Elder Grove

I kind of just let the teaball steeps in the water.

This. is NICE!!! There is a strong, sweet mint scent and flavor from this. It’s not a sharp mint, it’s very soft – reminds me just the slightest bit of Winterfresh gum without the minty kick. It’s like it’s reaching for that kick, but then pulls back at the last moment. Mmmmm……. sweet and spicy and absolutely delicious! Using my oversteeping method, at least (I say that like it’s on purpose), this is by far my favorite from Whispering Pines that I’ve tried so far. There is tulsi (holy basil) in this, which I’m extremely partial to (which might be the almost-mint I’m getting), so that might be a factor.

I think I might grab an extra packet of this now, in case it runs out.

Shame on me. I’ve had this tea for a while and hadn’t tried it yet. This may just be the best herbal tea I have ever had. Sweet Cinnamon Pastry Treat. The bf and I devoured this one. So very good. I don’t see this one lasting long. We drank this while we watched Annabelle. It comforted me while I was scaring myself silly.

http://www.cuppageek.com/index.php/2015/05/21/tea-of-the-day-elder-grove-from-whispering-pines-tea-co/

Thank you Bloeduyn for this spectacular blend!

I received this by accident actually, hahah. This blend was confused with Elderwood, which I will hopefully stumble across someday. Upon tasting, this was a wondrous mistake and I’m very glad that it happened!

I brewed this in my glassware and prepared for what I assumed to be a chai. I gave the dry leaves a light whiff and was surprised by a dark fruit chai. I could hint a currant tone. The boiling spring water hit this leaves with a light sizzle. My cup released vapors of a autumn walk in the woods at dusk. I could scent a sweet caramel and sap aroma. I took a testing sip and analyzed my senses. I thought of an early morning breakfast in the forest. I could taste the buckwheat pancakes stacked high as the sun rose. The hot syrup poured over these caked wafted in the air. This sweet maple tone then turned into a slight spice. It was a hearty clove and brisk cinnamon. The finish was the currant I had noted earlier. It was a ripe berry rush that surrounded the aftertaste. It has a deep undertone of root and moss. The second steeping had the flavors swapped. I tasted spice dominant with undertones of the sweetness. I enjoyed this brew and the places it took me.

I think I have a new favorite company. So far, I have vocalised a “wow” sensation every steeping of each blend. I had a feeling that this company had some choice tea, but I didn’t quite know until I experienced them. I am fascinated with their creativity and description. I love the work that goes into these and the thought that follows.

I like it :)

Between being busy and getting new samples I have forgotten to leave reviews on some of my Whispering Pines teas I got this month.

There are so few herbal blends out there (all natural with nothing artificial) for the evening that are really tasty. This one fits the bill. The cinnamon is done so good in this tea it just mixes and enhances the whole taste. Definitely not over done. Along with the cinnamon I’m getting the elderberries & marshmallow root. It’s all wrapped up with a toasty warmth, wonderful for a cold winter evening. I love this blend and do not want to be without it.

This was pleasant enough but not really remarkable to me, particularly not after playing with golden orchid, Cocoa amore, and port. Those are a different type of tea of course but they are so rich and deep. This just didn’t give off the same strength. I think I might need to use far more leaf than I normally would to really enjoy it.

It is warm and spicy and fruity. I like all of those things. But I’m thinking it is an easy enough thing to find, which is why this one just doesn’t stand out to me.

I am at a loss for how to describe this tea. It is spicy and the cinnamon seems to be in the forefront. There is also a sweet background flavor that I presume comes from the Elder Berries. I picked this one tonight because it is another night avoiding caffeine. This tea reminds me of a chai, it is that sort of spicy although it doesn’t have the traditional chai spices. It is good, I just don’t know how to describe it.

I brewed this once in an 18oz teapot with 3 tsp leaf and 205 degree water for 5 min.

I like the mix of elderberry and cinnamon in this tea. It’s warm, comforting, and incredibly soothing. Everything a good herbal tea should be.

Thank you, kimquat, for adding this to our swap! I’ll be picking up more of this once the cold weather rolls in.

September Sipdowns: 22

dear steepster. I’m so fed up with you. really hard to track what i thought about new teas if you’re always down, unusable. I could write it down on paper, and transfer it later but that’s twice the work, and at that point i might as well just switch over to paper. But then, what’s the point? since half the fun is the interaction with the people. reading notes, being able to respond to them….looking up new teas, adding teas to my cupboard etc. 85% of the time, none of that works.

frustratedly yours,

Sil

My brunch tea. I smelled the spices when I first brewed this. It tastes sweet, with mild spice, a hint of berry, and an herbal flavour. Would make a good tea for going camping or on a hike, since I do get a forest feel.

Ending the day with this one, which is pleasant enough, but probably not something I’d keep around.