15575 Tasting Notes

72

Before we left Tea Desire, I got my third Tea To Go for the day; I felt so judged by Kristina. At this point, I’d had two super caffeinated things so I felt the need to offset that so I decided I was going to be having rooibos.

I told her to pick out one that sounded like it’d make a good latte, and she actually picked Strawberry Cream but the sales person actually highly advised against getting it; and I’ve learned that if that staff advise against something usually to heed their warnings since 95% of the time they’re taught to recommend EVERYTHING, or at least give everything its own little spin to make it sound good (my DT friends have totally fessed up to having to do this – they’ll avoid saying things like “I don’t like it” and instead say “It’s very fruity/floral/sweet/etc.” or “Blank who works here really likes it”). So when they advise against it, there’s usually a good reason and they’re being super blunt/honest with you.

So I went with Kristina’s second pick instead; this one! It was good – thought not mind blowing. It was definitely very smooth and silky from the milk, and I’d say more heavily chocolate than almond but it’s possible the milk was just drowning out the almond. Some marzipan sweetness poked through though! It was almost a little floral too; I swear I picked up on some rose notes.

So I sipped on this one while we walked over to Chapters to go browsing, and so Kristina could pick up the most recent copies of the European metal magazines she reads. I’d never actually been to this Chapters; there are a couple in Saskatoon – and this is the biggest one I’d seen. We had a fun time looking around; and then of course I got sucked in by the little ‘tea station’ they had set up.

The had lots of Tea Forte, some bags of loose tea from a company called Pluck (never heard of ‘em, but there wasn’t anything exciting) and lots of tins of sachets from Harney & Sons – I was very excited about the Harney, but turns out they didn’t have either of the two I’m looking to acquire more of; Wedding Tea and Soba Cha. I was very tempted to buy something anyway because I desperately want to own a Harney tin (they’re so pretty!) but I couldn’t justify getting 20 sachets of something I just wont drink.

Bleh.

It was fun though! And after that we bused back to my place…

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73
drank Sansangria by Tea Desire
15575 tasting notes

So we bused down to Center Mall after DT and the record store; the main goal here was to go shoe shopping for me so I had decent shoes for the concert/work since the ones I own now are literally falling apart in pieces – but there wasn’t anything work appropriate in my size at the store, so that yielded literally nothing.

Tea Desire is in the same mall though, so we stopped there because how could we not? This was the tea on sample for the day, so we each tried a little shot glass worth. Kristina liked it and while I didn’t dislike it I thought it seemed like something much more suited to be iced/cold brewed. It was super orange/citrus flavoured with pineapple notes more present in the undertones/end sip. Pretty tart and sour, but with a lot of natural sweetness. I could be tempted into buying some in the future.

While we were there I restocked on Caramel Pu’Erh and Buddha Bamboo as well; and picked up more Walnut Truffle for VariaTEA. Kristina was so amused by how much tea stuff there is, and by all the colourful teaware. Understandable though, because even I am often amused by how much tea stuff there is an by all the colourful teaware. I’m happy that fascination has yet to go away.

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69

One highly caffeinated To Go bevarage at DT isn’t enough, apparently, so to contrast my latte w. Kristina I also grabbed one of these babies, iced, To Go before me headed out for the day.

It was pretty good; it tasted like petrichor (the smell of the earth after it rains); very earthy, very fresh, with some natural sweetness to it. Rainforest, through and through.

The whole reason Kristina was in town was to go to a Metal Concert (Arsis; and four other bands opening for them) with me, but at this point it was about 12:30PM and the doors to the show didn’t open until 7PM so we had a lot of time to kill. We ended up taking the longer, more leisurely walk to the bus terminals downtown while I sipped on this. Along the way we stopped at this older, vinyl record place. I’d never been before, but it was really cool. The whole store had this very welcoming, but dated atmosphere and the staff were pretty low key and casual. It was fun.

I didn’t get anything, but she got a (Metal) album. It was fascinating watching the staff members find the CD; she brought the case up and they used an indexed filing system to go through these MASSIVE cabinets of archived CDs to find the correct one. So “old school” – which seems like such a judgmental thing to say? But it was cool. You don’t see a lot of stores using an organizational system like that anymore.

And then we caught the bus and were off to another mall!

Flavors: Moss, Petrichor, Rainforest, Wet Earth

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73
drank Jumpy Monkey by DAVIDsTEA
15575 tasting notes

Just a little bit of backlog; I spent all Saturday out with my friend Kristina, and then yesterday I worked in the morning and promptly fell asleep when I got home so now, since I have the day off, it looks like it’s an appropriate time to log tasting notes. Man, it’s 9AM and it just feels so wrong that I’m wide awake. But that’s what I get for passing out on the couch at 8PM yesterday…

So lets get into my Saturday, shall we? Kristina was supposed to get in from Regina at 11:00 so I was going to meet her downtown at 11:30, but in order to get ready, shower and stuff and catch the bus in time I needed to get up at approx. 9:00 so that’s when I had my alarm set for. So I ended up waking up on my own thinking I was up before the alarm had gone off; I casually checked what my phone for the time and what time was it? 11:00. I fucked up. Apparently, I had my phone on vibrate so I wound up sleeping through the alarm. So I got ready stupidly fast; no time for showers or tea or really even like brushing my hair? And I had to take a taxi to meet her; even still I wound up being late. She was cool about it though. I guess she just knows me and what to expect, at this point…

We met up at DAVIDsTEA because it’s a good meeting place, and it’s close to the Bus Depot downtown; and Thank God we did ‘cause no tea in the morning or prepared To Go? That’s terrible! So, I met up with Kristina and we caught up on what was new with her life since moving back to Regina over a hot latte. I picked this one; mate is pretty well the only way to start off a busy day out.

This was pretty decent; you could really taste the coffee in it alongside the very roasty mate, which is sort of coffee like on its own too. There are so many different kinds of coffee beans in this though; and I am so vastly unknowledgable when it comes to coffee, so there’s no way I was able to pick up the differences between them all. I also was able to pick up on notes of vanilla and white chocolate among the creamy, frothy milk. Mmm! Man do I love lattes. I also feel like I very slightly tasted the chicory and some nuttiness, but mostly I think that was drowned by the milk.

But this definitely significantly jump started my day, which was the intent. And man, what a day it was! So much was packed into the day! It was fun though, and I look forward to elaborating in tasting notes to come!

EDIT: Should probably point out this was obviously with the new formula.

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78
drank Alpine Punch by DAVIDsTEA
15575 tasting notes

Sipdown (117)!

No problems with finishing this one off; a little birdy (the manager at my local store) told me she was 95% this was going to be coming back in the winter, so if I decide I do want to replenish I’m confidant I will have the chance to do so in a couple of months.

This was delicious and very comforting; lots of sweet rose and almost cherry heavy marzipan notes, but also other stuff like coconut, apple, cinnamon, and nuts. There’s a bunch going on with this one but despite the potpourri of ingredients it feels tried together and succinct, and it doesn’t make your head hurt like other blends can when you try to consciously pick out the many different things happening.

I’ve enjoyed this one, even though I totally didn’t expect to.

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85

Steeped up and taken with milk to satisfy a creamy dessert tea craving, and also because it’s conveniently caffeine free – once I’m done logging teas for the night it’ll be straight to bed for me; a while ago I said that I was going to be going to a(nother) Metal Concert with my friend Kristina, who is busing into the city for the day to see it with me.

Well, time flew by quickly so it’s time to go see it tomorrow! The concert doesn’t start until 7PM but she’ll be getting into the city tomorrow a little before noon so it’s going to be a really early day, at least by my standards, so I need to catch some extra Zs . I’m not sure how we’re going to kill time – but we will. Hopefully she’ll be tired from the long bus ride and not want to do anything too out there until the concert starts. I’m meeting her at DTs, so that should be fun. I’ll be sure to try something new while I’m there!

This was good; very custard/creamy in flavour with that lovely confectionery coconut taste. Exactly what I was hoping for; so glad it delivered (not that I really anticipated it not delivering). I’m surprised Tre didn’t demand a sip; he loves coconut stuff and the smell was intoxicating.

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58
drank Cola Matcha by Matcha Outlet
15575 tasting notes

Sipdown (118)!

Well damn it took an excessively long time to sipdown this weird matcha. And, I never did find a way to prepare it where I really enjoyed it. Some were better than others, that’s for sure, but nothing was great.

This time to polish it off I made a small, slightly overleafed cup in cold milk (because I need to use up the milk I have right now). It tasted ok; but weird like anticipated. I gave Tre a sip of it and while he didn’t like it, he did “give some feedback”. He said it tastes like cinnamon candy and at first I told him he was crazy, but then when I went back to finish the cup I could see that actually – now that he had said it, it sorta did in a very weak way.

That actually made it easier to finish the mug.

Go Tre?

Flavors: Cinnamon

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70
drank Yorkshire Tea by Unknown
15575 tasting notes

Sipdown (119)!

Thank you VariaTEA for the sample. Unfortunately, the packaging is super nondescript and doesn’t have anything on it to indicate a company (and when I stalked your cupboard I didn’t see anything to indicate where this is from/who this is by) so I feel like I’m really going in blind.

This comes in a teabag (a kinda bigger one though), but despite that I made it in my timolino for work this morning, with some added milk since my milk is gonna expire soon and I don’t want to see it go to waste. I actually didn’t drink this until I got home though; it just wound up being too busy during the day to drink it at work.

Taste wise I mostly just tasted the milk I had added; but maybe a little extra sweet/creamy? I guess I could say there were honey notes and feel confidant about that; but not sure how else to describe this one. It was good overall, though.

And somewhat tea related (just not this tea); I placed my very first Adagio order today! I’m gonna be restocking on three fandom blends that I know I like (one I stock already, just need a top up) but most excitingly I’m getting my very first fandom sampler! The one I picked out for myself is the Hobbit sampler! I have no clue whether I’ll like the teas (looks like many have lots of Spices in ‘em) but the tins are adorable and I’m sure will make the whole order feel justified!

Woot!

Flavors: Honey

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88

Cold Brewed this one. I actually was trying to hoard the reserve I have left, but something happened with Tre that made me think of it, and then I couldn’t get it out of my mind. I just wanted to make this one so badly.

So first the Tre thing; there’s this guy we both went to highschool with named Nathan. It’s important to note for the story’s sake that he is gay and Tre is not. Basically all through highschool Nathan had this sorta kinda crush on Tre but no one took it seriously because Tre’s not gay and Nathan never really acted on it.

But since moving, Nathan has kinda really been pushing it and it’s clear the “crush” has developed into more than a crush. He’s constantly making weird sexual comments but also sometimes says things that are just sorta sad like “I wish I was a woman so I could love you like you want”. I feel really bad for Nathan. Tre’s just kinda freaked out by the whole thing; he’s simultaneously flattered but then also feels guilty for not being able to reciprocate because he’s always thought of Nathan as a good friend. And then when the sexual stuff comes out or Nathan drunk FBs him he’s just creeped out. He’s doing his best to be firm but gentle about the whole “not gay” thing, so Nathan doesn’t get his hopes up.

Well, yesterday Nathan made a hugely inappropriate “grand gesture” and sent a bouquet of Chocolate dipped strawberries and a big fluffy teddy bear to Tre’s work. Yeah, not our home address (which would be one thing) but his job. He got in trouble from his boss having stuff sent to the restaurant – plus it was just uncomfortable to Tre to get stuff from this guy he’s been trying to sorta let down easy. He tried talking to Nathan about it, and Nathan said he understood but then minutes later he posted this super angsty Facebook post kinda really obviously directed at Tre for “breaking his heart”.

It’s probably really uncomfortable for them both – but on the plus side, Tre didn’t want to eat the chocolate dipped strawberries, so he gave ’em to me! Yummy!

And long story short; that’s what got me craving this tea so severely. Taste wise, I think this is better hot but it was really tasty cold brewed too. A little bit like Strawberry juice boxes but a little less sweet, and with a really natural tang to it. Mmm!

mj

Poor Tre :-(

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62
drank Mango Lassi by Butiki Teas
15575 tasting notes

Sipdown (120)!

Ok, this is a little sweeter/more mango flavoured then last time. I’m thinking it’s a combination of my slightly overleafing and steeping an extra two minutes that help pushed this one further to a more flavourful, and therefore enjoyable, point.

I actually let this one get cold, and it was a bit better that way. If I had any more I’d probably be trying it next as a cold brew – but as is I’m out, and this didn’t impress me enough to want more of it so I shall leave that avenue unexplored and just be content with the two cups I had.

Thanks again, Cameron B.

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Profile

Bio

Hello! My name is Kelly, though many people in the tea community call me Ros or Roswell.

I am a mid-twenties tea addict, blogger, and all around nerd. I grew up in the Prairies, but a few years ago I relocated to Quebec to pursue a career with DAVIDsTEA in the tea industry! I’m still working on getting my French language skills down…

My first introduction to tea, in any form outside of instant and bottled iced tea, was about seven years ago when I happened to stumble upon DAVIDsTEA while looking for a birthday present for a friend! I tried their Birthday Cake rooibos blend, and I’ve been hooked on tea ever since! In those seven years; I was introduced to the online tea community, expanded my interest in flavoured teas to include a deep love and appreciation for straight teas and traditional brewing methods, got a tea themed tattoo, started reviewing teas, amassed a sizable tea and teaware collection, became a TAC certified Tea Sommelier, & even came full circle by beginning a career in the tea industry with DAVIDsTEA!

I consider myself a Jack of all Teas, and strive to have a knowledge and appreciation of all tea types, formats, and styles of drinking. I don’t like to feel boxed in to just being a “flavoured tea” or “straight tea” drinker – my expectations may vary depending on the type of tea or how it’s been processed/prepared but if it’s good tea, it’s good tea no matter how it’s been made!

You name it, I probably drink it- and I’ll absolutely try anything at least once.

My default method of preparation is hot, Western style, and straight – but I’m not opposed to additions if I’m in the right mood. If I ever add something to a tea or use a different method of preparation I will ALWAYS call it out in the tasting note though.

I like to listen to music when drinking tea, especially when I’m brewing a large pot at a time or steeping Gongfu. Often I curate very intentional tea and music pairings, and sometimes I share them here in my tasting reviews. Music is something that I find can deeply affect the experience of having tea.

I’m also one half of the “tea and fandom” podcast GeekSteep where, weekly, we discuss newly explored fandoms over tea as well as try to figure out the perfect tea to pair with each fandom. You can find us on Spotify and Apple & Google podcasts.

Favourite flavour notes/ingredients: Pear, lychee, cranberry, cream, melon, pineapple, malt, roasty, petrichor, sweet potato, heady florals like rose, hazelnut or walnut, sesame, honey (in moderation), and very woody shou.

Least favourite flavour notes/ingredients:
Lemongrass, ginger, strongly spiced profiles (and most Chai in general), mushrooms, seaweed, chamomile, stevia, saltiness or anything that reminds me too much of meat that isn’t supposed to taste like meat…

Currently exploring/obsessed with: Sheng from Yiwu, Yancha (Qilan in particular), anything with a strong sweet potato note. Also, I need to try ALL the root beer teas! Searching for a really good caramel flavoured blend, ideally with a black tea base.

Please contact me at the instagram account listed below if you would like me to review your teas.

Currently I’m employed in the tea department of the DAVIDsTEA head office. While I’m still sharing my own personal thoughts on new & existing DAVIDsTEA blends, I am no longer numerically rating them due to the obvious conflict of interest. Any comments expressed are a reflection of my own thoughts and opinions, and do not reflect the thoughts and opinions of the company. Any DAVIDsTEA blends you currently see with a numeric score were reviewed prior to my being hired there and have not been adjusted since becoming a DAVIDsTEA employee.

Location

Montreal, QC, CA

Website

https://www.instagram.com/ros...

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