69 Tasting Notes
First off, a HUGE thank you to Frank and 52teas for sending me a more-than-generous helping of this tea after a mishap with my 12 teas of christmas sample. It’s so great to deal with people and companies that genuinely care and support their products and customers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You are amazing!!
That being said, this was a delightful cup of tea. I have a love-hate relationship with chai and this fell on the side of the former. The warm vanilla and caramel notes were in harmony with the spice of the chai. But as I’ve been finding a lot lately, with chais a little sugar and almond milk go a long way and help to tone down the zestiness that is off-putting to me at times. I’m glad I have so much of it to enjoy now! I can’t wait to try making this into a latte, and have it keep me warm in these winter months ahead.
Preparation
I was intrigued by this tea from the get-go. A tea that cures hangovers, thus bridging the gap of evening and morning? Sounded like a match made in heaven. The guy at davids told me that this is a wonderful remedy, being that most of the ingredients are said to have a calming effect. I wish I had discovered this long ago, as I don’t find myself in need of such a miracle as of late.
That being said, I decided to try this as I hopefully kick the last of this cold I’ve had this past week. I have to admit, it’s true to it’s name. Though the flavor palette is mostly citrus and green tea it has hues of deeper flavors. Most importantly, it’s mild and appeasing, and nothing that would rock the boat if your system was in recovery mode. Being that I usually start my mornings with flavored black teas, this is a welcome change-up. I could see it doing wonders in a more fragile state. I can’t wait to test it out next time after I go out.
Preparation
I must admit that I’ve shared the opinion of a lot of other steepsterites (steepsterians?) and have been at my wit’s end with teavana of late. Between the pushy, incessant, salespeople, and the mass-produced unauthentic feel of it, I’ve been forsaking the convenience of getting my tea fix there for more hospitable pastures.
Be that as it may, I just couldn’t stay away when my inbox was inundated with lures for their “Heavenly Sale”. I mean who’s tea budget could resist up to 75% off? Certainly not I, I’m not that strong, nor are my ideals that resolute.
Along with said order, I received yet another sample of this blend. I’ve been pretty sick all week, so this seemed the most appealing choice to bring with me to work. It was so pleasant, and really did the trick! It was light and fruity, but not too berry-y. I usually don’t care for anything peach flavored, but even though the Youthberry had a similar flavor palette, it was still pleasing, and well-balanced by the orange. The german rock sugar was a nice addition. I hardly ever add sugar to my tea but this provided just enough of a hint of sweetness without ruining the delicate blend. It tasted fresh and vibrant and led me down the road to recovery! It hit the spot so much that I ended up bringing it two days in a row, which hardly ever happens!
How funny that my favorite tea of this rather bulky order might end up being the free sample? I guess the solution to my teavana dilemma is to stick to online purchases. However, if I’m resigned to ordering online I’ll probably end up placing orders with companies I actually like, and feel good about supporting. After all, there’s plenty of them out there :)
Preparation
I got this in my very first installment of Steepster Select!! I was so excited to try these three amazing teas! I have to say I was very impressed. I’ve been drinking a lot of mint-influenced teas lately, and even though I’ve been a bit overloaded, this was a nice treat. There’s a pleasant mint flavor, but it isn’t overpowering. The gentle green tea flavor is still able to shine through, making for a well-balanced, delightful cup!
Preparation
I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I decided to finally crack this tin open. It was a great decision. It’s a beautiful-looking tea with lots of colorful buds in the sachet. It has a wonderful flavor, surprisingly strong for a white tea. It has hints of vanilla and rosebud. I will have to leave a more precise appraisal when I’ve had another cup in better health, and with my taste buds recovered. For now, it’s just what I needed, and definitely made me feel a little better, if only mentally ha
Preparation
what a wonderful treat! Right now it seems like all my rooibos is either very fruity or very chocolatey, so while this one is still sweet, it’s a nice little departure. Its maple syrupy goodness is amazing! It also has some warm vanilla notes, and smells like breakfast. Having a cup of breakfast after dinner, what could be better!?
Preparation
I was excited to try this new tea by Harney, probably because the description sounded so elusive and mystical. It did not disappoint. It’s subtlety is evident in aroma and taste. It smells like the first day of summer. It has a young and grassy taste that is very delicate, and true to the description, a little sweet. This is a very nice cup of tea.
Preparation
I don’t know what originally possessed me to put this tea on my Christmas wishlist, but boy am I glad I did! It’s not typically my cup of tea (pun intended) I don’t usually go for herbals, but have been trying to expand and explore more Rooibos. The no-caffeine factor won out and I decided to brew some up since it’s getting pretty late. It has a luscious tangy cranberry, that isn’t too overpoweringly fruity, and is a welcome departure from all the heavy, flavored black teas I’ve been on a kick with lately.
Reminds me why I went through my original tin of Cranberry Autumn by Harney and Sons so quickly this past fall.
This is very close to the Mint Chocolate Rooibos by David’s tea, but the flavor isn’t as intense. It isn’t as minty or as chocolatey (this is shaping up to be a very sophisticated analysis, eh?) But it IS caffeinated, so I guess that will be the determining factor on which one I’ll reach for in the future.
Preparation
I thought this tea would have gotten a higher rating. Bought it for my sister a couple years ago and she raved about it.
It’s a solid tea, that’s fairly straight forward. However, I think having recently enjoyed the DT rooibos version, this one was less impressive by comparison. I’m a huge fan of Harney and this is a nice tea, just nothing extraordinary :)
Have you ever tried Harney’s Tokyo Blend?. I really enjoy it. Bancha green tea, toasted sesame seeds, & caramel flavors.
I have not! I am headed there later in the week, and might need to add it to my shopping list though, it sounds amazing!
I also have some of their Bangkok Blend, I have yet to sample. I’ll do it in the next day or two & post a review for you.
You have got to read my review of this tea from Harney’s…….It is ssooo delicious!
http://steepster.com/ScottTeaMan/posts/94626#comments
Cup it there or at least buy a sample. I couldn’t believe my tasts buds. :))
Backlogging from Christmas: What a lovely and apropos finale to an amazing 12 teas of Christmas!!! This black tea is interesting to say the least. It’s sweet, and creamy but also has an almost floral-y element to it. I used a shorter steep time (thanks for the tip, Uniquity!) and I think I finally got a hang of it. It was a lovely christmas treat!!!
Moral of the story: 12 teas of christmas made the holiday season festive and bright!
