694 Tasting Notes
I received a sample of this from MzPriss. Thank you for sharing this with me.
I pulled out my 2 other Golden Monkey teas last night and did a comparison. I brewed all three brands the same way and sipped on each. I compared Teavana, TeaVire and Harney. Teavana’s is a tad on the weak side with more cinnamon notes. TeaVivre is pretty close to Harney, but Harney for me, at least last night, packed a bit more of the chocolate/malty notes that make this tea delicious. I am really enjoying this type of tea right now. I am glad to have the opportunity to try all 3 side by side.
Preparation
I received a sample of this from Nicole this weekend and this tea barely survived long enough for me to write about it. I was asking her about her favorite Assam’s and she mentioned this tea.
This is malty sweet deliciousness in a cup. There is a nice fruity finish to this one. I have been really enjoying this one at work. It is also one I was able to resteep quite a bit. The website says there are only 12 tins left and I am now holding quite a long list of Harney teas I would like to purchase. Maybe maybe I can justify it now? Thank you for sharing this one with me Nicole.
Preparation
This was the first tea Nicole served at the tea party this weekend! Thank you!
I haven’t had a Shang tea that I haven’t liked. This was a nice light tea. I do not remember too much about the actual taste of the tea, but it was a very nice cup. I remember thinking this would be a good calming cup for bed time.
This is another tea from Nicole’s tea part. Thank you for sharing.
This was really yummy. Sweet, malty. It had a bit of the “chewy” taste that makes these yunnan teas so delicious. This tea to me would also be perfect iced. It is smooth and sweet and not too strong. I really enjoyed this one and will be adding it to the wish list to purchase the next time from Mandala. Thank you!
I had the opportunity to try this tea again at Nicole’s tea party this past weekend. Thank you for sharing this one!.
My first go with this tea was not a full on love, but this weekend. This weekend when I tried the tea again, the pastry notes came out loud and clear and really made this dance in my mouth! It was delicious. That with a lime cookie was a perfect afternoon treat. The lemon was a bit calmer than I remembered and the pastry notes are what made it for me. I will be adding a small amount to my next order to continue to play with this tea. Yum!
I received this in a swap from DeleriumFrogs. Thank you for sharing this with me.
I am hit or miss with 52 Teas black tea. I think I finally figured out the trick. A much shorter steep time. This one was a hit with me. It was a decent caramel tea that was a delicious morning cup!
Preparation
I received this in a swap from MzPriss Thank you!
Wow. This smells like the chocolate chip cookies that I have been craving. This has definate notes of coco and bread. There is also a tang at the end of the sip. I think the next cup I will steep a bit less because I also get a slight astringency. Whispering Pines wasn’t really on my radar, but MzPriss gave me a proper introduction.. Thank you!
I received this from a swap with DeleriumFrogs. Thank you!
Wow! Harney strikes again. I love Harney teas for a few reason. They all aren’t my favorite teas, but they are teas that can stand up to a beating and for the price they make amazing work teas. This is another tea that will be going on my wishlist from Harney. It has the roasty oolong flavor that I like and it has hints of sweet. I am so glad that you included this in the swap. I am not sure I would have tried this on my own. Thank you!
Preparation
I received a sample of this from MzPriss and I also got to try this again at the tea party Nicole hosted in KC. Thank you ladies for sharing this one.
I think Nicole put this best. It is a creamy malty tea. It is a flavor I haven’t really had in black tea before, and I really like it. It is an amazing cup that kept me going back for more. I will be excited to pick up some more of this tea.
Nicole shared this tea at her tea party in KC this weekend. Thank you!
I have been curious about some of the Russian blends from Kusmi since I tried the Russian morning blend #24 and really enjoyed it. This was a very pleasant earl gray. I am usually not a huge fan of floral but this was really nice with the earl grey. I am very tempted to buy the sampler pack that includes this tea.
Nicole also included this in some wonderful cranberry bread/dessert that I really need to get the recipe for. Yum!
It always great to read direct comparisons tastings. Were the recommended brewing instructions the same for each or different?
Yes! Glad you had the presence of mind to do this! I meant to, but I messed it up.
I <3 this one. Glad you liked it.
@looseTman – The brewing instructions were a little different for each. That would be another experiment. Brew each based on brewing instructions and compare.
I’d be very interested in reading your results of all three GM teas brewed per their recommended brewing parameters. Thanks!