2023: Sipdown Progress Thread
The purpose of this thread is to track your progress on sipdowns over the year, encourage other Steepster members in their sipdown and/or general cupboard reduction/maintenance efforts, and most importantly, have fun while doing so!
Past Years:
2019: https://www.steepster.com/discuss/29734-2019-year-of-the-sipdown-challenge
2021: https://steepster.com/discuss/42494-2021-sipdown-progress-thread
2022: https://steepster.com/discuss/43802-2022-sipdown-progress-thread
What is a Sipdown?
A “sipdown” is drinking the last of a tea so that it is no longer in one’s cupboard. Since different people inventory their collection differently, some people count sipdowns of each individual package of the same tea, while others wait and only count the sipdown once that particular tea is completely gone from their cupboard. There is no right or wrong way to go about it; the purpose is to drink the tea one already has while reducing binge tea ordering habits to, ultimately, get a tea collection that feels “out of control” to feel more “under control!”
Ways to Sipdown
There are lots of ways to go about challenging yourself to sipdown more tea! Here are a few I’ve heard. Do you have a favorite method? Share your thoughts in the thread and I’ll add it to the list!
-Drink by Date: Clear out the oldest tea in the cupboard first, making room for the newer, fresher tea.
-Drink by Rating: Clear out lower-rated teas, either by experimenting with new ways of drinking them or gifting/trading them away!
-Sampler Sipdown: Focus on samplers or tea packages depleted to just a few servings, by making a dedicated area in the cupboard for teas that meet this criteria. They go quickly and can free up a lot of space!
-Randomizer: There are lots of different ways of using random generators to select a tea to focus on; the surprise from the random selection can be a lot fun!
-Keep Current on Subscriptions: Signed up to any tea subscriptions? Keep caught up on drinking subscription tea so it is out of the cupboard before the next subscription box shows up!
-A to Z of Tea: Drink a cup of tea with each tea name beginning with a different letter of the alphabet, in alphabetical order! It’s a good way to work through cups while having a lot of variety!
-Tea Bracket Tourney: Select 16 teas (or more or less, depending on your preferences) and pair them off in a bracket-style tournament to see which tea makes it to the end! This is a great way to get several cups in of a single tea that is doing well in the tourney!
-Cupboard Clearout: Have packages of tea that have been sitting around because they just aren’t favorites and you can’t seem to get through the packages no matter how hard you try? Then consider hosting a cupboard sale at the Official Stash Sales Thread (https://www.steepster.com/discuss/6840-official-stash-sales-thread), or heading over to the Tea Swaps Board (https://www.steepster.com/discuss?category=tea-swaps&page=2) and starting a Traveling Tea Box or seeing if you can trade/gift your unwanted tea!
The Zen of Sipdown: Acquiring Less Tea
The best sipdown efforts in the world become a moot point if the amount of new tea acquisitions from orders, trades, tea boxes, and gifts exceeds the amount of tea being sipped down. The idea of decreasing the total amount of tea in the stash to a point of feeling in control and happy (note that this “amount” will be unique and different for everyone!) is to drink more tea that you already have than you are bringing in. Here are some tips to help make that possible:
-If you order a lot of tea, set a budget that can’t be exceeded to help curb impulse or binge buying.
-Unsubscribe from tea company mailing lists to resist the urge to jump at every sale e-mail that comes in.
-Go “window shopping”: create carts on tea sites but wait a week before buying. Often the browsing/cart building is the most “satisfying” part, and a week later you may feel different about actually purchasing the items!
-Do not be afraid to say “no” or not participate in teaboxes, tea exchanges, and group-buys.
-Don’t be part of “enabler culture” when you know someone is working hard toward sipdown goals/reducing their cupboard; for some, saying “no” to proposed teaboxes, tea exchanges, and group-buys on a site filled with fellow tea-lovers can be very difficult! Remember to always be supportive of someone working toward sipdown/cupboard reduction goals and never take someone’s decline for a swap personally.
Remember, working towards proper cupboard management does not mean you can never place a new tea order or jump into a teabox or tea swap: it’s about finding and maintaining the right balance for you and your cupboard. Create sipdown goals for yourself! If you meet those goals, feel free to reward yourself with some new tea! Attempt to keep new orders coming in less than the amount of tea cleared out, and cupboard numbers will start to drop!
Monthly Sipdown Challenge
This month, try to find and drink as many teas from this scavanger hunt item list as possible! (Feel free to interpret the items as you see fit, and remember, don’t make a new tea purchase just to “check off” an item from the list… if you are missing something, consider it a reminder of your excellent cupboard management progress!)
September
September 4 – Eat An Extra Dessert Day – have a dessert tea!
September 21 – World Gratitude Day – sip a tea for which you are truly grateful!
September 26 – National Love Note Day – write a love note to a partner, a friend, yourself, or your favorite tea while you sip! (Bonus points if you don’t get any tea or jam on the note)
Your oldest non-puerh tea
Your most exciting tea
Your hardest to reach tea
A tea you regret buying
A tea with natural cocoa notes
A tea from a favorite vendor
A tea from a friend
I would like to get my cupboard down to 75 teas this year. So many teas are not even listed in my cupboard right now, but those are mostly in small amounts.
Sipdowns – M 10 Y 118
[X] Jan. 1 a tea I love – Carol by Lupicia
[X] Jan. 10 – a chocolate tea – Mon Petit Chocolate from Dammann Freres
[X] Jan. 20 – a coffee flavored tea – Gingerbread by Teecino
[X] A celebration tea – St. Valentine’s Tea by Fortnum & Mason
[X] A tea by candlelight – Smoky Earl Grey by Fortnum & Mason
[X] My oldest green tea – Peach Jasmine Dragon Pearls by Teavivre
[X] A tea hard to pronounce or spell – Momijigari by Lupicia
[X] A tea that goes with snow – Snow Day by Davids Tea
[X] A tea for joyful solitude or meditation – Victoria Grey by Fortnum & Mason
[X] A malty tea – Breakfast Blend from Fortnum & Mason
[X] February 2 – Groundhog Day: drink the same tea (or type) twice! – Tulsi by Organic India
[X] February 11 – National Latte Day: Make a latte! Organic Matcha by Harney & Sons
[X] February 21 – Both National Pancake AND National Sticky Bun Day:
Have a tea flavored like either one! – Caramel Apple Pie by Piper & Leaf
[X] A flavored white tea – White Duke by Bellocq
[X] A least favorite tea – St. Valentine’s by Fortnum & Mason
[X] A tea swap tea or gifted tea – Jun Chiyabari Black by What-Cha
[X] Your oldest oolong tea – Wild Forest Oolong by A Southern Season
[X] An afternoon tea – Nonpareil Handmade Anxi Qing Xiang TGY Teavivre
[X] A grocery store tea – Glazed Lemon Loaf by Tazo
[X] Self care – Have tea and do something that feeds your soul! – Parker’s Blend by Cuppageek
March
[X] March 2 – Int’l Irish Whiskey Day: Drink a boozy tea! White Bellini by Kusmi
[X] March 14 – Pi Day – Have a pie flavored tea or tea with pie! Momijigari by Lupicia
[X] March 25 – The end of American Chocolate week – have a chocolate tea, a tea with natural cocoa notes, or tea paired with chocolate! Mon Petit Chocolat by Dammann Freres
[X] Tea from your biggest tin – Fortmason from Fortnum & Mason
[X] A tea you won’t repurchase – Je Ne Sais Quoi by Theodor
[X] A tea with a leaf in the logo – Honey Lemon Hojicha by 3 Leaf Tea
[X] A shelf staple tea – Carol by Lupicia
[X] A single origin tea – Jun Chiyabari Winter Special Oolong by What-Cha
[X] A favorite herbal tisane – Blue Mountain Blend by Tin Roof Teas
[X] Your oldest black tea – Travel To India by THEODOR
April
[X] April 5 – National Caramel Day: Drink a tea with caramel notes or flavoring! Grand Maple Caramel Keemun by 52teas
[X] April 17 – Herbalist Day: Drink an herbal tea! Douglas Fir Spring Tips from Juniper Ridge
[X] April 29 – National Sense of Smell Day: Drink your most aromatic tea! Jingle Bells by Lupicia
[X] A grassy tea – Huang Mudan by Song Tea
[X] A finicky tea – Sakura Premium by Lupicia
[X] A tea from Africa – Organic Rooibos from Harney & Sons
[X] A tea you serve to tea newbies -Decaf Paris by Harney and Sons
[X] Your “fanciest” tea – Golden Hour by The Silk Tea Co.
[X] Your oldest white tea – Bai Hao Silver Needle by Joffrey’s
[X] A tea sample you put off trying – Golden Joy by Flower Girl
May
[X] May 8 – National Coconut Cream Pie Day: drink a tea with coconut! Carol by Lupicia
[X] May 11 – National Eat What You Want Day: drink what you really want! Frambois Chocolat by Lupicia
[X] May 20 – National Pick Strawberries Day: drink a (straw)berry tea! Decaf Carol by Lupicia
[X] A rose tea – St. Valentine’s by Czar Nikolas
[X] A flavored oolong – Pomegranate Oolong by Harney
[X] A flavored black tea – Nostalgia by Czar Nikolas II
[X] A limited edition or seasonal tea – 30th Anniversary Blend by Harney
[X] A tea available almost anywhere – Glazed Lemon Loaf by Tazo
[X] A tea with a three word name – Vanilla Rose Cake by Cuppageek
[X] An Earl Grey plus tea – Parker’s Blend by Cuppageek
June
June 1 – World Milk Day: drink a tea with milk! Lattes count! Banana Hojicha by 3 Leaf Tea
June 9 – National Earl Day: drink an Earl Grey type tea! Mother’s Day by Fortnum
June 29 – International Day of the Tropics: drink a tropical tea! Tropical Vibes by Cuppageek
[X] A minty tea – Peppermint Herbal by Harney
[X] A true sipdown tea – 30th Anniversary by Harney
[X] A tea that was a gift – Golden Hour by The Silk Tea Co.
[X] A lingering holiday/advent tea – Orange Pomander by Lupicia
[X] An iced tea – Lemon Swirl by Cuppageek
[X] A favorite bagged tea – Vanilla Nut by Teeccino
[X] A tea sipped while watching the sunrise/sunset – Mother’s Day by Harney and Sons
July
[X] July 7 – World Chocolate Day – drink a chocolate tea or have chocolate with your tea! Mon Petit Chocolat by Dammann Freres
[X] July 16 – National Cherry Day – drink a tea with cherry flavor! Cerisier by Lupicia
July 30 – International Friendship Day! Do your thing – have tea with a friend, send tea to a friend, write to a friend, make a friend, or call a friend while you have tea and let them know you are thinking of them. Provence by Harney and Sons
[X] A cold brew tea – Huang Shan Mao Feng by Teavivre
[X] A breakfast tea – Premium Keemun Hao Ya by Teavivre
[X] An apple tea – Momijigari by Lupicia
[X] A tea that makes you smile – Strawberry Cheesecake by Red Rose with decaf Ceylon
[X] A tea with more than 5 ingredients – Golden Hour by The Silk Tea Company
[X] A tea you regret not buying more of – Strawberry Angel Food Cake White Tea by 52teas
[X] Your most unusual tea – 2020 Yabukita Wakocha ‘Japanese Darjeeling’ by Liquid Proust.
August
[X] August 5 – Campfire Day – drink something smoky! Lapsang Souchong Crocodil by Theodor
[X] August 10 – Lazy Day – make an easy peasy tea! Minnie Mouse by Harney
[X] August 25 – National Secondhand Wardrobe Day – drink a tea that came to you
secondhand! Bonus points for wearing secondhand clothes while you drink it! Japanese Darjeeling by Liquid Proust with bonus points!
[X] A tea with orange flavor – Bouquet of Flowers by Kusmi
[X] A CTC tea – Cookie by Lupicia
[X] An impulse buy tea – Asian Pear Harmony by Stash
[X] A tea you serve non-tea folks – Decaf Paris by Harney
[X] Tea while listening to a summer song – Momijigari by Lupicia
[X] Tea from a family member – Lapsang Souchong Crocodil by Theodor
[X] Your most refreshing tea – Fengqing Ripened Tribute Cake 2013 by Teavivre
September
September 4 – Eat An Extra Dessert Day – have a dessert tea! Carrot Cake Cupcake Green Rooibos by Simpson & Vail
September 21 – World Gratitude Day – sip a tea for which you are truly grateful! Lavender Lace by Simpson & Vail
September 26 – National Love Note Day – write a love note to a partner, a friend, yourself, or your favorite tea while you sip! (Bonus points if you don’t get any tea or jam on the note)
[X] Your oldest non-puerh tea – Chamomile by Harney and Sons
[X] Your most exciting tea – Sweet Zhang by 52teas
[X] Your hardest to reach tea – Chocolate & Strawberry Puer by Lupicia
[X] A tea you regret buying – St. Valentine’s Blend by Fortnum & Mason
[X] A tea with natural cocoa notes – Nepal Jun Chiyabari Himalayan Imperial by What-Cha
A tea from a favorite vendor
A tea from a friend
goal for 2023: 150 sipdowns (I’m going to note how many teas I started the year with in my cupboard this time, just so I can feel I’m maybe making progress: 1,152. egads. Note: even if I have one teabag of something, I usually add it to the cupboard…)
2019 Sipdown total: 92
2020 Sipdown total: 102
2021 Sipdown total: 156
2022 Sipdown total: 150
2023 Sipdown total: 85 (halfway goal met 8/12/23)
2023 Ode To Tea
A – Stone Leaf Tea House – Amacha *not a true sipdown
B – Harney & Sons – Bangkok
C – 52Teas – Cherry Marshmallow Treat
D – Teavivre – Dreamy Hawaii Fruit
E – Soleil Tea – Eden
F – Tea-Adventure – Fushou Green *not a true sipdown
G – Verdant Tea – Golden Fleece
H – Teabook – House Raw *not a true sipdown
I – 52Teas – Is It Autumn Yet? *not a true sipdown
J – Daoist Meditation – Jasmine Green
K – Single Origin Teas – Kaporet Kenya
L – Tealyra – Lychee Jasmine Green
M – Harney – Mokalbari East Full Assam
N – Yunomi – Nabeshima: Hida Mugicha Barley Tea *not a true sipdown
O – Teavivre – Organic Lapsang Souchong Smoky Black
P – Butiki – Plum Brandy Cheesecake
Q – Harney & Sons – Queen Catherine *not a true sipdown
R – Adagio – Rooibos Vanilla
S – 52Teas – Strawberry Zabaglione Green
T – Lupicia – Tsugaru Green
U – Tealux – Un Momento *not a true sipdown
V – Samovar – Velvet Cacao *not a true sipdown
W – Art of Tea – White Summer Rain
X – Verdant tea – Xingyang 2008 sheng Tuocha *not a true sipdown
Y – Nature’s Tea Leaf – Yunnan Golden Bud Black
Z – Yunnan Sourcing – Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong of Wu Yi Fujian Black
January
[X] Jan 1 – beloved tea – [Bird & Blend – Coco Chai No. 5]
[X] Jan 10 – chocolate tea – [HEB – Chocolate Rooibos]
[X] Jan 20 – coffee flavored tea – [Herbal Infusions – Moose Tracks + Bird & Blend – Choc It Rock It] *not true sipdowns
A celebration tea -
[X] A tea by candlelight – [Teavivre – Lao Cong Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid) Phoenix Dan Cong] *not a true sipdown
[X] My oldest green tea – [ESP Emporium – Strawberry/Lichee Green] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea hard to pronounce or spell – [TeaGschwendner – Shogun]
[X] A tea that goes with snow – [DavidsTea – Forever Frosty]
[X] A tea for joyful solitude or meditation – [Simpson & Vail – Shanti]
[X] A malty tea – [teakruthi – Southern Malt] *not a true sipdown
February
[X] Feb 2 – Groundhog Day: drink the same tea (or type) twice! – [Teajo – Tropical Mango + Fusion – Smoked Mango] *not true sipdowns
Feb 11 – National Latte Day: Make a latte!
[X]Feb 21 – Both National Pancake AND National Sticky Bun Day – [Bird & Blend – Blueberry & Bacon Mash up + Fusion – Cinnamon Roll] *not true sipdowns
[X] A flavored white tea – [Liquid Proust Teas – Autumn Warmth]
[X] A least favorite tea – [Upton – Gunpowder Green Peppermint]
[X] A tea swap tea or gifted tea – [Mandala – Nine Lotus]
[X] Your oldest oolong tea – [foojoy – Fenghuang Oolong]
[X] An afternoon tea – [Vahdam Tea – Turmeric Matcha] *not a true sipdown
[X] A grocery store tea – [Stash – Earl Grey]
Self care – Have tea and do something that feeds your soul!
March
[X] March 2 – International Irish Whiskey Day – [Angry Tea Room – Sue’s Blend] *not a true sipdown
[X]March 14 – Pi Day – [Butiki – Ruby Pie + Davidstea – Sweet Potato Pie + Bird&blend – Fruit Pie Chai] *not true sipdowns
[X] March 25 – The end of American Chocolate week [52Teas – Brownie Batter with nut butter swirl & Dessert By Deb – Chocolate Orange Biscuit Cake & Republic of Tea – Banana Cuppa Chocolate] *two of these not true sipdowns
[X] Tea from your biggest tin – [Harney & Sons – Malachi McCormick’s Blend] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea you won’t repurchase – [Harney & Sons – Fruits d’Alsace] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea with a leaf in the logo – [Teavivre -Ancient Tree Dragon Ball Raw Pu-erh]
[X] A shelf staple tea – [Simpson & Vail – Vietnam Ha Giang] *not a true sipdown
[X] A single origin tea – [Shan Shui Jian Tea Shop (AliExpress) – Jin Jun Mei]
[X] A favorite herbal tisane – [52Teas – Golden Slumbers herbal]
[X] Your oldest black tea – [ESP Emporium – Russian Samovar]
April
[X] April 5 – National Caramel Day – [Ovation Teas – Caramel Praline Delight + Tea Desire – Caramel Puerh + Davidstea – Creme Caramel Rooibos] *not true sipdowns
[X] April 17 – Herbalist Day: Drink an herbal tea! [Bird & Blend – Jelly + Ice Cream] *not a true sipdown
[X] April 29 – National Sense of Smell Day: Drink your most aromatic tea! [Simpson & Vail – Lewis Carroll’s black tea blend] *not a true sipdown
[X] A grassy tea – [Zen – Gyokuro Uji] *not a true sipdown
[X] A finicky tea – [Southern Boy Teas – Rainbow Sherbet]
[X] A tea from Africa – [JusTea – Kenya Black]
[X] A tea you serve to tea newbies – [Tealyra – Pu’erh Ripe Menghai Tuo Cha] *not a true sipdown
[X] Your “fanciest” tea – [Teavivre – Nonpareil Yunnan Dian Hong Ancient Wild Tree Black] *not a true sipdown
[X] Your oldest white tea – [Della Terra – White Chocolate]
A tea sample you put off trying
May
[X] May 8 – National Coconut Cream Pie Day: drink a tea with coconut! [52Teas – Coconut French Toast with Cardamom Maple Syrup] *not a true sipdown
[X] May 11 – National Eat What You Want Day: drink what you really want! [Mandala – Ripe Pu’er Mini-Tuocha Variety Package] *not a true sipdown
[X] May 20 – National Pick Strawberries Day: drink a (straw)berry tea! [Bird & Blend – Jelly & Ice Cream] *not a true sipdown
[X] A rose tea – [Teavivre – Yunnan Rose Dragon Ball]
[X] A flavored oolong – [Liquid Proust Teas – Dark Chocolate Oolong]
[X] A flavored black tea – [Harney & Sons – Tower of London]
[X] A limited edition or seasonal tea – [Bigelow – Eggnogg’n] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea available almost anywhere – [Twinings – Camomile, honey, vanilla] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea with a three word name – [Simpson & Vail – Matcha Vanilla, Organic]
[X] An Earl Grey plus tea – [The Republic of Tea – Earl Greyer] *not a true sipdown
June
June 1 – World Milk Day: drink a tea with milk! Lattes count!
[X] June 9 – National Earl Day: drink an Earl Grey type tea! [The Republic of Tea – Earl Greyer] *not a true sipdown
[X] June 29 – International Day of the Tropics: drink a tropical tea! – [Davidstea – Tropicalia] *not a true sipdown
[X] A minty tea – [Zen – Mint Chocolate Rooibos] *not a true sipdown
[X] A true sipdown tea – [Teabook – Tie Kuan Yin]
A tea that was a gift
A lingering holiday/advent tea
An iced tea
[X] A favorite bagged tea – [Lifted Cup – Raspberry] *not a true sipdown
A tea sipped while watching the sunrise/sunset
July
[X] July 7 – World Chocolate Day – drink a chocolate tea or have chocolate with your tea! – [ESP Emporium – Tiramisu/Mascarpone] *not a true sipdown
[X] July 16 – National Cherry Day – drink a tea with cherry flavor! [Bird & Blend – Cherry Bakewell]
July 30 – International Friendship Day! Do your thing – have tea with a friend, send tea to a friend, write to a friend, make a friend, or call a friend while you have tea and let them know you are thinking of them.
A cold brew tea
[X] A breakfast tea – [Teavivre – Superfine Keemun Fragrant Black]
[X] An apple tea – [52Teas – Apple Jack’s Apple Harvest Shou Mei] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea that makes you smile – [52Teas – Lemon Meringue Mao Zhen Hair Needle]
[X] A tea with more than 5 ingredients – [Zen – Japanese Treasures] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea you regret not buying more of – [Davidstea – Eucalyptus Mist]
[X] Your most unusual tea – [Lupicia – Orzo Strawberry]
2023 Ode to Tea – Part II!
A – Maya Tea Company – Apricot Black
B – Octavia Tea – Berry Cabernet
C – Upton Tea – China Congou Panyang
D – Zen – Darjeeling TGFOP1 Margaret’s Hope
E – Newby Teas of London – Earl Grey
F – Tealux – Feng Shui Wellness *not a true sipdown
G – Teavana – Golden Dragon Yellow *not a true sipdown
H – Teavivre – Huang Guanyin (Yellow Goddess) Wuyi Rock Oolong *not a true sipdown
I – Mandala – Imperial Dark – Bu Lang Gong Ting 2009 *not a true sipdown
J – Upton Tea – Jun Chiyabari Estate Nepal
K – 52Teas – Kumquat Cucumber Chutney *not a true sipdown
L – Teakruthi – Lemon Kandy
M – Davidstea – Mango Fruit Punch
N – 52Teas – Neapolitan Honeybush
O – Teavivre – Organic Hangzhou Tian Mu Qing Ding Green
P – Butiki – Pear & Jasmine Candies
Q – Harney & Sons – Queen Catherine *not a true sipdown
R – New Mexico Tea Co – Roasted Kukicha *not a true sipdown
S – Davidstea – Spiced Fig
T – Teavivre – The Witches of Eastwick Fruit tea
U – Tealux – Un Momento *not a true sipdown
V – Harney & Sons – Valentine’s
W – Harney & Sons – White Peach
X – Verdant – Xingyang 2008 Sheng Tuocha *not a true sipdown
Y – Yunnan Sourcing – 2015 “Ye Zhu Tang” Wild Arbor Raw Pu-erh *not a true sipdown
Z – Maya Tea – Zesty Lemon *not a true sipdown
August
[X] August 5 – Campfire Day – [The London Tea Room – Churchill] *not a true sipdown
[X] August 10 – Lazy Day – make an easy peasy tea! – [52Teas – Cashew Turtle]
[X] August 25 – National Secondhand Wardrobe Day – [Lupicia – Kuuipo]
[X] A tea with orange flavor – [Della Terra – Orange Brulee] *not a true sipdown
[X] A CTC tea – [Utopia Tea – Assam CTC] *not a true sipdown
[X] An impulse buy tea – [Maya Tea – Four Horsemen] *not a true sipdown
A tea you serve non-tea folks
Tea while listening to a summer song
[X] Tea from a family member – [Buddha Teas – Lavender] *not a true sipdown
[X] Your most refreshing tea – [Zen – Sweet Coconut Island] *not a true sipdown
September
[X] Sept 4 – Eat An Extra Dessert Day – [52Teas – Rocky Road Honeybush/Rooibos]
[X] Sept 21 – World Gratitude Day – sip a tea for which you are truly grateful! [Bird & Blend – Spiced Pumpkin Pie] *not a true sidpdown
Sept 26 – National Love Note Day – write a love note to a partner, a friend, yourself, or your favorite tea while you sip! (Bonus points if you don’t get any tea or jam on the note)
[X] Your oldest non-puerh tea – [Celestial Seasonings – Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride] *not a true sipdown
Your most exciting tea
[X] Your hardest to reach tea – [Silver Tips Tea – Pineapple] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea you regret buying – [TeaGschwendner – Windy City Blend] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea with natural cocoa notes – [Teavivre – Dian Hong Golden Snail] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea from a favorite vendor – [Butiki – Dark Side of the Melon] *not a true sipdown
A tea from a friend
I will try my best this year! I really need to finish a lots of tea. I have so much “last serving only” teas.
celebration tea — Jardin Bleu by Dammann Frères tea by candlelight — Bergfrische Minze (Mountain fresh mint) by Swiss Alpine Herbs oldest green tea — Ahimsa Veda by teakruthi tea that is hard to pronounce or spell — Kanchenjunga Oolong by Rakkasan Tea Company // not yet a sipdown tea that goes with snow — Snow On Green by Teafamille tea for joyful solitude and meditation — Georgian Wild White Tea Kamar Wild Organic by Good Tea // not yet a sipdown malty tea — Virunga Sunrise by Nous Tea[x] Jan. 1 a tea I love — Assam 2nd flush FTGFOPIcl Mokalbari by TakeT // not yet a sipdown
[x] Jan. 10 – a chocolate tea — White Chocolate by Your Daily Tea Cup
[x] Jan. 20 – a coffee flavored tea — Fairytale of NY by Bird & Blend Tea Co. // not yet a sipdown
February 2 – Groundhog Day: drink the same tea (or type) twice!
February 11 – National Latte Day: Make a latte!
February 21 – Both National Pancake AND National Sticky Bun Day:
Have a tea flavored like either one!
A flavored white tea
A least favorite tea
A tea swap tea or gifted tea
Your oldest oolong tea
An afternoon tea
A grocery store tea
Self care – Have tea and do something that feeds your soul!
Here we go, 2023! So despite having 450 sipdowns last year, I somehow only reduced my cupboard size by about 30… So I guess my goal should be to not buy so much damn tea, LOL!
Total 2021 Sipdowns: 520
Total 2022 Sipdowns: 450
TOTAL 2023 SIPDOWNS: 344
Starting cupboard size: 276
Ending cupboard size: TBD
Goals:
- Under 200 teas by the end of 2023
- Maximum of 1 order per month
January
Sipdowns: 36
Teas In: 39
Ending Cupboard Size: 295
February
Sipdowns: 44
Teas In: 26
Ending Cupboard Size: 279
March
Sipdowns: 42
Teas In: 39
Ending Cupboard Size: 277
April
Sipdowns: 33
Teas In: 8
Ending Cupboard Size: 240
May
Sipdowns: 29
Teas In: 15
Ending Cupboard Size: 225
June
Sipdowns: 9
Teas In: 13
Ending Cupboard Size: 226
July
Sipdowns: 54
Teas In: 61
Ending Cupboard Size: 236
August
Sipdowns: 63 (19 rehomes)
Teas In: 56
Ending Cupboard Size: 230
September
Sipdowns: 29
Teas In: 44
Ending Cupboard Size: TBD
I didn’t quite reach my goal of 250 sipdowns for 2022, but I was pretty close. I’m going to keep a similar goal for 2023. My hope is to finish off all of the older teas in my cupboard (anything older than three years).
2022 Sipdown Total: 213
2023 Sipdown Goal: 266
Starting cupboard size: 365
January: 24
February: 22
March: 7
April: 10
May: 2
June: 15
July: 4
August: 8
September: 9
2023 Sipdown Total: 101
Ending cupboard size: ???
January Monthly Sipdown Challenge
x January 1st – A tea I truly love → Jin Jun Mei (Unknown, from China)
x January 10th – A chocolate tea → Chocolate Marshmallow Spicier Chai by 52Teas
x January 20th – A coffee-flavored tea → Mocha Chai by Bird & Blend Tea Co.
x A celebration tea → Strawberry Slender Pu’erh by Teavana
x A tea by candlelight → Love by Pukka
x Your oldest green tea → Pumpkin Houjicha by 52Teas
x A tea that is hard to pronounce or spell → Whouffle by Adagio Custom Blends
x A tea that goes with snow → Peppermint Marshmallow Melting in Hot Chocolate by 52Teas
x A tea for joyful solitude and meditation → Mindful Mint by QNTM Leaf Tea
x A malty tea → Yin Yang by Gnat and Bee
February Monthly Sipdown Challenge
x February 2nd – Groundhog Day → Wildcrafted Dian Hong by Whispering Pines Tea Company
x February 11th – National Latte Day → Organic Ceremonial Matcha by Amoda Tea
x February 21st – National Pancake Day → Carrot Cake Pancakes by 52teas
x A flavored white tea → White Strawberry by Tupelo Tea
x A least favorite tea → Strawberry by Pickwick
x A tea swap tea or gifted tea → Mistletoe & Wine by Bird & Blend Tea Co.
x Your oldest oolong tea → Nostalgia by Liquid Proust
x An afternoon tea → PG Tips by PG Tips
x A grocery store tea → Rooibos Chai by Numi
x Self care → Yorkshire Tea Bedtime Brew by Taylors of Harrogate
March Monthly Sipdown Challenge
x March 2 – International Irish Whiskey Day → Almond Amaretto by Teeccino
x March 14 – Pi Day → Cookie by Lupicia
x March 25 – American Chocolate Week → Dark Chocolate by Teeccino
x Tea from your biggest tin → Chroning by Gnat & Bee
x A tea you won’t repurchase → Vanilla by Adagio Teas
x A tea with a leaf in the logo → Earl Grey Bella Luna by Adagio Teas
x A shelf staple tea → Nepal Black by DAVIDsTEA
x A single origin tea → Taiwan Yu Chi ‘Assam’ Black Tea by What-Cha
x A favorite herbal tisane → Bedtime Blues by A Quarter to Tea
x Your oldest black tea → Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire by 52Teas
April Monthly Sipdown Challenge
x April 5 – National Caramel Day → Caramel Apple Spice Slim Life by Yogi
x April 17 – Herbalist Day → Serenity by Gnat and Bee
x April 29 – National Sense of Smell Day → Decaf Hot Cinnamon Spice by Harney & Sons
x A grassy tea → Strawberry Oolong by TeaSource
x A finicky tea → 1777 Tea Party by Wedgwood
x A tea from Africa → Honeybush Strawberry by Satori Tea Company
x A tea you serve to tea newbies → Vanilla Comoro by Harney & Sons
x Your “fanciest” tea → Marie-Antoinette by Nina’s Paris
x Your oldest white tea → Youthberry by Teavana
x A tea sample you put off trying → Raspberry Matcha by Tea’s Me
May Monthly Sipdown Challenge
x May 8 – National Coconut Cream Pie Day → Sister Grey by Gnat & Bee
x May 11 – National Eat What You Want Day → Coconut Puerh by The Republic of Tea
x May 20 – National Pick Strawberries Day → Strawberry by Lupicia
x A rose tea → Yume by Lupicia
x A flavored oolong → The Earl of Harlem by Ambessa (Harney & Sons)
x A flavored black tea → Merci Mille Fois by Lupicia
x A limited edition or seasonal tea → Summertime Chai by Piper & Leaf
x A tea available almost anywhere → Earl Grey by Twinings
x A tea with a three word name → Big Red Sun by Harney & Sons
x An Earl Grey plus tea → Front Porch Special by Piper & Leaf
June Monthly Sipdown Challenge
x June 1 – World Milk Day → Chocolate & Strawberry Puer by Lupicia
x June 9 – National Earl Day → Organic Rooibos Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail
x June 29 – International Day of the Tropics → Mangoustan by Dammann Frères
x A minty tea → Michelle’s Tummy Tamer (Random Steepings)
x A true sipdown tea → Guei Fei by Camellia Sinensis
x A tea that was a gift → Organic Oolong Tea by Prince of Peace
x A lingering holiday/advent tea → Blackberry Maple Oolong by 52teas
x An iced tea → Immortalitea by Folk Apothics
x A favorite bagged tea → Cardamom Pu-erh by Numi Organic Tea
x A tea sipped while watching the sunrise/sunset → Nurture by High Garden Tea
July Monthly Sipdown Challenge
x July 7 – World Chocolate Day → Chocolate by Harney & Sons
x July 16 – National Cherry Day → Cherry Christmas by Piper & Leaf
x July 30 – International Friendship Day → Black Magic by High Garden
x A cold brew tea → Mango Tango Green by My Cup of Tea (USA)
x A breakfast tea → English Breakfast by Cup of Té
x An apple tea → Apple by Lupicia
x A tea that makes you smile → Valley of the Heart’s Delight by Satori Tea Company
x A tea with more than 5 ingredients → Gut Feeling by High Garden
x A tea you regret not buying more of → Mordor by Liquid Proust Teas
x Your most unusual tea → Trailblazer Blend by Piper & Leaf
August Monthly Sipdown Challenge
x August 5 – Campfire Day → Smokey Taboo by Cedar Hill Homestead
x August 10 – Lazy Day → Benifuji by SATOEN
x August 25 – National Secondhand Wardrobe Day → Fucha Rose Black by Bird Pick Tea & Herb
x A tea with orange flavor → Orange Earl Grey Organic by Østerlandsk Thehus
x A CTC tea → Hapjan Purbat BOP-CTC by Lupicia
- An impulse buy tea
x A tea you serve non-tea folks → Organic Chai Black Tea by steep by Bigelow
- Tea while listening to a summer song
- Tea from a family member
- Your most refreshing tea
September Monthly Sipdown Challenge
- September 4 – Eat An Extra Dessert Day
x September 21 – World Gratitude Day → Two Seasons by teakruthi
- September 26 – National Love Note Day
- Your oldest non-puerh tea
- Your most exciting tea
- Your hardest to reach tea
- A tea you regret buying
- A tea with natural cocoa notes
- A tea from a favorite vendor
- A tea from a friend
Total Sipdowns, Shares and tosses 2023:
Total adds:
Starting again for the new year. New goal is to abstain from tea purchases and sipdown until Japan trip in Fall 2023. Will still participate in boxes and swaps though.
Cabinet Start point: 395
End size:
January
Sipdowns:33, Tosses: 5, Share box adds: 115 (Tried and didn’t love box) (Total 153)
Total adds:66
X For New Year’s Day – start the New Year by drinking a tea that you truly love!: Honey Scented Black Tea- Wolf Tea
- January 10th – It is National Bittersweet Chocolate Day! Celebrate with a chocolate tea or have a favorite chocolate with your tea!: Believe- Call Me Sweetea (In Progress)
X January 20th – It is National Coffee Break Day! Take a break today with a coffee flavored tea!: Coffee Cake by Dessert by Deb
X A celebration tea: Strawberry Rose- TeBella
X A tea by candlelight: Framboise Chocolat- Lupicia
Your oldest green tea
X A tea that is hard to pronounce or spell: Maple Manoomin DavidsTea
A tea that goes with snow Snow Chrysanthemum from Kun Lun Mtns- Yunnan Sourcing (In Progress)
X A tea for joyful solitude and meditation: Rare Pipacha Oolong- Rare Tea Company
X A malty tea: Butter Brew- Bird and Blend
February
Sipdowns: , Tosses: , Share box: 2
Adds:
X February 2 – Groundhog Day: drink the same tea (or type) twice!-2 different 52Teas
X February 11 – Latte Tea Day:Raspberry Matcha- S&V
February 21 – Both National Pancake/Sticky Bun Tea:
-A flavored white tea:
-A least favorite tea:
X A tea swap tea or gifted tea: Honeydew Melon Herbal Lupicia
-Your oldest oolong tea:
-An afternoon tea:
-A grocery store tea:
-Self care – Have tea and do something that feeds your soul!:
Setting myself a modest goal of sipping down 75 teas this year. I don’t track my cupboard, so I don’t know how many total teas I have, but this should put a dent in things (…or at the very least, keep pace with my one monthly subscription). I consider something a sipdown if I originally had at least two servings of it.
2023 sipdown goal: 75
January: 16
February: 10
March: 2
April: 2
May: 7
June: 3
July: 4
August: 2
September: 1
October:
November:
December:
Total 2023 sipdowns: 47
January sipdown challenge
[x] January 1st: A tea you truly love → Coconut Eggnog (52Teas)
[x] January 10th: A chocolate tea → Chocolate Mint Black Tea (Trader Joe’s)
[x] January 20th: A coffee-flavored tea → Hazelnut Teeccino
_ A celebration tea
[x] A tea by candlelight → Low Country (August Uncommon)
[x] Your oldest green tea → Green Tea Matcha Blend (Kirkland Signature)
_ A tea that is hard to pronounce or spell
[x] A tea that goes with snow → Candy Cane Forest Black Tea (52Teas)
[x] A tea for joyful solitude and meditation → Four Seasons Taiwanese oolong (Hawkhurst Tea)
[x] A malty tea → Bananas Foster (52Teas)
Additional sipdowns:
Cinnamon Oolong (Davids Tea)
Chestnut Cream Cheese Danish Green Tea (52Teas)
Red Fruits (Alice’s Teacup)
Ocharaka Cola Ginger-Flavored Black Tea (Yunomi)
Carrot Cake Pancakes (52Teas)
Blueberry Limeade (52Teas)
Maple Apple Blondies (52Teas)
Maple Pumpkin Spice Hojicha (52Teas)
January totals:
Sipdowns: 16
Additions to cupboard: 10
February sipdown challenge
[x] February 2: Groundhog Day: Drink the same tea (or type) twice! → Combray (August Uncommon) + Arabesque (August Uncommon)
[x] February 11: National Latte Day: Make a latte! → Almond Cinnamon Brioche (Dessert by Deb)
_ February 21 – Both National Pancake AND National Sticky Bun Day: Have a tea flavored like either one!
_ A flavored white tea
[x] A least favorite tea Vineyard Peach Strawberry → (The Whistling Kettle)
[x] A tea swap tea or gifted tea → Ceylon Highlands (Teawala)
_ Your oldest oolong tea
[x] An afternoon tea → Sweet Almond Green (Davids Tea)
[x] A grocery store tea → Glazed Lemon Loaf (Tazo)
_ Self care – Have tea and do something that feeds your soul!
Additional sipdowns:
Cherry Crisp Honeybush (52Teas)
BOO-Berry Black Tea (52Teas)
Harvest Chutney Green Chai (52Teas)
Cranberry Almond Christmas Cookie (52Teas)
February totals:
Sipdowns: 10
Additions to cupboard: 10
March sipdown challenge
_ March 2: International Irish Whiskey Day: Drink any boozy tea!
_ March 14: Pi Day – Have a pie flavored tea or tea with pie!
_ March 25: The end of American Chocolate week – have a chocolate tea, a tea with natural cocoa notes, or tea paired with chocolate!
_ Tea from your biggest tin
_ A tea you won’t repurchase
_ A tea with a leaf in the logo
[x] A shelf staple tea → Candy Cane (Wegmans)
_ A single origin tea
[x] A favorite herbal tisane → Cinnamon Cardamom (???)
_ Your oldest black tea
March totals:
Sipdowns: 2
Additions to cupboard: 8
April sipdown challenge
[x] April 5: National Caramel Day: Drink a tea with caramel notes or flavoring! → Grand Maple Caramel Keemun Black Tea (52Teas)
_ April 17: Herbalist Day: Drink an herbal tea!
_ April 29: National Sense of Smell Day: Drink your most aromatic tea!
_ A grassy tea
_ A finicky tea
_ A tea from Africa
_ A tea you serve to tea newbies
_ Your “fanciest” tea
_ Your oldest white tea
_ A tea sample you put off trying
Additional sipdowns:
Rainbow Sherbet Iced Black Tea (52Teas)
April totals:
Sipdowns: 2
Additions to cupboard: 10
May sipdown challenge
[x] May 8: National Coconut Cream Pie Day: Drink a tea with coconut! → Tropical Cyclone Smoothie Green Rooibos (52Teas)
[x] May 11: National Eat What You Want Day: Drink what you really want! → Lapsang Souchong Wild Black Tea (Teavivre)
_ May 20: National Pick Strawberries Day: Drink a (straw)berry tea!
_ A rose tea
_ A flavored oolong
[x] A flavored black tea → Passage (August Uncommon)
[x] A limited edition or seasonal tea → Banana Oat Muffin Honeybush (52Teas)
_ A tea available almost anywhere
[x] A tea with a three word name → Mango Sticky Rice Genmaicha (52Teas)
_ An Earl Grey plus tea
Additional sipdowns:
Razzleberry Genmaicha (52Teas)
Thai Iced Tea Black Tea (52Teas)
May totals:
Sipdowns: 7
Additions to cupboard: 5 (…but I didn’t count what I kept from the TTB… oops.)
June sipdown challenge
_ June 1: World Milk Day: drink a tea with milk! Lattes count!
_ June 9: National Earl Day: drink an Earl Grey type tea!
[x] June 29: International Day of the Tropics: drink a tropical tea! → Summer Lovin’ Green Rooibos (52Teas)
_ A minty tea
[x] A true sipdown tea → Banana Pudding Black Tea (52Teas)
_ A tea that was a gift
_ A lingering holiday/advent tea
[x] An iced tea → Crisp Pomegranate Soda Green Rooibos (52teas)
_ A favorite bagged tea
_ A tea sipped while watching the sunrise/sunset
Additional sipdowns:
June totals:
Sipdowns: 3
Additions to cupboard: 5
July sipdown challenge
[x] July 7: World Chocolate Day – Drink a chocolate tea or have chocolate with your tea! → Chocolate Orange Rooibos (52Teas)
_ July 16: National Cherry Day – Drink a tea with cherry flavor!
_ July 30: International Friendship Day! Do your thing – have tea with a friend, send tea to a friend, write to a friend, make a friend, or call a friend while you have tea and let them know you are thinking of them.
_ A cold brew tea
_ A breakfast tea
_ An apple tea
[x] A tea that makes you smile → Apricot (Murchie’s)
[x] A tea with more than 5 ingredients → Anne’s Cranberry Sauce Rooibos Blend (52Teas)
_ A tea you regret not buying more of
_ Your most unusual tea
Additional sipdowns:
Strawberry Fizzy Black Tea (52Teas)
July totals:
Sipdowns: 4
Additions to cupboard: 6
August sipdown challenge
_ August 5: Campfire Day – drink something smoky!
_ August 10: Lazy Day – make an easy peasy tea!
_ August 25: National Secondhand Wardrobe Day – drink a tea that came to you
secondhand! Bonus points for wearing secondhand clothes while you drink it!
[x] A tea with orange flavor → Cute and Clever Cocktail Tea (52Teas)
_ A CTC tea
_ An impulse buy tea
_ A tea you serve non-tea folks
_ Tea while listening to a summer song
_ Tea from a family member
_ Your most refreshing tea
Additional sipdowns:
Ginger Cola Black Tea (52Teas)
August totals:
Sipdowns: 2
Additions to cupboard: 5
September sipdown challenge
_ September 4: Eat An Extra Dessert Day – have a dessert tea!
_ September 21: World Gratitude Day – sip a tea for which you are truly grateful!
_ September 26: National Love Note Day – write a love note to a partner, a friend, yourself, or your favorite tea while you sip! (Bonus points if you don’t get any tea or jam on the note)
_ Your oldest non-puerh tea
_ Your most exciting tea
_ Your hardest to reach tea
_ A tea you regret buying
_ A tea with natural cocoa notes
_ A tea from a favorite vendor
_ A tea from a friend
Additional sipdowns:
Pineapple Whip Green Tea (52Teas)
September totals:
Sipdowns: 1
Additions to cupboard: 0
I’m back again for 2023 after drinking and finishing a ton of tea in 2022… yet, I somehow managed to acquire much more than I started with!!
I’m attempting a no-buy for the first several months of the year, and then a low buy for when I’m on vacations and such.
2021 Sipdown total: 552
2022 Sipdown total: 748 (worth $1025.36)
2023 Sipdown total: 282 (worth $572.90)
Starting Tea Hoard Size: 712 (worth $4056.72)
Current Tea Hoard Size: 730 (worth $4141.69)
Ending Tea Hoard Size: TBA
January: 35 (worth $131.40)
February: 22 (worth $22.35)
March: 23 (worth $58.67)
April: 26 (worth $37.84)
May: 17 (worth $29.02)
June: 48 (worth $40.13)
July: 54 (worth $126.00)
August: 57 (worth $127.49)
Total Finished by type:
Black: 106 ($126.45)
Green: 46 ($55.98)
White: 14 ($29.21)
Herbal: 100 ($275.37)
Rooibos: 3 ($16.47)
Oolong: 3 ($15.24)
Matcha: 9 ($54.18)
Puerh: 1 ($0)
Thank you for taking over this year, ashmanra!
My stash was intense before, but thanks to advent calendars, holiday sales, and gifts, it is completely out of control and overflowing now. So I have two goals – finishing off the advent calendars, which I’m not counting towards my sipdowns, and actually sipping down my stash.
Sipdown goal: 100
January
1 sipdown
New Year’s – a tea I love: Ippodo Premium Gyokuro
February
2 sipdowns
A tea swap tea: Dessert by Deb Matcha Key Lime Pie
March
8 sipdowns
International Irish Whiskey Day: Simple Loose Leaf Herbal Pinacolada
A tea you won’t repurchase: DavidsTea Lavender Buttercream
A tea with a leaf in the logo: Chatime Premium Jasmine Milk Tea
A single origin tea: Verdant 10 Year Aged Tie Guan Yin
April
2 sipdowns
A finicky tea: Wissotzky Cinnamon Magic
May
5 sipdowns
A flavored black tea: Dessert by Deb Cookie Butter
A limited edition or seasonal tea: DavidsTea Watermelon Mint
A tea with a three word name: T2 Lemongrass & Ginger
June
8 sipdowns
A favorite bagged tea: Teeccino Vanilla Nut
A true sipdown tea: Butiki Champagne & Rose Cream
An iced tea: Flyest Blow
July
5 sipdowns
A tea with more than 5 ingredients: Rukhi Ayurveda Tea Kapha Dosha
National Cherry Day: Teaism Sakura Leaf
A tea that makes you smile: 52teas Marshmallow Treat Genmaicha
August
3 sipdowns
Thanks for continuing this ashmanra ! I’m hoping to get my cupboard down to 100 teas eventually, but as I’ve just upped my count by 24 I don’t think that’ll happen any time soon, so I’m just going to say if I can get to under 200 this year I will be happy! So that’s 80 sipdowns for the year. I’m going to work on rotating my teas more too, so will have a cup for each prompt and then work on sipping the selected teas down once I’ve done that. Looking forward to making progress!
January
1st, a tea I truly love -
10th, National Bittersweet Chocolate Day -
20th, National Coffee Break Day -
A celebration tea -
A tea by candlelight -
My oldest green tea -
A tea that is hard to pronounce or spell -
A tea that goes with snow -
A tea for joyful solitude and meditation -
A malty tea -
Cups: 0/10
Sipdowns: 0
February
2nd, Groundhog Day (drink the same tea twice) -
11th, National Latte Day -
21st, National Pancake/Sticky Bun Day -
A flavoured white tea -
A least favourite tea -
A tea swap or gifted tea -
My oldest oolong -
An afternoon tea -
A grocery store tea -
Self care (drink tea and do something that soothes the soul) -
Cups: 0/10
Sipdowns: 0
March
2nd, International Irish Whiskey Day (drink a boozy tea) -
4th, Pi Day (pie flavoured tea or tea with pie) -
25th, American Chocolate Week -
Tea from my biggest tin -
A tea I won’t repurchase -
A tea with a leaf in the logo -
A shelf staple -
A single origin tea -
A favourite herbal tisane -
My oldest black tea -
Cups: 0/10
Sipdowns: 0
April
5th, National Caramel Day -
17th, Herbalist Day -
29th, National Sense of Smell Day (drink my most aromatic tea) -
A grassy tea -
A finicky tea -
A tea from Africa -
A tea I serve to tea newbies -
My ‘fanciest’ tea -
My oldest white tea -
A sample I put off trying -
Cups: 0/10
Sipdowns: 0
May
8th, National Coconut Cream Pie Day (drink a tea with coconut) -
11th, National Eat What You Really Want Day (drink what you want) -
20th, National Pick Strawberries Day (drink a berry tea) -
A rose tea -
A flavoured oolong -
A flavoured black tea -
A limited edition or seasonal tea -
A tea available almost anywhere -
A tea with a three word name -
An Earl Grey plus tea -
Cups: 0/10
Sipdowns: 0
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