1757 Tasting Notes
Mastress Alita’s Monthly Sipdown Challenge
June 2022 → A pricey tea
This is my priciest non-caffeinated tea, so far as I can tell, and it really is remarkable. I was excited about it when I first saw the listing and bought a couple of small pouches to try. I don’t think it’s still available, but I do hope it comes back at some point.
The liquid is much lighter than I expected. It definitely steeps up like an herbal blend. The flavor and aroma is mostly bittersweet chocolate, which I love. It’s almost too bitter, but manages to keep itself on the side of fancy dark chocolate rather than falling over into bitter dandelion brew territory. It does have that earthy quality from the dandelion, but it lends more to the complexity rather than tasting like straight dirt (as some dandelion herbals do). It seems to get richer as it cools, a nice surprise. This is one of those rare teas that I can drink without any additions. In fact, I think I might almost prefer it that way. I added a bit of honey to this cup, but it overwhelmed the flavor a bit.
Flavors: Dark Bittersweet, Dark Chocolate, Earthy
Preparation
I was hoping to find a straight decaf black tea to have on hand that would rival the strength of PG Tips. This one seemed to get really good reviews, so I managed to get my hands on a box. It was not an easy one to find for some reason. With all the trouble it took, I have to say that I’m no so happy with it now that I’ve made a cup. The flavor is light and sort of bland. Not complex at all. I know I probably shouldn’t expect much from decaf, but I know there are good decaf blends out there so I do. Might just end up using this one to mix with other blends.
Preparation
I think I’ve finally accepted the hard truth that there is no perfect decaf black tea, although this one happens to be my favorite. I’ll be interested to see if you’re able to land on one that is your “best you can find.”
I think you’re probably right. I hope to try some of Harney & Sons decaf black teas since I do love their decaf blends. Maybe the Ceylon and/or the Assam when the samples are available again.
2022 Spring Tea Swap – Day 27 (Bonus Tea!)
From Emilie!
Emilie recommended this as a cold brew, so that’s how I made it this first time around. It’s a beautiful red color, likely from the hibiscus, and has somewhat of a tropical flavor and aroma. It tastes just a tiny bit dusty as some herbals tend to do, but overall it’s refreshing. Maybe just a touch tart. Good for a hot summer day, that’s for sure.
Thank you, Emilie, for a wonderful spring swap!!!
Flavors: Dust, Hibiscus, Tart, Tropical Fruit
Preparation
Mastress Alita’s Monthly Sipdown Challenge
June 2022 → An African tea
This blend is made with South African honeybush, so it’s my pick for today’s sipdown prompt. Satori Tea Company is one of my favorites – yes, I know I say this every time – and this blend is a good one. It’s strawberry candy all the way. I love it.
Flavors: Candy, Strawberry
Preparation
Mastress Alita’s Monthly Sipdown Challenge
June 2022 → An iced/cold brew tea
I steeped up the last of this blend from Emilie to have iced. I used the recipe from August Uncommon’s website for a shandy but subbed orange soda to make the mocktail version.
https://august.la/blogs/news/biarritz-tea-and-weiss-beer-shandy
I have to say, it is not my favorite. I’m not sure if it’s the temperature, but it tastes just like cherry cough syrup. If I ever have this one again, I’ll be sure to keep it hot.
Flavors: Cherry
