Eve

TTB&C #11

Yum yum yum yum! I didn’t have expectations for this one. It seems this one is hit or miss on Steepster. I get peachy and apple with the vanilla. The sip is rounded out with a bit of sweetness at the end. I do not get apricot, but it could just be because it has been too long since I have had one. I am a little leery of the black base in Nina’s Paris teas. It seems a bit “smokey” to me. I might have to try the Japon and Eve next to each other. For this it works, but I could see how it might get in the way of some blends. Thank you NayLynn for including this one.

Hmm…
I will write a proper tasting note for this one from my swap with variaTEA when I can do it justice. For now, it was poor and totally my fault as I fudged it up.

It smelled very strongly of apples in the packet, with a creamy hint which I suppose came from the vanilla. Almost like Adagio/Cara’s Ten blend (Doctor Who) only without the coconut. Brewed, the peachiness came through more than the apples and it smelled very juicy. HOWEVER I got distracted and alas, totally forgot about it for over half an hour, with the leaves still steeping in the cup in my little brew basket. I was so annoyed with myself when I remembered, as I was so looking forward to this!! It also turns out I underleafed, so the flavour was weak as well as bitter. I am planning on using the rest of the sample to very carefully prepare a cup exactly as it should be, as I want to enjoy it as it should be enjoyed.

Although it was bitter, I didn’t have to dump the cup – I added a teaspoon of sugar which mellowed it out a little, and was able to enjoy the fruity flavours in the aftertaste, after each bitter sip. The bitterness was just bearable enough, thankfully! Near the end of the cup, I added a touch of almond milk, out of curiousity, which didn’t turn out anywhere near as good as it sounded in my head. It kind of curdled a little, and the flavours seemed to remain separate in my mouth, too – first bitterness, followed by fruits, followed by a faint almond hint which ruined the overall aftertaste in my opinion. I think it would be good without sugar, too, but wasn’t able to tell this time due to the bitterness. My rating reflects the way I drank it with sugar before adding the almond milk as it was the most enjoyable, but I am sure the rating will increase massively when I manage to brew it properly without breaking it.

I am so angry with myself for overbrewing. I may have to find a way to acquire more (read: place a Nina’s order) as punishment. Yep. That’s what I’ll do.

I think I’m finally getting used to the flavour on this one and accepting it for what it is, rather than what it should be. Consequently, I’m not noticing the vanilla/peach flavour as much, and instead the base is coming to the fore. Really nice and smooth, not astringent. I need to have this tea more often.

Thanks to VariaTEA for letting me try this. It’s pretty smooth and mild. The flavours are light and all sort of meld together, so I get a lightly sweet and juicy brew with this one. I think I may try it cold brewed next time.

Joint order with Cavocorax resulted in Nina’s throwing in a few samples for us. Since they were largely teabags, i tossed them into a bag and randomly divided them between the two of us after giving cavo the “extra” earl grey bleeeergamot! be gone!

This one was rather pleasant. I’m not sure i’d go out of my way to buy it, but it really is a lovely, smooth blend of apple and vanilla…i don’t get much in the way of peach but that’s alright with me since i am all “peached” out lately.

Thanks for Sophie and Laurent for their awesome customer service and excellent teas!