5 Tasting Notes

85
drank Ti Kuan Yin by Adagio Teas
5 tasting notes

Brewed gongfu style in a gaiwan, 3g to ~4fl oz
Dry leaves are shades of green with a touch of brown here and there, some rolled loosely into little balls, others into twisted various elongated shapes. The smell is of dried flowers (but not overly floral)and cut grass.

Brewed: color is pale golden-toned green, fading to yellow with a few steeps. The scent is spring-y, orchid and cut leaves with almond undertones.

First brews are bright and a little grassy, just a touch of nutty and mineral with a bit of astringency, with later brews taking on more of a fresh blossom & fruity taste (for me it was like the tangy bite in the aftertaste of dark chocolate.) It brewed a thicker mouthfeel, less like broth, more like a juice.

The wet leaves expanded beautifully, retaining the shades of green, smelling of roasted potato skins (not the starchy meat, just the minerally-rooty outer flesh), so I understand the potato comment by sophistre.

A very pleasant fresh-tasting tea!

Preparation
195 °F / 90 °C 0 min, 15 sec

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65
drank Citrus Mate by Adagio Teas
5 tasting notes

Needing a kick this morning, so I’m trying this mate.

Dry scent is very bright and citrusy, like oils from lemons and oranges, perhaps a hint of lemongrass.

The liquor is a cloudy greenish golden with a more vegetal scent, the citrus nose is still there but a little more mild.

The taste is sweet-sour with a faint lemon zest aftertaste. There’s a grassy flavor from the mate shining through with a bit of bitterness. It’s strong but not overwhelming if you keep in mind this is definitely a citrus tea (note, I used 2 tsps for 12 oz., I needed some motivation). It would be good iced, perhaps a touch of honey.
If bitten by the citrus bug, this would do the trick for me; I would buy this again.

Preparation
175 °F / 79 °C 5 min, 0 sec

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54
drank Snow Geisha by Teavana
5 tasting notes

This is not my favorite tea. However, I find that it is much better when brewed correctly.
When I first got it I was guessing on time and temperature, as I had just begun my loose tea adventure. It was awful, bitter, and even more artificial than a cough drop. This tea begs to have its instructions followed, so be warned lazier brewers!
I have learned since then, and while this is not my favorite, it is an improvement.
The loose tea is really nice to look at, all flowers, cherries and leaves. The scent is still very candy-cherry, little scent of tea itself.
The brew is a light pink-tinted amber, smells less artificial than dry, but still very twizzlers-y.
Taste when properly brewed is light and slightly sweet, with floral cherry at the forefront. Slightly artificial aftertaste. Definitely a candy tea. I added a few crystals of rock sugar to balance it out. This is a much better experience than my first try. I probably will not buy again after finishing this tin which contains about another 2 oz.
I’d recommend only if you enjoy cherry CANDY and floral teas, not if you like fresh cherry fruit.

Preparation
175 °F / 79 °C 2 min, 0 sec
Fjellrev

I think that pretty much sums up all Teavana tea haha. Looks pretty, but tastes so artificial.

Azzy

For the most part, yes, it’s too true. I have considered just displaying it, the little flower buds are nice to look at. And who knows if I’ll ever finish it! Admittedly I really liked their Huang Shan Mao Feng Reserve mixed with a bit of osmanthus flower, but that’s because it was tea, not flavor-filler.

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78

Free sample tacked on to last order. <3

Dry leaves: a bit smaller that my other oolongs, dark brown and tan with leaves and stems, pleasantly rich and sweet aroma, like a well-loved cabin, subtle fruity notes.

Liquor: orange brown brew, mellowed from dry scent+touch of earth, touch of pipe tobacco. Moderately astringent, woodsy/musty overtones, faintly sweet. I think I will steep a bit longer (20-30 seconds longer)next time. As it cools it becomes richer and smoother.

A pretty nice dark oolong, could definitely see myself drinking this again, especially on a fall afternoon.

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 2 min, 30 sec

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76

Light and refreshing green by itself. I bought this when it was on sale at 75% off, so no qualms there.
Makes a lovely base for an Osmanthus infusion, makes for a blend with the soul of a sunny spring day.

Preparation
175 °F / 79 °C 1 min, 30 sec

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