Ethiopian Mocha Pu-erh

I really enjoyed this tea because it is coffee. With caramel. And Jasmine. And Pu-Erh. The smelliest fermentation level of tea. Pu-Erh is a tea more for the curious, and those who want to become a little bit more worldly in teas. The first one I had was the Numi’s Chocolate Pu-Erh, which I kinda hoped to have more of a cocoa taste. Every bag was different, and inconsistently satisfied me. When I found this one, I was really happy because it combines four of my vices together. And it was satisfying. My only complaint was the unpleasant earth smell, but hey, it’s Pu-Erh.

I would recommend this only to someone who likes strong tea and black coffee-any one else would probably be repulsed. Of the many little samples I got from this company, this was the one that enjoyed the most, especially with the extra caffeine kick.

Picked this up at a local coffee shop on a whim. Was amazed at how good a tea with coffee influence could taste without the thirst that accompanies drinking coffee for me or the bad breath. It’s almost sweet, has a smell of cacao that you can’t deny and while it packs a powerful punch, is the right cup to turn coffee converts into tea drinkers.

I’ve gotten into a nasty habit at work…drinking coffee. I know, bad, bad. But I’ve been trying to kick that by bringing some of my favorite teas to work and to make a thermos full of something before I leave in the morning. For that I’ve tried pu-erh’s because they are usually super strong like coffee.

The other day I noticed that my local tea room just started carrying this blend. I knew I had to get my paws on some ASAP. So I ordered 4oz. I know you might be thinking this is a bit much for a tea I’ve never tried before. But I’ve only ever had one tea I bought in a large amount from The Whistling Kettle that I didn’t like. My order arrived yesterday and I’m just digging in today.

The dry leaves smell like coffee with hints of chocolate and caramel. Not crummy coffee either, like top notch coffee that might be served in some swanky cafe. The steeped leaf smells more like the earthiness I’ve come to expect from a pu-erh tea. The mocha and caramel notes come out and mix really well with one another in this tea. I think I found a nice way to get a little coffee and yet not feel guilty for not having tea!