Adagio Teas

I don’t go through much chamomile, although I keep some around for blending and medicinal purposes. This was a freebie sample in a little pyramid bag. Because it’s much fresher than what’s mouldering away in my pharmaceuticals section, the apple-compatible flavor is easy to detect. Usually, it doesn’t do a thing for me as a sleep inducer, although that effect would be very welcome this evening! (Cats’ nap schedules are off. I did not want to be roused by paw-alarm at 4:00 a.m.)

I didn’t love the chocolate flavoring used. It was a bit fake for me. Although I’m usually happy with Adagio’s decaf black tea, it just didn’t all mix deliciously here.

Vibrant transparent green in cup. Very much in the cooked greens/seaweed vein. Brothy, savory, buttery, smooth. Nice but not in my wheelhouse.

Ochre yellow brown. Spinach, seaweed (nori), vegetal, with some roasted notes.

Nice darker roast style of oolong. Some pine needle and chestnut, roasted barley and oatmeal.

Greenish straw gold color. Water lily and spring water. Gardenia blossom. On the subtle floral side. Creamy, round texture. Some nice light roast notes. Gentle, not too complex. Good savory lasting finish. Not developing in cup.

Nice, quite toasty, but with good clean oolong notes, some honey and good aftertaste.

Straw yellow, Nice leafy steamed greens aroma. Some jasmine flower too. Good, but not a standout.

Has a nice smokey note a la lapsang souchon but way more in check. I like the nose. Palate is def astringent, kind of the “wall of tannins” that firmly stands in the way of subtlety. Needs some honey. Palate a letdown compared to nose but worth exploring this kind of tea. Steeped a second time and palate became more delicate but oomph of nose was lost. Instead of recommended 2-3 minute 1st steep I’ll try just 2 minutes next time.

Strong jasmine perfume- pristine jasmine. Body is very delicate, like very light ooolong. Very nice.

Subtle notes of toasted barley, some honey, fresh hay, fresh mowed summer grass. But as expected, palate is the star. Very creamy, full, satisfying and mouth coating.

Wow. My first yancha, and a great intro. Deep amber/brown. Almost black tea color. This is something I can get into. Toasty note almost reminiscent of roast barley tea. Cocoa out of the gate. A little bit peppery, but with layers of dried fruit in the background.

Pretty light green gold in cup. Nice nose, more “mature” than gyokuro, more in oolong vein? Some summer night florals paired with savory congee notes on nose… even a bit of orchard blossom and ripe peach. Could swear this develops in the cup. Adagio says freshly roasted white corn, I can see it.

Heady perfume. Maybe less overt honeyed than the fancy bai hao but in a similar vein and with an incredible sultry subtle jasmine flower scent. Palate is great with buttery texture and long finish. Maybe even better on second steep. Very smooth.

Consistently impressed by Adagio’s oolong offerings.

Light beige green brown. Pretty aroma. Cloud like, steamed sticky rice, a hint of jasmine blossom. Body is good but not as supple and juicy as the ali shan or fancy bai hao for instance… a little brisk, tannins may be masking juiciness of body. Very solid though. Second steep a definite step down.

High tone florals and an almost marzipan nose. Brisk body.

Nice looking black tea pearls. But nondescript on palate. A bit astringent and without flair.

Complete campfire on nose. And not elegantly so. Palate is more delicate… Fun but weird.

Somewhat above avg black tea. Some oat and toasted grain, earth, a hint of kombu, some umami saltiness.

Wow, really pretty cocoa and roasted barley notes. Real depth.

Better than their decaf EG. Has nice body. A little high on the bergamot and citrus oil.