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I struggle to say anything about this one, because while it’s good it’s very basic to me. There’s nothing really remarkable about it—the base is good but doesn’t overpower the bergamot, and the bergamot is fruity and pleasant. Other than that there’s nothing much to say. A good way to wake up but I don’t think I’ll be restocking it.

I think this is going to the swap pile. I overleafed it nearly double this time around, and still I’m getting zero caramel out of it. There’s definitely toasted marshmallow, and the base is strong but not bad, but aside from that there’s really nothing that stands out to me in the cup. Oh well, not for me!

Also a sort-of sipdown because I want mom to try this one too. I think I like this better cold; it lets the cake taste really come out. Hot it’s a little harsh but cold it’s sweeter with some fruit to it. The spice I noticed in the first cup is also much more obvious when it’s room temperature. This is definitely one I’ll be restocking if and when I get the chance.

I’m going to call this a sipdown since mom is having the last cup. Again, this is a really good cup. I think the best word for it is “mellow.” It’s a comforting taste that reminds me a little of houjicha but not as roasty.

I picked this out without having any idea of what it was supposed to taste like—the name caught me. There was only slightly more than one cup’s worth so this is a sipdown.

As this brews it smells grassy to the point of almost being moldy. Not exactly the most appealing. The taste is better, but it’s not my favorite. There’s some cinnamon but the mate takes over most of the cup, including any chai that’s supposed to be there. It’s not a bad cup, but not for me.

Sadly, a sipdown. I like this more with each sip so it’s going on my favorites list. It’s sweet, floral, and also somehow has some richer, darker flavors too. The bergamot in this is just about perfect for my tastes, too, and there’s no bitterness or astringency to the cup at all. I’m sad to see it go! Next time I do a tea order it’ll be on my list.

ETA: Note to self—this does get astringent as it cools. I like it much better hot.

Ooh, this one isn’t for me. It’s strongly spicy but there’s no sweetness to it at all so it just ends up tasting harsh. I added sugar to this cup and it’s better this way but since I don’t like it plain I’m unlikely to reach for it again. To the swap pile!

This smells like some kind of incredible, gooey caramel cheesecake. The taste doesn’t quite match up to the smell until it’s cooled down a little, but once it has it tastes delicious. I get pumpkin, toffee, cheesecake, and dragonwell, and while they don’t quite blend into each other perfectly it is a nice cup.

ETA: When this cooled to room temperature it went from good to amazing. The juicy notes in the dragonwell came out more and really enhanced the toffee flavor (toffee is one of my favorite sweet things, so obviously this is a good thing). I think I’ll have to let the rest of my cups of this cool down before I even touch them.

This one is really interesting. It starts out roasty, and I thought that would be all there is to it, but then it moves into a sort of seaweed flavor. That part of it could be overwhelming, but it manages to be smooth. The aftertaste is completely unexpected, but what I taste is cinnamon or nutmeg. It’s a nice, balanced cup that has a lot of flavors in it I wasn’t expecting.

First steep of the day! I think I’ll keep this one going all day because I love it. With this first steep I’m amazed by how many dark, rich flavors are present without the tea turning bitter. There’s a dark chocolate note, coffee, some florals, and some maltiness. Usually most of those things should translate to bitter, but none of them get there. A delicious cup as always.