Kroger Private Selection
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I grabbed this tea at the grocery looking for what I hoped would be a cheap and easily accessible alternative for “cinnamon candy” tea… and while this is okay and scratches some of that itch, it isn’t quite up to par with, say, Harney’s or Market Spice’s rooibos versions. It does have that sweet cinnamon flavor, and I actually like that it isn’t quite as aggressive as the others, but my main issue is the inclusion of mint… like, why? It is subtle, and I definitely notice it more in some cups than others so it is a little inconsistent from teabag to teabag, but it just leaves this weird aftertaste. I’d be far more favorable of this if that one ingredient were missing. I don’t hate it so much that I wouldn’t ever buy this again when I can grab it off a grocery shelf and not have to pay shipping to get something objectively better from elsewhere, but it sure was a disappointment over what I was hoping to get from it.
Flavors: Candy, Cinnamon, Mint, Sweet
Preparation
As I have continued to sipdown teas without making any purchases, a lot of “staple” flavors have been disappearing from my cupboard… rose black tea being one. So when I saw these teabags at my local grocery, I didn’t have high hopes, but thought it would be better than nothing.
My expectations were completely blown away by these, though! The black tea base has a much nicer flavor than I’m used to from grocery store blacks, having that rich, slightly smoky and slightly leathery flavor of a Keemun, with brassy-malt undertones. The rose fairly strong… it is perhaps a bit oily/artificial but I really love the flavor and like my rose teas on the strong side. I imagine those that do not have my floral grit could find this “perfumy” or “soapy.” It’s not as good as naturally scented rose petal tea, but for a cheaper and more easily accessible option, I’m really pleased with the flavor. It’s been great both as a warm morning pick-me-up-cup and coldbrewed in the fridge and gulped down as chilled tea.
Flavors: Artificial, Floral, Leather, Malt, Metallic, Rose, Smoke
Preparation
I really like an Adagio fandom blend that is called “White Rose” — confusing name as it conjures white tea-feels, but it’s just their “Summer Rose” black tea mixed with their “Cream” black tea, and I just really loved how the two flavorings compliment each other. I also really like a good Chinese black paired with rose, like “Yunnan Rose Flowers and Big Snow Mountain Black Tea Dragon Ball” by Yunnan Sourcing or “Rose Petal Black” from The Tao of Tea.
Mastress Alita – rose and cream teas mixed sounds really good. If I ever get through the rose teas I have right now, I may give it a try!
beerandbeancurd: If you like floral, White Wedding by Belloqc is over the top. I really like it but it was too much for some people so with them I just mixed it with plain white tea. White Nixon is lovely, too.
For black rose teas, I have tried Harney’s Rose Scented (good), Tsar Nikolas Valentine’s Blend (good and also inexpensive), and Rose Pouchong by Fortnum and Mason, which is called pouchong but is 100% Keemun base. LOL It was really good, too. I hope to try Lupicia’s Damask offerings soon, but their Yume is good and it is a blend with rose.
Etsy Tea Advent Calendar Day 11
Not a fan of green tea. I wavered over whether or not to brew this one up, and decided I may as well. I am going to drink (almost) all the teas in this calendar. If I don’t like it, I don’t have to finish it.
I didn’t finish it. I forced three sips down. Very grassy. I know many people love that about green tea. Not me. So I am not going to rate this one, since many people might love it and it doesn’t seem fair to knock it for being what it is. That would be like reading a mystery novel and giving it a 1 star review because I couldn’t figure out who the killer was until it was revealed in the last chapter.
I adopted this off the pay-it-forward table at work because…well…a perfectly viable unopened tin of tea. Do I need more justification?
Actually, with iced tea season almost upon us, I thought it would be pleasant this summer. But before chilling it, I made a conventional cup this afternoon. For a grocery store selection, it isn’t bad. The jasmine didn’t taste like guest soap. I was a little heavy handed on the water temp so it was a little bitter this time around, but next time, with a little more care, I think it will be acceptably leafy and vegetal.
A good cheap date, especially with your eyes closed, listening to the maple tree “helicopters” plinking on the roof.
Horrible. I couldn’t even finish it. Took one sip and threw it out. Not sure if it was just the particular kind of tea it was or what, but I thought it was NASTY.
Preparation
I like this tea a lot, and it is good with or without a bit of sweetener. Unfortunately, it looks like Kroger has discontinued this one and another herbals cinnamon tea is available under Private Selection label, but no hibiscus is in the ingredients. This tea is a nice citrus and cinnamon flavor, without being too much of either (maybe the hibiscus helps level those out!). I always enjoyed this one, drank it for the benefits cinnamon can have.
A chai from Madeline in the morning, while I was half-awake watching the results of US Presidental election (among others and I know it’s not final yet). I am praying that you decided for the better one. Thank you Madeline. And as there weren’t any instructions and I was so lazy to search for them, I did my best.
This tea is actually quite enjoable which quite surprised me. Although the base isn’t one of the most perfect ones, the spices made it quite enjoyable. Base was quite tannic and bitter.
It was bit like some sweets. And it little bit reminded me H&S Hot Cinnamon Spice.
The cinnamon is quite present with cloves. Those two are most prominent. Mild; ginger isn’t much there; I expected more savoury notes, but I am glad it doesn’t have them. So, as for spices — it is good.
Flavors: Bitter, Cinnamon, Cloves, Spicy, Tannic
Preparation
H&S Hot Cinnamon Spice is such a tasty tea! I stayed up as late as I could watching, and I can’t seem to sleep properly now, but I’m with you — fingers crossed!
I was surprised by that tea too! I voted for Biden and I’m not currently optimistic about the results… and not optimistic about getting much more sleep tonight!
The results so far are intense, and I can’t imagine how anyone must feel as an American right now. I feel gutted watching it from across the border. I saw that #emotionalsupportCanadian was trending last night, so we’re all thinking of you guys right now! ♥
Yeah, I am watching it as well. It’s not great, I am honestly bit afraid of riots as it will be very, very close. Moreover this system is probably good one, but maybe bit outdated? I doin’t know, I just hope it will be a good choice. I am trying to understand both candidates, but it’s hard as I don’t konw them that well.
If you want to rant… you can even under this tasting note :)
Yeah, I know a lot of people who would support some reform to our election process – like using popular vote or some sort of ranked-choice system to allow for more than 2 parties. I’m just having a hard time understanding how around 70 million Americans (maybe even more) voted for Trump. All it takes is a quick internet search to see aaallll the things he’s done wrong. But, he’s built it up so that his supporters won’t trust anyone but him – not the press, not science, not other high-ranking officials or experts, not anyone. It’s frustrating – I feel like there are 70 million Americans who I fundamentally do not trust or understand (and who don’t trust or understand me). I’m sure there will be protests and riots to follow either outcome. In the meantime, at least I still have good tea! rant over!
Update: the 70 million number was too high and now I think my favored candidate will win anyway. rant over x2 Thanks @Martin for the excuse to rant!
I’ve been watching all day and I’m so happy to see the numbers moving in his favour! We’ll still wait to see what happens, but there’s some hope now.
Madeline: It is very similar here. Our PM did lots of wrong, but he is still popular and “he’s good guy” I hear from his supporters. He certainly got “troll farms” of people who are always commenting his FB posts (he don’t use Twitter that much), people who “support” him, everything is campaign against him,, we are trying to misuse his companies because he don’t accept imigrants from near East, et cetera. He is so similar to Trump in his speech and behaviour.
Courtney and Cameron: NV indeed is worrisome, but I believe it will be alright. Close, but hopefully for our candidate.
This private selection tea is my go to tea. I usually drink 4-6 cups each night. It tastes like cinnamon, not too strong and usually not too light. It’s very hard to acquire, they are always sold out so I buy as much as I can whenever they’re available.
Flavors: Cinnamon, Citrus
Preparation
I’ve had this one for a little bit. I’m usually pleasantly surprised by the Private Selection brand. It has some good products for being a store brand.
This is a nice, classic black tea. A nice aroma from the bergmont oil. It has a nice balance of the bergmont and black tea. The lavender is more in the after taste but it blends well and kind of wraps the cup up. Overall I enjoyed this cup and didn’t have any complaints.
Preparation
I went to the store to find Twinings Earl Grey, my favorite, but they were out of stock. So I just grabbed this box because of the price. When I got home I looked at the ingredients: black tea and oil of bergamot. The bag smelled like essential oil, too bitter and pungent. But I went ahead and mixed it the same way I do any other Earl Grey: two sugars and some vanilla almond milk. The smell was still bitter, despite steeping it only about 40 seconds. The almond milk did not dilute it much and I ended up tossing the cup of tea down the drain. Vile and cheap.
Preparation
Absolutely my favorite tea of any color. First try it was OK. After 3 or 4 I was hooked. It’s a comfort food for me now. Three local Krogers appeared out of it and I was frantic – it looked like it might have been discontinued! NOOOOO!!! This is my main green tea, which I firmly believed has been instrumental in my losing about 40 lbs in 6 months (15 more than I wanted to, actually).
Preparation
Only one word for this tea: heavenly!
Beautiful, full flavor cinnamon and the taste of hibiscus and orange peels give it a nice sweetness, without the need for sugar or honey.
I was planning only keeping this one at work, but I believe I’ll be taking it home as well!
Flavors: Cinnamon, Fruity, Orange