Thé Kiosque

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Recent Tasting Notes

89

omg I can write a tasting note?! yay!
Though I don’t have much time. Just got home and I am soooo sleepy.
Anyhow, this is a very good dessert tea. Super sweet, like toffee. With milk, just a little… it tastes almost chewy.
In fact it reminds me of the coffee/pu-erh from Davids tea, only better. Much better! (it doesn’t make me ill, for starters)
My last steeping, I enjoyed without any milk at all and it was just as yummy as it was with it. That.. is one of the markers I look for in a remarkable tea. Oh yes, so good!

Lucy

Yummy!

Indigobloom

it was!! intense to :)

IllBeMother221B

Wow this does sound great!!

SimpliciTEA

Never head of Thé Kiosque. Did you like ordering from them?

Bonnie

I have a similar but the flavoring could be better, but the idea is made for puerh!

Janefan

I just ordered some of this blend yesterday, but from another seller. Glad to hear it’s good!

Lucy

I may just need to check this company out! Thank’s Indigobloom =)

Indigobloom

Purrfect Cup: it is!! considering ordering more now :)
SimpliciTea: so far so good! still trying to get through all my samples :)
Bonnie: you aint kidding about that! Mmmm
Janefan: nice, I’ll look for your review!
Lynne-tea: definitely worth a look-see. So far I like their straight teas best

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83

Yet another sample from Kiosque… I think I need to start in on my staples again. My palate is getting tired!
Anyhow, this was ok. Could definitely taste apricot, and peach… and each of them distinctly, which surprised me. I did not expect that. It all balanced very nicely. It was a very light tea as well. No sweetening or milk required!
If I hadn’t just found another great peach tea last week, I would have surely liked this one more. I guess that’s how the tea leaves fall :P

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83

Yet another sample from Kiosque… I think I need to start in on my staples again. My palate is getting tired!
Anyhow, this was ok. Could definitely taste apricot, and peach… and each of them distinctly, which surprised me. I did not expect that. It all balanced very nicely. It was a very light tea as well. No sweetening or milk required!
If I hadn’t just found another great peach tea last week, I would have surely liked this one more. I guess that’s how the tea leaves fall :P

Bonnie

Wah….boo! : (

Indigobloom

C’est la vie Bonnie! atleast I have a backup :)

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87

Sipdown!! only this time its SUPER sweet. Like honey. I’m quite enjoying the cup but having had it side by side with Graveyard mist has really put things into perspective. I need to go and bump the rating on ze mist, because this still deserves an 87 :)

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87

Hummm. I really don’t know what to think of this!
It reminds me of a dark fruity oolong, but has aspects of green.
The first steep was the most green. Notes of floral orchid and leafy greens and yet it has a darker profile. Roasted? I’m not very good at picking out the notes. The second steep was more fruity, still floral but not as much. It reminded me of Jasmine (ick! so glad that didn’t last into the third cup). Also, I can see what they mean about “wine”.
The third fruitier again, and heavier on the roasted flavour. Almost no ‘green’ notes to be found.
So yes, that’s right… each cup was darker than the one before!!

Azzrian

Yummy Sounds GREAT!

Indigobloom

it was pretty darn great! I’m sad it was only a sample now lol

ashmanra

I am pretty sure the Blue Spring at A Southern Season has ginseng on it, but none of the online descriptions of Blue Spring from other companies indicates ginseng.

Indigobloom

Ginseng? huh that is interesting. I don’t even know what that tastes like lol

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83
drank Blueberry Black by Thé Kiosque
1759 tasting notes

My morning cuppa, likely the only tea I’ll have a chance to lap up today.
This time, I went for 3 min and I think a shorter 2 or 2.5 min would have been better. I’m getting some anise, like with the white version. Hmmm, I guess the flavoured Kiosque teas need less time in the oven.
So I took an inventory of my cupboard the other day and estimated how much of each one I have… and something really funny happened when I tallied it up in excel. It came out to 1234.5. Ha!! what are the chances. Seriously, I am not kidding. I swear!
Yes that is wayyyy to much so my next project is to go through them and weed out the ones I don’t need or the have had for too long already. Hoping to bring it below 1000, at the very least. Now that will take forever. Esp since I have more incoming. Oh my head…

Sil

holy crap woman….i’m overwhelmed with my 120 or so.

Janefan

1234.5 different teas?! or servings of tea? Still, you have a lot of tea!

LiberTEAS

I probably should not attempt to tally up what I have, I think I would end up having a heart attack …

Indigobloom

Sil, yep! I’m not sure how it got quite so big when I’ve only ever made a few orders…
Janefan, just servings! many of them from swaps etc.
LiberTEAS, lol I almost did! but it was driving me nuts since I don’t have a tea pantry and it’s so awkward to organize them all

Nik

Oh my goodness… =)

Indigobloom

Nik, that’s what I said. haha

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83
drank Blueberry Black by Thé Kiosque
1759 tasting notes

Hmmm this was better than the blueberry white, somewhat. It’s a dark tea, reminds me of pu-erh in some ways… in the wildness of the blueberry! like it’s gonna come roarin’ in on a motorcycle :P
I had hoped for a brighter flavour, something more “berry” like, but then I didn’t pay attention to the website descriptor of “wild” blueberry, which really should have tipped me off! Anyhow, it was a fun cup.
Adding milk did nothing for it sadly. The berriness was completely hidden.
I’ve lowered the rating of the white version, now that I have some context!!

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96

Raising the rating here. I think this is my fave tea of the moment. and green is my least preferred type. Yup it’s that good.
So sweet and ohhhhh did I mention it tastes like sugary spun goodness? I get redundant when excited :D

Mark B

I’m guessing the photo here is wrong. I’ve got tons of DragonWell Longjing teas. Maybe we can do a trade at some point. As a matter of fact I just did a free 2 oz giveaway of some Hayes DragonWell. You’re not missing anything though.

Indigobloom

Hi Mark, you’re right, it’s not the right pic at all!
A trade would be lovely, let’s do it!!

Mark B

I went ahead and updated the photo and description from their site. My current selection of Dragonwell (or “Dragonwell style”) teas are:

• VerdantTea – 5g Spring Harvest Dragonwell-Style Laoshan Green
• VerdantTea – 1oz Mrs. Li’s Dragonwell Laoshan Green
• Hayes Tea – 20g Dragonwell Green Tea
• Teavivre – 1lb Organic Superfine Dragon Well Long Jing Green Tea
• Teavivre – 3.5oz Premium Dragon Well Long Jing Green Tea

I’ve got loads of the Teavivre stuff, though you can get free samples from them directly. As for the VerdantTeas, you can take the Laoshan. People love that, but I’m not a fan. The Mrs. Li’s is expensive, so I’d give up a sample, but not much more. That one is very unique. And though I gave away all my unopened Hayes Dragonwell, I still have a bit left. From their site, it appears people like it. I haven’t heard back from the gal who took my other 2oz pack.

Otherwise you can check out my cupboard. It’s pretty up to date with what I have on the shelf.

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96

ohhhh my goodness. This is SO GOOD!! but… I suspect it is just this season, as I read a note on the Verdant website that frost made the leaves sweeter, but also rare. Something akin to the way ice-wine is made perhaps?
Actually, yes!! this does have a sortof spun sugar/ice wine sweetness to it. That MUST be it.
I could have sworn that this was sweetened with sugar… laced with some additive… but after seeing the Verdant tea explanation, it seems more plausible.
Nature did it herself! She is brilliant, I tell ya.
That said, I am planning to order 50g of this soon, before they run out. I’ve already emailed David, the lovely Kiosque rep.
New rating: 95

Bonnie

I like a sweet dragon…

Indigobloom

I’ll send ya some Bonnie, if you wanna taste! :)

Bonnie

ok…I don’t think I have any. See, told you that Canadian’s are generous!

Indigobloom

we blush to! :)
but thank you for the compliment

Sil

Hmmm……

Erin

There are so many tea guys named David!

Indigobloom

Sil: tellin ya, good stuff there :P
Erin: I noticed that to!! must be a conspiracy

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96

This was my morning tea. Quite yummy, I was impressed!! a bit light for my liking but the leaves were dried straight so they fit jaggedly in my teaspoon. I think I have enough left for a second serving… and it will be had in my Gaiwan! Yup yup, most definitely… as I need to discover what hidden secrets lie beneath!
See, the first steep was ok. Vegetal and toasted, with a hint of caramel, or maybe spun sugar. At first I thought I was imagining it, but then it was even stronger in the second steep!! and as I got through my sips, there was a distinct aftertaste of maple/caramel spun sugar. I’ve never had that in a green before! It was amazing.
The third steep had a little less caramel, and more toastiness, but then it was back in the fourth. No time for a fifth…
Either way, I am seriously considering getting a tin of this. One sample will likely not be enough for me. That is IF I can find something besides caramel, I do like my complex teas :)

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79

I had so hoped to fall in love with this company! but so far, none of the blends I’ve tried are outstanding. Sure, it’s only been four so far and none have been terrible, but neither have they have rocked my world… and that makes me worry about the remaining samples.
This chai is much the same. Perhaps it was the suggestion of Kristaleyn’s earlier review of the ayurvedic chai, but this tastes very similar.
Dry, the leaves smelled of vinegar and spice. Steeped, there is that same cleansing sortof feel to it. Slippery, even with milk and a touch of sugar.
It’s a little rounder than the ayurvedic, and there is a slight cocoa note at the base of the sip, right in the middle and aftertaste.
Also, after having most of the cup my mouth feels refreshed like it does after I’ve eaten something minty.
Also(again!), it’s very light. I pulled out the basket right before it got bitter and yet I find myself wishing the flavour was thicker, or deeper.
If I had to choose between the Ayurvedic and this one, I think I like this better but not by much! However I have only a sample of this one, and a small bag of the other. Oh well!

Kittenna

I did reheat my chai last night and added milk and sugar and it was quite pleasant. So it will get drunk :D I haven’t added to the tasting note yet… should do that now.

Indigobloom

ah that’s good!!
I’m not sure mine ever will… there are too many other chais out there for me to love :P

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83
drank Almond Oolong by Thé Kiosque
1759 tasting notes

Aha! cut down on the steep time and this mellows right out.
Will see what happens in later infusions. Will probably be raising the rating methinks.
Edit: Gave the second steep to Dad, but the teeny spoonful that I managed to steal was yummy! bumping the rating now.

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83
drank Almond Oolong by Thé Kiosque
1759 tasting notes

Wow, intense on the almond much?!
This is definitely a dessert tea. I got through three steeps and only on the last one did I taste any real “tea”. That said, it was pretty tasty. The second steep was actually a bit creamy as well, which I liked.
Overall, it’s like but not love.

Bonnie

Shucks…glad you at least liked it.

Indigobloom

me to!
It was very similar to DTs Amaretto. If I’m gonna have a dessert tea I’d rather it not be caffeinated anyhow :)

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81

Mmmmmmmmm so good!
Mild, and pretty astringent… but tasty. Thanks again to Kiosque for the sample option!
I added milk and far too much sugar for my liking to get the flavour out, but finally I have a chocolate tea!! wahoooo!!! It’s very smooth and silky chocolate, and really does remind me of “Belgium Chocolate”. Oh yes!
I don’t think I’ll buy more because of the astringency, unless brewing it at a lower temp works for rooibos as well? or if I can find a way to pump up the cocoa note. Either way, I’m very pleased to have tried this!

Bonnie

STE Chocolate Tea is really good if you try chocolate again.

ScottTeaMan

HHHmmmm…….I wonder if I’d like this Rooibos…….

Indigobloom

Bonnie: oh yes I agree, but I’m looking for a non caffeinated version. The STE chocolate will always be my fave mmmm!
ScottTeaMan: you might! worth a shot anyhow! :)

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80
drank Blueberry White by Thé Kiosque
1759 tasting notes

Hmmmm. I like this.
The blueberry isn’t quite blueberry though. More… blueberry anise. Not in a bad way, unless you hate licorice. I’m not a huge fan but only when it overpowers the tea like hibby tends to.
And the white tea is nice to. Mild but not eaten up by the berry-ness… in fact it’s a really nice balance. The second infusion was all anise though.
I think I’ll try the next cup of this iced. You know me, not an iced tea girl but I want to be so I’m pushing for it :)
Thanks to The Kiosque for letting me grab a sample!!

ScottTeaMan

I had a blueberry white several years ago, I can’t remember the company though. I remember really liking it, and it had a very well balanced tea and flavoring.

Indigobloom

I suppose that’s the nature of blueberry white tea then?
Blueberry was never a very strong flavour in my mind, even the fresh fruit…

Daniel Scott

I am always on the look-out for a really good blueberry white. I want to find the perfect one! Lemme know if/whenever you think you’ve found it. :P

Indigobloom

lol yes I hope you’ll do the same for me Daniel! :)

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74
drank Keemum 3 Monkey by Thé Kiosque
1759 tasting notes

MY ORDER FROM KIOSQUE CAME TODAY!!!!!
My first ever online tea purchase. (if you don’t count the David’s order I made eons ago for some teas no longer offered in store that is)
This order, I was lucky, they let me order in all sample sizes… as there are so many I haven’t tried that I wasn’t ready to make a commitment and I can try so much more this way. Thank you The Kiosque for being so awesome! :)
Ahem. Okay the tea.
Well… if you /like/ astringency, this one’s your gal. I mean tea!
Whew, is it ever sour!! like an apple, without the apple taste… like the tartness you get in a sweeter apple, not the sour apples. It’s a wild sort of astringency, deeper than most and rounder than in an Indian black tea.
There is a chocolate note there to, but it’s very much overpowered by the astringency.
Adding agave didn’t seem to bring the chocolate out much. Next time, I’ll lower the temp to see if that helps.
Milk did mellow it out quite a bit. Also, I did get three good steeps out of it, and a very nice tea high!! Other reviews of this tea from another vendor compare it to Pine, but I don’t see that here. It’s a little biting, so perhaps that is what they are getting at with “pine”? and burgundy… yeah I can see that, maybe. Not that I know what burgundy tastes like. but I understand the comparison to alcohol. The sharpness of the astringency and all.

Preparation
Boiling 3 min, 0 sec

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76

They have both black and white tea versions, both of which I enjoy, but the white tea version is my favorite – it does actually remind me very much of ice wine. Anxious to try it as an iced-tea!

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