Courtney Send Message

Every year, my friend and I get each other three gifts as our birthdays are only a few weeks apart. She is an exceptional gift-getter, and always has a theme. This year, the theme was around the world.

I was thrilled this was one of the teas because just last night I was on the S&V website contemplating their Nepalese black. This tea is delightful. It’s a lighter black tea, but still so comforting.

I’m getting almost a hay-like flavour tonight, with that natural sweetness. It’s perfect for the dinner this evening. I decided today to make stew for the first time, and it turned out amazing! The scent and taste was just like home. :) Now for cornmeal muffins and this tea.

I just brewed up both this and Pumpkin Milkshake to see which one I truly prefer. I have considered that maybe I should try both base teas together.

I followed the directions for each tea. The 2.0 at 170 F, 4 minutes (1.5 tsp), and the original at 180 F, 4 minutes (2 tsp).

The original seems to have a stronger scent, and smells sweeter, almost caramel-like. The 2.0 has a similar scent, but slightly diminished and not as sweet smelling.

Initial sips: Both teas have subtle hints of vanilla. I think I get more pumpkin from the original, but this could be due to the caramel notes. In fact, it is more than likely due to that. Both teas are creamy, but in slightly different ways due to the sweetness.

These teas are both delicious. I think I prefer the original from that extra sweetness, that somehow isn’t too sweet, a natural sweetness. However, I don’t often crave this tea, even with my love of pumpkin. The 2.0 version I could see craving more due to the lessened sweetness.

I survived yet another birthday yesterday.

I have both this version and the original version of Pumpkin Milkshake, and while this one is tasty, I may actually prefer the first. I might just brew them up together to verify once I’m done this cup. The flavours don’t seem quite as apparent as in this one.

This one is delicious. So Assam-y and bold. This one will be a fixture in my cupboard.

Wow, what a fascinating tea! I am enjoying this one more than I thought I would. It really is reminiscent of a black tea. Neat.

The flavour is really light and creamy, with a natural sweetness. The scent is fruit-like too. I could see re-ordering this one occasionally.

Update: I’m on my third resteep now and it’s still very flavourful. I am really impressed with this tea.

Oh yes, my Butikis finally arrived! I was so excited for all my teas, but especially this one.

The dry scent was so decadent and creamy. Always an excellent starting point. The steeped cup still has that delicious scent, but more diminished. The flavour is wonderful. It’s not too sweet, the cream flavour is really there, and the base lends an earthy flavour that balances the tea nicely.

Happy 2014!
Which also means, a couple weeks ago I passed my one year anniversary with Steepster!

Hmm. I’m not really sure on the year, but this was sent in my most recent Verdant order that I received last week.

Also, I may have steeped this as a green, eek. However, it seems to have turned out tasty anyway. This one is nice and light, with a typical (typical from the 3-4 tie guan yins I’ve tried haha!) tie guan yin flavour, and no mineral taste.

Update: The second steep still has plenty of flavour.

This is a coconut black tea. No hidden agenda. Coconut and black tea – and you can actually taste the coconut! None of this, coconut black tea with coconut flakes but no coconut taste.

This is my third attempt at drinking this tea before it goes cold. I got a few sips in while it was hot, then I got caught up reading an article.

I did enjoy the few sips I managed while it was hot, but maybe I’ll try again tomorrow after work. Definitely has some gingerbread going on. Very true to taste from the little amount I can base that from. I’m not so much loving it cold.