100

Wow, did this tea get better? I’ve had it once or twice since my order came in a couple of weeks ago, and somehow it seemed…lacking. Maybe it was because I wasn’t in the right mood, maybe it was because I had different expectations. (It does seem different from the old version but it’s not just the vanilla bean.)

Oh! I just realized, the last few times I brewed I forgot about drinking it until it was lukewarm. It could be an issue of temperature…I’ll take note of that. It’s much better when it’s still hot.

The dry and wet leaves smell absolutely decadent, like cocoa and sweet sparkling vanilla. The tea liquor has an aroma of chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and cherries. Mouth-watering delicious. The taste is very similar, too! It tastes like dark chocolate! Thick, rich, wonderful dark chocolate. I for one think that the darker the chocolate, the better, so this is heaven. It’s so smooth too. Mmmmm. The vanilla bean adds an element of sweetness and smooths out the tea base. Makes it velvety soft, creamy. It’s like a liquid chocolate dessert. I’m noticing fruitiness but it’s not quite cherry. I was thinking plum, then I second-guessed myself and read the tasting note. I guess it is plum! Neat. It’s not very strong, it’s just a subtle hint beneath the chocolate and vanilla. After sipping there’s a slight nutty aftertaste and caramel sweetness. The notes of cocoa carry through. Oh my, my, my. This is so good and I can’t get over how SMOOTH and RICH and VELVETY it is! It’s a keeper. I was unsure, but I’m convinced now. AND it’s good for resteeping. I am so on board.

Upped my rating.

Flavors: Caramel, Chocolate, Cocoa, Cream, Dark Chocolate, Nutty, Smooth, Sweet, Vanilla

TheTeaFairy

Great review!! And you will never want to be without this tea again. I think the vanilla bean makes this tea even better with time, that’s why you might see a difference. I know MzPriss (who’s GO is the absolute favourite) prefers it when it’s older :-)

Whispering Pines Tea Company

I love lightly aged GO. A month even makes a HUGE difference :)

Dexter

Then mine should be AMAZING by the time I get to it ;)

kimquat

That might be! I believe it. It seems much smoother and sweeter today than before. After this, I’m trying North Winds again to compare. (:

TheTeaFairy

Haha! please dex, don’t wait 6 months before trying this one!!!

Dexter

I’m working on getting better at that… ;))

MzPriss

Yes kimquat – it DOES get better as it sits a little while. The vanilla infuses more and it gets smoother and smoother so it is even more excellent in my mouth.

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TheTeaFairy

Great review!! And you will never want to be without this tea again. I think the vanilla bean makes this tea even better with time, that’s why you might see a difference. I know MzPriss (who’s GO is the absolute favourite) prefers it when it’s older :-)

Whispering Pines Tea Company

I love lightly aged GO. A month even makes a HUGE difference :)

Dexter

Then mine should be AMAZING by the time I get to it ;)

kimquat

That might be! I believe it. It seems much smoother and sweeter today than before. After this, I’m trying North Winds again to compare. (:

TheTeaFairy

Haha! please dex, don’t wait 6 months before trying this one!!!

Dexter

I’m working on getting better at that… ;))

MzPriss

Yes kimquat – it DOES get better as it sits a little while. The vanilla infuses more and it gets smoother and smoother so it is even more excellent in my mouth.

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Bio

I have met such lovely, kind individuals on Steepster and am so glad to have become a part of this community!

Pure black teas are my favorite. I drink black tea daily and I try to keep a variety on hand. I also enjoy white tea, matcha, puerh, and the occasional oolong. In general I try to stay away from flavored teas—especially those with artificial flavorings—but I will make rare exceptions, and I do enjoy a well crafted blend of straight teas. Things I (usually) don’t like: green oolongs, rooibos, straight green teas.

Rating System
90+ The very best! Teas that I always need in my cupboard!
85-89 Teas that I enjoy immensely and will try to keep around.
80-84 Makes a very pleasing cup. I will enjoy drinking them, but won’t necessarily try to keep around. (There are exceptions.)
70-79 Decent, but could be better.
60-69 Mediocre.
40-59 Gross. I might still try to finish the cup.
39 & under Undrinkable. I probably dumped this cup. Depending on the specific rating, I probably threw the rest of the tea out as well.

Some of my favorite tea companies are:
-Whispering Pines Tea Co.
-Verdant Tea
-Mandala Tea

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