We don't know when or if this item will be available.
“I still like this. I know I said I’m apparently not a fan of fruity teas but I guess that doesn’t apply to this sort, the ones tempered with a creamy aspect in one way or another. Maybe it’s more...” Read full tasting note
“1ST CUP: Served: Iced Amount: 2 tsp Brewed In: 1.5 cups Cup Size: 23oz tumbler full of ice Sweetener: stevia in the raw Temp: boiling Steep Time: 3 min Method: Finum paper tea filter Notes: The...” Read full tasting note
“The TTB has arrived! So big, so many teas… no chance to try them all! Tea #24 Well, I don’t know what monks drink, but apparently I am not a monk myself as I have found this tea rather...” Read full tasting note
“TTB Review #24: This one bears creamy notes with hints of vanilla and fruit. Started off hot but I found it more enjoyable the more it cooled. Overall the profile feels complex and sophisticated.” Read full tasting note
Country of Origin: Sri Lanka
Region: Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula or Uva districts
Shipping Port: Colombo
Grade: OP Orange Pekoe
Altitude: 4800 – 7600 feet above sea level
Manufacture Type: Orthodox
Cup Characteristics: One of our most flavorful teas. The dramatic combination of vanilla and grenadine ensures a particularly satisfying cup
Infusion: Bright and Coppery
Ingredients: Luxury black tea, Calendula + Sunflower petals, Natural flavors
Information:
Certainly a ‘mysterious’ blend despite being a delicious mixture of grenadine and vanilla. Perhaps first created by Tibetan monks infused with universal life energy, this tea is a perfect all day treat; sweet and toasty with a touch of dryness and a subtle bouquet. Originally, it is believed that this blend was developed by monks to support their life’s desires, especially the work that they did all by hand. Tea is an item that these monks considered good for the soul. Franciscan monks used to drink this tea to keep them awake during long periods of meditation. It is fair to say that this is an ancient and harmonious blend, as it is also used by Buddhist and Taoist monks.
What type of tea do we use, how do we flavor the tea and why do we use natural flavors?
Firstly… we only use high grown teas from the top 3 tea growing regions of Sri Lanka – Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula and Uva. These three high-grown districts produce flavorful teas that have classic ‘Ceylon’ tea character which is noted by floral bouquet and flavor notes, touches of mild astringency, bright coppery color and, most importantly – perfect for use as the base tea of our flavored teas. (We have tested teas from various other origins around the world as base stock for our flavored teas, but none of these teas made the grade.) Dimbula and the western estates of Nuwara Eliya have a major quality peak during Jan/Feb, whereas Uva and the eastern estates of Nuwara Eliya have their peak in July/Aug. This ‘dual peak period’ allow us to buy the best for our flavored tea blends several times during the year, ensuring top quality and freshness.
Secondly… we use flavoring oils not crystals to give the tea drinker an olfactory holiday before indulging in a liquid tea treat.
Thirdly… we specify natural flavors. High quality tea tastes good and natural flavors do not mask the natural taste of the high grown Ceylon tea. (The norm for many making flavored tea is to use overpowering artificial flavors, which can be used to hide lower quality tea). Natural flavors do not leave an aftertaste giving the tea a clean and true character. It should be noted that natural flavors tend to be somewhat ’soft ’ and the flavors slightly muted, but for many this is a refreshing change and one of the desired attributes of our naturally flavored teas.
Company description not available.
I still like this. I know I said I’m apparently not a fan of fruity teas but I guess that doesn’t apply to this sort, the ones tempered with a creamy aspect in one way or another.
Maybe it’s more the citrusy teas I’m not a fan of. Because arguably H&S Paris is fruity-ish and it’s one of my faves.
I digress….
So this, I enjoy. It was a satisfying pre-dinner cup with a rich, hearty base. I added a splash of milk and it didn’t water it down…. Huzzah!
Someday down the road I will try more Monk’s Blends, as I like the two I’ve had so far!
1ST CUP:
Served: Iced
Amount: 2 tsp
Brewed In: 1.5 cups
Cup Size: 23oz tumbler full of ice
Sweetener: stevia in the raw
Temp: boiling
Steep Time: 3 min
Method: Finum paper tea filter
Notes:
The first sip almost tastes smokey – just a little. But then the longer it sits on my tongue, the more that flavor mellows out & I can begin to taste the cherry-sweet grenadine which lingers afterwards.
It’s nice – am I head over heels for it? No, but I can easily see finishing up the sample I bought. And who knows…it may grow on me more.
And I can’t help but wonder what this would taste like hot on a cold, rainy day – seems like it might be a nice pick me up then.
Signed,
Jane
The TTB has arrived! So big, so many teas… no chance to try them all!
Tea #24
Well, I don’t know what monks drink, but apparently I am not a monk myself as I have found this tea rather disappointing.
It was coppery and metallic black tea base with some, generic, fruity tea. If I am not mistaken, it should be grenandine; but for me it was just a little tart red fruit. But it was also somehow woody, oak wood to be bit more descriptive… and well, honestly in a conclusion, not great tea.
I have finished it, but nothing I have to re-try.
About 12 years ago I tried a couple of Monk’s Blend teas and felt the same as you.
(Smiling nostalgically) Once upon a time in the 90’s, Culinary Teas was one of the few online retailers with a sizeable selection, and this was one of my favorites. Of course, I hadn’t met you folks who upped the game for me ;)
Sample from the last TTB. I had to let this cool to room temperature so the flavors could shine. The black tea is pretty pleasant, and I’m enjoying the flavoring they used on top. It’s almost like maraschino cherry juice or something. It’s fruity and tangy in just the right way. This one is interesting!
Three to Seven minutes. That’s quite the range. The dry scent is a bit lacking but only, I guess, because this is an older sample. Slightly creamy, slightly woody. The liquor aroma isn’t bad. Kind of like brown sugar. Vanilla. The flavor is bits of vanilla with woodsy tones. Cedar and oak. Slightly sweet. The base is nice. Strong enough to fight on its own but not so strong that it overpowers the other flavors in the blend. Perhaps in its prime this would be better but eh… can’t say it’s one I would seek out on my own.
Many, many years ago, when I didn’t know it wasn’t a very bright idea, I liked this Culinary Teas variety so well I ordered a whole pound. Newbie mistake.
I think we’ve all done that at some point hehe. I definitely got some Teavana that I shouldn’t have just because they were going out of business
Tastes change, too … looking back to my ill-advised one-pound orders over the years, very few of them are still at the top of my favorites list.
I’m picky about fruity teas too, but some work amazingly well, while others are a complete disaster.
I think I’m more partial to the ones that compare an aspect of sweetness too, like vanilla or caramel…also berries vs citrus for sure.
Combine, not compare…silly autocorrect
Oh yes, citrus is not so great. With the exception of orange and chocolate. That one is bizarre since I despise fruit dipped in chocolate, but somehow the orange chocolate teas just work.
Agreed, that’s one I don’t mind, oddly. Because the orange brûlée I had the other day was NOT a favorite
Bleh. Yes orange alone is not so great. Even worse is grapefruit, sadly. I love grapefruit, but not so much in teas. Lemon and lime and okay when they’re done right haha. There’s always exceptions.
I think the DTT rooibos lemon and lime ones are the only ones I like, but that’s because they taste like pie, haha
Haha! Yes I have the line around here for myself, though I barely ever drink it anymore, and the lemon is here for J. That’s all he drinks.
Too funny. I should offer it to my husband, I bet he would actually like it, even though he “hates tea” (a very well informed conclusion reached after drinking Tetley at some point once in his life I’m sure)
Hahaha. Oh husbands. J will taste any tea, but he is extremely picky over what he wants around. Lemon Chiffon is it. He loes Dragonheart from Teaopia, but they have been gone a while now so I’ve been searching for a replacement.
At least he drinks tea! Mine claims to not enjoy hot beverages. Except coffee no. And hot chocolate in the winter. I think he’s full of it, haha
Hahaha! Except every hot beverage but tea. :P