Daylon R Thomas Send Message

Interesting one from the Wanderlust subscription. I’ve only had it straight western on its own or with a splash of cream so far. The smell of the tea is incredible, and though I thought it was going to be a more Chai leaning kind of tea, the star anise, vanilla, and turmeric are the main leads for the arom and flavor a, hinted with the clove and cardamom. It actually reminded me more of Eggnog in the combo of vanilla and spices, especially the anise. The blend of black and shou also makes it earthy without any astringency, and the color of the tea is a bright amber orange. I wouldn’t say the tea itself is spicy though. It’s very mild and more in the creamy dessert spice side of it’s ingredients rather than chai.

I actually like it on its own so far because of how earthy and comforting it is. I need to get some sweet and condensed milk for sure to brew it properly, but I’m enjoying it thoroughly. It’s got compliments from each ingredient to make it more cozy than spicy. It definitely resembles a Thai Iced Tea, but I think tamarind may have helped push it to be a little bit more in that territory. Then again, the tamarind may have made the tea too spicey when it’s really balanced as is. I can see myself finishing this month’s tea quickly. I’d rank it as one of the higher wanderlust teas so far personally. Ravello and Provence are my favorites of the bunch overall.

Sipdown. This one is good, and will be missed. I’m still waiting on my Crafted Tea Leaf order with a bunch of oolongs, and I’ve been very tempted to get some of the High Mountain Black from Taiwan but grown in China on What-Cha’s site. I gotta save. I’ve got a house now and a german shepherd that need my financial attention.

I’m about to sip this down soon. Funny how I am not in the mood for black teas, but when I finally drink the ones I love, I want more. So dumb. This one was nice and floral, with an orange blossom finish after a thick layer of a fruity malt of red plums. It’s still just tea, but it was more rich.

Sipdown mug style! Really liked this one. I hoarded it for a while, and did it hot. Cold brew also works, but this is my favorite hibiscus fruit blend I’ve had yet with a white tea.

I keep coming back to this one, so I’m upping the rating. I haven’t done a full fledged cold brew, but I remade some after a first hot tumbler session. The cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and orange get really strong in longer steeps, but not overpowering. The cold water in the refill brings out more citrus and vanilla with some strong spice that’s really soothing.

I’ve had a can from a gift basket I won. This is so much better as a cold brew or an iced tea. I’ve rated it a 71 in terms of its quality, but I continue to really like this flavor combo.

Sipdown. This one is better tumbler style or in longer steeps. It does work gong fu, but there’s more layers the more you draw it out. It’s moslty floral and marshmallowy gong fu, and longer brews western and grandpa are sweeter, leaning more into some fruitier elements.

The first time I had it, I would have rated it 88, the second time 91, and the last few times 85, so I’m leaving it at 86. It’s a very good Lishan, yet it can be fainter compared to others gong fu. However, it’s got it’s own distinct vibe that super easy to drink and brew for longer periods of time.

It’s a little bit weaker with less leaves. Longer steeps had a caramelized marshmallow green taste, shorter steeps brought high mountain green oolong that was not quite as complex. There were more complex smells for sure, but flavor was a little faded.

It also does better when cooled down or with cooler temperature. I liked it more in spring and winter. It’s marshmallow profile and complex florals still standout, though I’m not ready to rate it. I’ve got just enough for one more Grandpa and gong fu if I go heavy.

I tried it again with less leaves, making it for my girlfriend as a butterbeer stand in when watching Harry Potter. There were more apples this time making the tea more interesting. More butterscotch and vanilla for sure, but the apples balanced out the rooibos. My opinion has been improved.

Coldbrew makes this one SIIIIING. It’s like drinking melted mint chocolate chip ice cream. SOOOOO good, and soo cooling.