe few drops of lemon would be helpful as well. Certainly lots to improve!

I have received this tea from postcrossing in the end of September. It is limited edition and I am afraid I will be only one who writes few lines on this site. This tea is overall well accpeted and reviews were saying it’s nice. Let’s see what thinks non-russian citizen.

It is flavoured black tea. When I took a sniff on pyramid sachet, a blueberry hit my nose. The leaf is broken, but nice size, not a fannings nor dust. Brew after 5 minutes (recommended time) is clear and copper colour.

The aroma of tea (brewed) is way more berry-like; raspberry and black currant. Taste is more mediocre. it is berry, but quite muted and only little of mint — rather just some cooling effect.

Overall, I have expected more fruity notes, especially when the aroma of pyramid sachet was so nice and pleasant; but it doesn’t transfer much to taste. The tea is probably Ceylon (as usual in Russian teas) because it is bit citrusy base, quite light and certainly there are no malty and robust flavours.

This is another amazing old tea. From White Antlers.

I am on the same boat as derk, trying this tea fresh would be so awesome. I used two teaspoons in a mug, but I assume gong-fu would be much better.

The dry tea was visually almost perfect, small, like spuce long needles and even it looks pretty much same. Or maybe larch needles? Just they are dark green → black instead of green fresh colour. But if it is 7-8 years old, it’s no surprise.

It was mild, sweet grass. It was even quite thick, mouthcoating and little mineral and citrusy.

I have again prepared this wonderful tea, and although it is year and half old, it is still one of the most perfect orthodox tea I had and still have something left. I guess next year, if availbable, I will order another.

It’s mild, but still the black tea notes are present. The maltiness, some of citrusy notes (I finally noticed them). And some stonefruits. I really like that even preparation grandpa isn’t bad thing for this tea, as it just remains mild and never bitter. Not even the end of the cuppa!

I see I had this tea, when I was writing tasting note 200. Now I am on 760 (my house number, what a coincidence) and I just… I just don’t care about the number. I just like seeing the “likes” and some comments now and then.

I have to say SIPDOWN and THANK YOU ashmanra!
I had this tea earlier, but I was so numb so I wasn’t writing any notes to it and as I wanted something sweet. And if possible, less caffeine as it is already an evening.

I really like this blend. The dry aroma reminds me Granko (milk/water soluble cocoa drink, similar to Benco as Wiki says so)

I have asked my Swiss friend with Italian roots if there is some difference between Tiramisu from Venezia and others and she just doesn’t know! But she liked the concept of liquid Tiramisu.

I have bit oversteeped this tea probably, as it is drying and way too roasty probably.I have used the boiling water as well, apparently it wasn’t the most clever thing (they suggest 175°F).

Ehhm, I really like it, though it won’t be on top of teas I had. But great afternoon-evening drink when you want something creamy-bitter-sweet something but you have only teas.

Received four pearls from derk, thank you!
I took one, though there is written 2 pearls as good preparation, but as well 3-4 minutes steeping time.

I prepared grandpa. And I got baked bread, malt, and overral typical black tea notes. They were fine, it wasn’t bitter at all even it was steeping for 30 minutes or something. It has dissolved pretty well too. I have expected just more overall flavour, it was bit like washed out, but maybe because the age (spring 2016).

While this pouch I have received is another same as derk had who have it from White Antlers I have to say again a thank you :)

The aroma of dry pouch is rather nutty. Suprisingly it is quite aromatic for the age (who knows, as there is nothing saying anything about the age). But it is handwritten label. Yep, same pouch as derk had. The pouch is quite full!

When brewed, with 75°C water; it was fine. Pretty much simple grassy, bit more on sweet side. Enjoayble, but unfortunately I think it seen better times. But won’t throw it away :)

The loose leaf looks great, though it is 6 years old. As derk noticed, as it is from her, and actually from White Antlers (Thank you both!). The leaf looks pretty much as on photo, though bit darker.

I decided to brew 3 grams in my 300 ml glass cup. I broke my gaiwan today, so I have decided to order a new one! From Tangpin (someone suggested them and I kinda liked some stuff they had and this was the “last drip” to place an order)

Well, it wasn’t remarkable tea. It was green with mineral notes, quite dry. Overall somehow too much hay-like. This tea seems I will get rid off soon somehow. Not really impressed and having way more another greens which needs to be drank as well and they are better.

SIPDOWN

Ehm. What to write; it’s common sencha with expected peachy flavour but nope. Rather earthy — not sure if sage or osmanthus.

Only once it was tasty and how I have expected it. Once in, at least, four times. That’s pretty much disappointment!