Tea Press.
I definitely wish I’d taken more detailed notes when I was drinking this one. I’ve kind of fallen out of the habit of writing my tasting notes on the cup I’m drinking out of at work, largely because half the time I’m drinking out of another type of vessel like the tea press or matcha maker. I can’t exactly write on my tea press the same way I can a paper cup…
Anyway! I wasn’t originally interested in this one at all, but seeing how well received it’s been here on Steepster definitely made me curious. The stand out thing was, of course, the fact that VariaTea was pretty into it – and she is NOT an oolong fan. That told me that the flavouring in this one must be good.
The first thing I noticed personally was that honey flavour that AQ2T uses. It’s something I so distinctly associate with this company now; but honestly I’m kind of “meh” towards it usually. It’s not bad; but it’s so strong and it kind of dominates whatever it’s used with? However, it works quite well in this blend! Combined with the creamyness and ‘tang’ of the ‘cheesecake flavour’ it really creates this vivid imagery and flavour of a good, old fashioned New York Cheesecake: just a hella good cheesecake. Plus, this one totally has the rich, graham and honey notes to pull off an equally good ‘crust’ element to support the cheesecake goodness! It’s just the complete package, honestly.
Genuinely, other ‘cheesecake’ flavoured teas should take note of this one – it’s got the sweetness, the creamy element, the “tang”, basically everything you need to convey cheesecake in an accurate and delicious way! Definitely one of the best cheesecake teas I’ve ever tried!
And bonus points for the base. It’s very soft/subtle, but the little touch of grassyness and floral orchid-like notes in the finish as the cheesecake elements subside are the perfect reminder that this is in fact a tea. Plus, they’re just the right contrast from the otherwise very rich and indulgent flavour to temper this one just enough that it’s not too decadent and sweet.
It’s just… a very well done tea, even with that sort of overdone honey flavour.
