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Tragedy Strikes!!

Previous installments of my 12 teas of christmas set have had significant holes in the bottom, where portions of tea have escaped, but previously I’d been able to salvage enough to make a cup.

That all changed today! The ENTIRE (and I mean every last particle) of today’s sample had disappeared through an entirely open bottom, leaving only the sticker left to taunt me about an amazing-sounding tea I won’t get the chance to try :(

I just can’t say enough good things about this tea! Had a rough night, and am exhausted on every level. I needed an emotional pick-me-up that wouldn’t bring on a caffeine-induced pick-me-up. This never fails to do the trick.

I was very excited when today’s christmas sampler revealed this little number. I was even more enticed when I caught a whiff of the creamy vanilla scent. However, with all this anticipation, I must admit I was a little let down. It was a little too astringent for my liking, a sort of bitterness I could not get over. The vanilla flavor was nice, so I broke down and did something I hardly ever do. I added a pinch of sugar and some almond milk. It seemed blasphemous to contaminate the tea with these accoutrements, but after a cup it just seemed too underwhelming without anything, plus I enjoyed it so much more!

Bottom line: When it comes to vanilla-y flavored black teas I’d stick with Paris by Harney and Sons (even though it only has a hint of vanilla) I think it’s more satisfyingly vanilla than this.

MMmm this is the ideal after-dinner tea! I just had it along with a christmas red velvet cupcake from Magnolia Bakery and it was a match made in heaven! The best of everything all at once and only a few days until christmas!

Delicious! Today (although it’s only Monday) was my Friday, since I have the next two days off. Usually that makes for an especially long and tedious day, however, this was the perfect tea to energize me and calm my nerves with it’s perfectly-balanced sweet demeanor. It cheered me up and allowed me make it through! It has a toasted quality that I assume is because of the Genmaicha, and the marshmallows complement divinely. A most intriguing concoction and wonderful addition to the 12 days of christmas lineup! So far they’ve all been a hit!

I can’t say enough great things about this tea! It was such a pleasant surprise! I stopped by the David’s tea on Bleecker Street and was going to get a sample of it to try, because although the description was alluring, I am skeptical of overtly cinnamon-flavored teas. However, all that hesitation melted away once the salesperson lined up some flavored black teas for me to smell. I instantly swapped the sample packet for a large pouch, and it is easily one of the best decisions I’ve made! The cinnamon is so subtle, its just a warming hint of sweetness that is capable of melting away the harsh winter days!!

What a perfect christmas tea! Unfortunately I didn’t read any of the caveats about oversteeping until after I committed the same sin. I typically like my flavored black teas a little stronger, and disregard steeping instructions, but this delicate blend would have none of that! Despite the bitterness, there was excellent deep, dark chocolately flavor mixed with caramel and a hint of nuttiness that made for a decadent indulgence, which helped get through today at work! After all, isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

WOW! The berries in this are unreal! It brews to an appealing ruby-red. This enticing cuppan did not disappoint. So much sweet, juicy and tangy flavor, I was pleasantly surprised!! I bet it would make a wonderful iced tea- who am I kidding- I’d just add some ice and wine and use it to make sangria!

My least favorite Harney & Sons tea I’ve had this far, which saddens me because it sounded so promising. Making iced tea as we speak to see if it’s any more promising. Will update later. In the meantime if anyone is dying to try this let me know, i’ll send along a teabag!

Picked this up on my first official visit to the Harney & Sons Soho store. I told the salesperson that two of my favorites were Paris and Winter Earl Grey, and this was her recommendation. She said that instead of the vanilla hints found in Paris, this one had honey. One whiff of the canister, and I knew this would be right up my alley! Its a tough call whether I prefer this or the Paris, but both are simply lovely black teas with a little something sweet, and I can detect the berry tinge that some of the other tasters were commenting on. Mellow, full-bodied and wonderful anytime!!