12 Tasting Notes
This blend is like an Earl Grey, but softer and gentler, where you get citrus flavor without the least bit of bitterness or astringency. For having a strong citrus flavor, it’s remarkably smooth and delicate, perfect during months of colder weather. In the US, you can only order this tea by calling Laduree in NYC.
For more info, please see my full review:
http://thirstyfortea.com/2014/01/16/laduree-teas/
Preparation
Prominent fruity, berry-like smell, similar to a light fruit punch. The smell of this blend really reminds me of strawberries and cream oatmeal. The only way to get this in the U.S. is to call Laduree’ store in NYC directly.
For more info please see my full review:
http://thirstyfortea.com/2014/01/16/laduree-teas/
Preparation
After I opened this tin, Prince Vladimir soon became one of my favorites. The tea smells like Coca-Cola, slightly spicy with those hits of orange and vanilla. I love to steep this tea the Russian way, with some jam mixed in. I always drink this tea hot or warm as I think it’s flavors are most pronounced this way.
Here is my Blackberry-Mandarin Orange Jam recipe that pairs perfectly with Prince Vladimir:
http://thirstyfortea.com/2014/02/03/russian-tea-with-blackberry-orange-jam/
And you can find my full review of the tea here:
http://thirstyfortea.com/2014/02/03/kusmi-teas-prince-vladimir/
Preparation
Navajo tea is very earthy and mild, similar in taste to a chrysanthemum or flowery herbals. This gentle, soothing tea is brewed from thread-like leaves, and is perfect for drinking in the evening when you are winding down.
You can find my full review of Yanabah Navajo Tea here:
http://thirstyfortea.com/2014/02/06/yanabah-navajo-tea/
And a recipe for Navajo Fry Bread to go along with the tea here:
http://thirstyfortea.com/2014/02/06/navajo-fry-bread/
Preparation
Jade Halo is a very special and rare tea, perfect for the green tea aficionado. This is one of the best green teas I have ever tried because of its subtle yet pure qualities. The tea is very light and delicately honey-like, reminding me of sweet peas and fresh shoots of grass. Green ring teas like this Jade Halo are also called “wedding teas” in China because they are commonly given as gifts to couples getting married…if you look at the shape of the leaves, you will realize why.
Here is my full review of Jade Halo:
http://thirstyfortea.com/2013/10/12/sloane-tea-merchants-the-perfumery-of-teas/
Preparation
Love the citrusy spark of lemon in your tea? Then Sloane’s Jasmine Pink Lemonade is the tea for you! The flavor of lemonade lingers at the finish of each sip of this tea. This would make a great iced tea, especially with some sugar and fresh lemon slices. If served warm, Jasmine Pink Lemonade tea pairs well with sweet fruit flavored desserts and breads.
Here is my full review of Jasmine Pink Lemonade:
http://thirstyfortea.com/2013/10/12/sloane-tea-merchants-the-perfumery-of-teas/
Preparation
Heavenly Cream is the most popular of the Sloane Tea Blends. Think of it as an elegant, full-bodied Earl Grey where strong and proper flavors meet with soft and creamy ones. It’s a good quality classic tea with a few extra notes of deliciousness added in to make it extra special. This is a fantastic tea for autumn or winter, and is perfect with a splash of milk.
Here is my full review of Sloane’s Heavenly Cream:
http://thirstyfortea.com/2013/10/12/sloane-tea-merchants-the-perfumery-of-teas/
Preparation
Globe amaranth tea is an herbal (caffeine-free) tisane known for containing many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This tea brews hot pink and is distinctly vegetal with spinach undertones, herbaceous like chrysanthemum tea and mildly sweet.
Please see my full review here:
http://thirstyfortea.com/2013/06/28/tian-hu-shans-globe-amaranth-tea/
Preparation
If a tea could be characterized as pretty, Mariage Freres’ Sweet Shanghai tea blend would be the prettiest of them all. Drinking this tea is like walking into a spring garden on the cusp of summer. It’s a green tea blend with the sweetest notes of tropical fruitiness, distinctive yet soft in litchi flavor. If you like litchi black teas, this is its springtime cousin. A bouquet of flowers in a cup, Sweet Shanghai is the perfect drink as springtime draws to a close.
Please check out my full review here:
http://thirstyfortea.com/2013/06/14/tea-review-mariage-freres-sweet-shanghai/
Preparation
This is a full-flavored, straight forward bold English tea. The bright Ceylon tea leaves balance out the malty, darker Assam. Take the edge off with a splash of milk and it makes an ideal substitute for coffee at breakfast time.
See my full review of F&M Royal Blend here:
http://thirstyfortea.com/2013/07/18/fortnum-masons-royal-blend/