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drank Creme Brulee Black Tea by Simpson & Vail
6444 tasting notes

This smells SOO GOOD! Definitely getting strong notes of caramelized brown sugar both in smell and taste. Alas, I am finding the base to be a little overwhelming and that is drowning out any possibility of cream or custard. Rather, it is adding almost a touch of “burnt” flavor to what smells like a perfectly caramelized treat. I had such high hopes for this but it is falling short of what I was expecting. Perhaps brewing for less time at a slightly dropped temperature might fix that? However, using Simpson & Vails parameters, this was a bit of a miss. Nonetheless, thank you Dexter3657 for the sample. If nothing else, you helped me realize this was just not the tea for me which is good as I would most definitely have bought this and then been disappointed and sad that I had so much.
Preparation
Boiling 3 min, 15 sec
2 comments
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Dexter
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LOL that’s what swaps are all about – trying new things. If this helped you to NOT buy it in the future then it’s all worth it, but sorry it didn’t live up to expectations. :((

VariaTEA
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It really is the beauty of swaps. It is nice to be able to try just a cup or two without having to commit to a large amount or a large order from a company that is not easily accessible. I would have ordered this and been let down so your swap was definitely worth trying it and learning it is not for me.

And no need to be sorry. Not every tea is going to be amazing but that is what makes the awesome ones so special. At least you gave me the chance to try it so thank you again.

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Comments

Dexter
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LOL that’s what swaps are all about – trying new things. If this helped you to NOT buy it in the future then it’s all worth it, but sorry it didn’t live up to expectations. :((

VariaTEA
Delete

It really is the beauty of swaps. It is nice to be able to try just a cup or two without having to commit to a large amount or a large order from a company that is not easily accessible. I would have ordered this and been let down so your swap was definitely worth trying it and learning it is not for me.

And no need to be sorry. Not every tea is going to be amazing but that is what makes the awesome ones so special. At least you gave me the chance to try it so thank you again.

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Bio

My cupboard has grown exponentially since joining this site and I have a lot to share. Feel free to snoop through my cupboard and message me if anything interests you – I am always happy to swap!

For me, flavored teas are definitely my sweet spot. I will most often reach for black teas and rooibos or honeybush blends but I do keep some flavored whites and greens around for when the mood strikes. I have a few herbals/tisanes but most of the time I find myself disappointed by them as they often smell deliciously sweet and then end up tasting tart/sour. I have a little bit of an aversion to pu’erh and oolong teas. I am also wary of florals, earl greys, and chai teas. I do not like overpowering citrus flavors nor do I usually like hibiscus, licorice or chamomile. I love dessert teas – caramel, vanilla, toffee, cookie, cream, and other sweet flavors make me smile. Fruits like strawberry, peach, mango, and pineapples will often catch my attention as well.

I have also realized that although I really enjoy adding frothed milk to some of my teas, if I do not like the tea with zero additives (just in plain water without milk or sugar), I probably won’t drink it. The one exception is flavored matchas which I will happily drink in cold milk if I do not like it mixed with hot water. My theory is if the tea can’t stand on its own then it is not for me and I will more than likely try to swap it out for something else.

Tea Ratings Guide (as of December 10, 2017)
90-100 Teas I NEED on hand at all times
80-89 Teas I want to keep around for a cup every now and then
70-79 Teas I am glad I have around and can experiment with but probably don’t need more than what’s in my cupboard
60-69 Teas I would not turn down a cup of from a friend but that would probably be enough
50-59 Teas I can see why someone would enjoy but are not for me
Under 50 Teas I really did not like and most likely got dumped

Location

Waterdown, Ontario

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