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My first experience with Guayusa – thanks Stephanie – A real nice change of pace from Camellia Sinensis. A nice soft sweetness followed by a faint hint of tartness. A very nice, very interesting blend. Worth a cupboard spot in my book.

Going to have to try this one cold brewed for a hot summer day such as today.

Now I understand. I can glimpse Stacy’s artistry and talent in weaving flavors not on top of, but within a fine base tea. It’s all there. The toffee, the banana, the coconut, and the Assam are all present, in a soft undulating experience that allows for interplay between all of the actors.

I have been hesitant to try flavored blends. My previous experience with grocery store flavored teas that left an artificial perfumed taste in my mouth had me convinced that I wouldn’t like flavored blends. Then there was the name of this tea, even though it is a Dr Who play on words, it made me think that this would be too sweet, too cloying for me. How wrong I was. Thank you Stephanie for including this in my sample pack. It was the perfect Butiki sample for me to start with. It abolished all of my errant prejudices regarding flavored teas. uh-oh more teas to stock now. :) And this one is #1 on my list of flavored blends to stock.

My first sip ever of the esteemed LB and did someone ever mention CHOCOLATE! Wow, can’t wait to see how this cup finishes, but from one sip I am a fan. Yes, this is on my keeper list.

My first “breakfast tea” since I discovered good loose leaf. I can see where this is in the same class of some of the old bagged tea I once drank, but that is where the similarity ends. The body is that of a familiar breakfast tea, but the flavor demonstrates so much more depth. A bright smooth tea that is a true pleasure. I now understand what bright is in a tea. :) This one may have to go on my stocking list.

Thanks Stephanie for the sample

No time today for repeated gong fu infusions yet I wanted to revisit this tea. So I did a western brew and found a totally different tea. Enjoyable but the massive cocoa flavor of the gong fu brew is now understated and present with some earthier flavors. I may have underleafed this cup but I am enjoying the different take on this tea. Guess I need to play with it to find my preferred cup of Special Dark.

My first foray into Pu-er and I was not prepared for the intensity of Special Dark. The first infusion and I realized that Pu-er is in a totally different taste dimension compared to where I’ve been with tea. Luckily I was once and avid coffee drinker and straight black was my preference. So after I sat up and took notice of this foundational shift I am relishing my 2nd infusion, and immersing myself in decadent chocolately bliss.

Oh my, what devilish temptations have I opened myself up to? To late now, 3rd infusion coming up. :)

Wow…first sip exploded into my mouth with a fresh sweet creamy malt. I can’t wait to see what subsequent infusions bring.

Starting my tea explorations with Mandala may have been a mistake. It’s going to be a monumental struggle to favor one tea over another, they are all so delicious. Hey….good problem to have I guess. But this one is in the mix for a keeper.

Interesting…..I’m really just beginning to discover my tea preferences and have not been a fan of green teas. I’ve had Green Gold in my cupboard for a bit and have been drinking it grandpa style just for the convenience factor. Today all of a sudden I’ve discovered that I am truly enjoying this tea and have developed a taste for and an appreciation of green tea. Uh-oh……means more tea I need to keep on hand.

I’ve been drinking this “grandpa style” in my thermos. Wonderful way to add tea to my routine when I don’t have time/facilities to brew other teas. It is amazing how a white tea can stand up to continuous infusion and deliver a tasty tea for hours. This tea has for sure earned it’s spot in my cupboard.