Based on two experiences: my wife’s and my own
Experience buying from Tea Forte: Good. Website is very colorful and easy to navigate. Given free samples after responding to Steepster invitation. Package came in reasonable amount of time. Other than sending my address, no e-mail or phone contact.
Age of leaf: Unknown. Steeped within weeks of receiving.
Packaging: Creative: a grayish somewhat transparent plastic bag with five smaller “Single Steeps” packs attached to a colorful paper backing describing each tea. The tiny tea foil packs themselves are the most colorful and most professional-looking tea packages I have ever seen.
Dry Leaf: Strong, fresh smell (a little like amaretto to me).
Brewing guidelines: (package states 12 oz. I used closer to 16 oz.) Two steepings: 1st: boiling, 3mins. 2nd: boiling, 5 mins. (about 20-30 minutes later). Small amount of Stevia added. Basket strainer inside ceramic 16 oz. cup.
Aroma: smelled a little like canned cherries.
Color of liquor: 1st: Beautiful, deep red color. 2nd: a little darker.
Wet leaf: smelled a little like cherries.
Flavor: 1st steeping: OK. A little too strong on the cherry flavor? 2nd: Not as tasty as 1st, has a kind of ‘off’ flavor to it, almost stale, and even a little — I’m sure how to describe it, but I believe the correct word here is — tart, since I am experiencing some dryness in my mouth.
Value: Free sample, but their price on their website is more than I would be willing to pay if I purchased it.
Overall: Awesome start, disappointing finish. I love everything about the tea but the taste: as to that we both felt it fell short. I didn’t feel a need to finish the first steeping, let alone the second (my wife didn’t even want to try it). Unfortunately, we would not buy this tea. :(
Preparation
Comments
I felt the same about this tea, unfortunately. The only tea I liked out of the sampler was the Mojito Marmalade, which I would purchase.
On another note, I really enjoy your bio. I’ve started practicing yoga and tea drinking for a lot of the same reason. Helps me stay focused yet calms my anxious, anxiety prone mind.
Thank you for your comment.
We still have the Merlot and the Ginger to try (we also liked the Marmalade best so far).
I’m glad you enjoyed my bio. It’s good to hear others are practicing yoga. I practice it at least three times a day, for about 1.5 hrs a day, and have been doing it daily for over six years. It has done wonders for me. It’s an integral part of my daily life, and happiness. I have a few book/video/DVD recommendations; if you are interested, let me know.
I felt the same about this tea, unfortunately. The only tea I liked out of the sampler was the Mojito Marmalade, which I would purchase.
On another note, I really enjoy your bio. I’ve started practicing yoga and tea drinking for a lot of the same reason. Helps me stay focused yet calms my anxious, anxiety prone mind.
Thank you for your comment.
We still have the Merlot and the Ginger to try (we also liked the Marmalade best so far).
I’m glad you enjoyed my bio. It’s good to hear others are practicing yoga. I practice it at least three times a day, for about 1.5 hrs a day, and have been doing it daily for over six years. It has done wonders for me. It’s an integral part of my daily life, and happiness. I have a few book/video/DVD recommendations; if you are interested, let me know.