Christmas Tea

Goodbye, goodbye!

That’s one less Murchie’s tea in my cupboard. I’ve learned my lesson. It’s not really for me now that I’ve seen what else is out there!

#teasnob

(Woo – down to 125. Maybe I can get to 100 before my Verdant order arrives! I think it ships at the end of the month so that gives me some time).

Lil early? Nah. I was Xmas shopping online this morning – well, browsing and adding to my shopping cart, anyway. ;)

Why Hello Christmas Tea.

I received this as a gift from my bestfriend and tea influence. I like Murchie’s Teas, they are affordable and who can’t help but support a long running company that is Canadian! (I think it is at least??)

At first sniff: It’s zippy, with smells of oranges, cloves and spice. Definitely nailed the “Christmas” time smell. It seems like it could be a very potent cup of tea if over-steeped.

At first sip: Warning – I am still sick and my tastebuds are still a bit off. I think I brewed this too strong. I did it for 6 months and I should have done it for 5 at the most. It’s very astringent, but the smells translate nicely into the cup. I had mine with milk and sugar and was not disappointed.

I will have to re-rate when my sniffer and taste returns fully.

One that I picked up in my fall and winter seasonals order, because why not? :P

It’s very nice actually, as orange spice teas go. I am not a clove fan, so I’m happy to not find a strong clove presence here. The orange flavor is quite bright and zesty, and there’s a touch of cinnamon adding sweetness and warmth. I’m not sure I really taste vanilla here, though I wish I did. The black base is nicely balanced between brisk and smooth, and flavorful without being too drying or bitter.

It’s not super Christmassy to me, just because the spices are very mellow, but it is an enjoyably zesty orange black tea that I’ll have no trouble sipping through. :)

Stole a sample of this from my mom while on vacation (it’s a teabag). Predominant aroma is orange zest; flavour combines orange with a surprisingly tasty base, cinnamon, and vanilla (creaminess, yum). Not bad; no objectionable flavours that are sometimes found in Christmas tea. It’s a touch drying, so might be better with a splash of milk and sweetener or some sort, but I really don’t need more calories right now! Ha.

I’m reviewing this a bit past Christmas, but it was feeling like the right day for a holiday spice pick me up. I enjoyed this tea during the holidays with my family and brought back enough for a review. It’s a lovely tea, that has more of a subtle holiday profile than the DAVIDs holiday teas I’m used to. There’s the unmistakable flavour of oranges, cinnamon and cloves but in a balanced way that allows the Ceylon and Keemun black tea flavours a nice share of the spotlight. Quite enjoyable overall and a favourite I’ll look for during the holidays again.