82

So, it was Lala’s review of this tea that made me take notice of it, and my interest in this tea in particular was the tipping point for my placing that last sample order…

Originally, when I was looking at Lauren’s blends I skipped over this one preciously because it was an Earl Grey and I hadn’t realized what was “special” about it. I don’t personally drink a lot of Earl Grey so I’m at a point where, unless there’s something unique to an EG, I’m not interested in trying it. But currants!? I had to try that. Especially since Lala hadn’t described it as tasting medicinal, which is my biggest fear when it comes to currant blends. I still cringe when I think of DT’s Currant Affairs rooibos blend. That is one of the worst teas I’ve ever had.

This was so delightful though! I thought it was pleasantly light, fresh, sweet, and fruity but not in a way where the flavours came off as delicate. I tasted enough bergamot to know I was tasting bergamot and enough red currant to know I was tasting currant. The rosehip flavour was very light to me, any stronger and I think I would have disliked it but in this dosage I thought it provided the perfect amount of perky, sweet fruit flavour to the jammy currants. The whisp of vanilla was a lovely sweet note as well that blended the citrusy bergamot and jammy currants really smoothly. In fact, the whole cup was smooth: no bitterness or astringency throughout. Assam was a lovely base choice, as well.

Overall this is kind of the perfect breakfast EG in my opinion. Pair it was a scone with a little butter? I’d probably just melt. The flavours would be so good. This is definitely in my “Top Three” from A Quarter to Tea. Not totally sure if I like it more than Cherry Chocolate Latte Oolong. The two are just so different. But both are my favourites, so far, that’s for sure! If I find another two or three I like as much I’ll probably buy more of this one. Next year though…

When I’m off haitus.

Marzipan

Big fan of this company!

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Marzipan

Big fan of this company!

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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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