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2024 Sipdown Challenge | April | A tea from a swap or a sample

Yikes, I haven’t written a tasting note in two months! I’ve been distracted by some life transitions — all planned, intended, and positive, but still, I’ve been working to rediscover my rhythm and balance. That leaves less time for internet stuff and more time for real-world stuff… which includes drinking tea, but not necessarily logging it!

Aaanyway, I finished this one a few days ago after grabbing it from a TTB last year. The first few cups had a lovely (if understated) cherry cola vibe laced with a bit of peach, but the final two cups were a bit lacking on the cherry flavor. Still yum.

2024 sipdown count: 15

2024 Sipdown Challenge | February | A tea that energizes you

Upping my rating on this one because I’ve consistently loved it every time I’ve had it, and I’m verrry sad to see it go! I’m a sucker for toffee and caramel, and I also love chestnut-flavored teas, sooo… yeah.

I had difficulty choosing between this prompt and the “extra cozy” prompt—somehow this tea does both for me!

2024 sipdown count: 10

2024 Sipdown Challenge | January | A winter-inspired blend

Candy canes are wintery, right?! Plus, this came in my 12 Days of Christmas box. So it’s wintery by default. (Southern hemisphere, look away…!)

Anyway, my last cup was light on the candy cane, which is sad. I must’ve exhausted all the peppermint pieces in my first cuppa. I’ll leave my rating the same anyway.

2024 sipdown count: 6

2024 Sipdown Challenge | January | A blend made in another country

German tea to fulfill this sipdown prompt! I wholeheartedly endorse my original review: It’s a perfectly pleasant peach tea. :) This cup is slightly overleafed because I wanted to use up the entirety of my sample (from Courtney, I believe!) so it’s on the strong side. Perfect for a Monday morning!

2024 sipdown count: 5

Hmm, I’m surprised I haven’t reviewed this one. The first few times I drank it, I enjoyed it: The rose was mild but present, just a gentle whisper. But I’m drinking it today and it’s not jiving with my tastes — there’s an unctuous, slippery, almost cloying sugary rose note that’s turning me off. It’s probably coming from the artificial flavors… I’ll need to find a rose congou that’s scented with petals but doesn’t have additional flavors. :(

2024 Sipdown Challenge | January | A blend made in your home country

Logging for the sipdown! I love this blend. The blueberry flavor is so fresh and juicy, and the soft, pillowy marshmallow is a wonderful foil to the lemony sharpness. It all just works together so well for a truly enjoyable cuppa.

2024 sipdown count: 3

A belated pull from Arby’s homemade advent! I was craving a straight black tea but didn’t want anything too malty or strong… this really fits the bill! Not sure what year my sample is from, but it’s pleasant: Light and just a little bit tart, with no big flavor notes except something faintly floral. There’s a tiiiny smidge of soapiness toward the end.

Now back to rereading Jane Eyre. :)

2024 Sipdown Challenge | January | A small business blend

I completely fell off Steepster over the holidays… we were at my parents’ house for a week, and it was just SO busy! I finished my advents but didn’t document them here, alas. I came back on to a truly staggering number of missed posts and notifications… yeesh.

Anyway, this is my first sipdown of 2024! I’ll leave the rating the same from when I first drank it. It’s cozy and unctuous yet not at all heavy, and I’m enjoying it on a very cold, crisp winter day as I work on employee reviews for my direct reports. Fun stuff! XD

Happy new year, all!

2024 sipdown count: 1!

Homemade Advent Calendar from Arby: Day 21

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, as Arby included a note that it can skew sour, especially when brewed hot. I cold-brewed it and am drinking it as I wind down this evening. It’s pretty complex and interesting, with a faint herbal bite that I associate with aromatic bitters. Maybe it’s the orange or lemon peel? There’s also some sweetness, and then lots of bright fruit notes.

12 Teas of Christmas: Day 8

I remember being surprised that I could tolerate a banana tea from 52Teas a few years ago, because banana is not my thing. This year, though, I found myself actively enjoying it?! Growth!

Yeah, so I mostly get mild banana candy atop a mineral-y oolong. I’m weirdly not picking up any eggnog notes!