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I am a HUGE sucker for HomeGoods and funny enough, every time I go there, I buy almost exclusively food/bev. Their selection of unique, artisan, organic treats and teas is a huge reason why I never leave empty-handed. This time I picked up a sampler box of Tea Forte and we’re starting off strong with this flavor.

But first, I have to make a special mention of the delightful packaging. The tea sachets are enveloped in these adorable little cardboard pyramids, and the sachets themselves hang within the cup on the cutest little leaf holders. I do enjoy really nice aesthetic packaging, and this was muah chef’s kiss.

Okay, moving on to the tea itself. When I first began steeping, the scent was immediately pleasant and strong. Chai, but of the more herbal variety, if that makes sense. The taste…wow! So nice! I am definitely getting some of the apple. I don’t think I’ve ever had a red chai before, but this mixed with the pink pepper made for SUCH a pleasant flavor! It’s like…fruity, herbal chai, but without compromising all of the things you’d typically love about a chai.

I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this tea and I look forward to trying their other flavors!

I bought a set of 12 Days of Christmas teas, kind of like an advent calendar thing, but completely neglected to open it until, well, today. Better late than never. The holidays and work completely took up the majority of my time and attention.

Starting off on a fairly average note here – this tea was…fine, good even, but largely unremarkable. There are notes of slightly bitter, almost matcha-like flavors, but the overall taste is nice. I expected something a little stronger. I wouldn’t buy this particular tea again, but I’m optimistic that there will be some better brews coming up in the box.

I purchased this from my local apple orchard’s gift store a while ago, and just recently bought a second container because it was so good. Autumn in a tea bag, truly. I can taste so many of the flavors and they all tell the story of a cool fall morning where I step out onto the patio in a warm fluffy bathrobe and watch the leaves dancing in the wind. There is a delightful plethora of cinnamon along with a citrus/orange flavor and lots of spices (clove, perhaps allspice, maybe cardamom). My only criticism would be that I personally find it just a bit too sweet, but that is easily overlooked given the delicious flavors.

One of my favorites! This isn’t your typical earl grey, there’s no citrus here, just lots and lots of bergamot. Personally I really enjoy the strength of that flavor, but I can definitely see how it might be overwhelming to others. I added a teaspoon of honey just for the benefits, but the favors actually came together rather nicely.

I’ve been on hiatus for quite a while…again. And the holiday season is upon us, so things are about to get even busier. However, I have been sitting on quite a few new teas to try, so here’s hoping I can get some reviews posted.

This one immediately hit me with the scent of chocolate and hazelnut from the moment I opened the bag. The taste was a delightful combination of both – just the right amount without being overpowering or feeling like I’m drinking an actual mocha. Overall, this was an enjoyable blend.

I bought this on a whim but it may just be one of my absolute favorite teas I’ve ever had. The vanilla flavor mixed in with the chai spices works really well here and all of the different components complement each other perfectly, creating a smooth, silky, delicious blend. I also like that it’s not overtly sweet but does have some notes of it coming through in just the right amounts. I adore this tea and will be buying more of it.

Well, it’s that time of year again…the MLB post-season has officially started and I’m already on the edge of my seat hoping (but not holding my breath) for a Brewers WS victory. Currently watching Game 1 of the NL Wild Card and…I definitely needed something to help me relax, so I decided to break out this little number I’ve had in my cupboard. On my second cup now. Is it helping me relax? Maybe. But it tastes really good, which is helping to distract me a little bit at least. Sweet but not overwhelming, fruity but not obnoxious, everything just works well with this blend.

Here’s hoping the Brew Crew can do the improbable!

This one is really nice! There are strong notes of the spices but not so much as to completely overwhelm the flavors. I would have preferred a slightly stronger note of maple creme, but overall I think everything works quite well here.

Edit: I love that someone previously listed “autumn leaf pile” as a flavor for this, haha! I like to think this tastes better than leaves, but I adore the comparison.