Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  52Teas

Tea Description:

The traditional Mai tai is made with rum, Curaçao liqueur, and lime juice. Curaçao is a liqueur made from the peel of the laraha citrus fruit, which was developed from the Valencia orange. The liqueur is naturally colorless but is often given artificial color, commonly blue. Our Mai Tai is a blend of Yun Wu, Chun Mee and Young Hyson green teas, orange peel and organic flavors. It’s sure to put you in mind of tropical breezes. See if you can drink it without wanting to put a little umbrella in it.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

From the moment I opened the pouch of this Mai Tai Flavored Green Tea from 52Teas, my olfactory nerves have been overcome by the strong fragrance of the dry leaf of this tea.  It smells like a very STRONG Mai Tai!  I can smell the notes of rum and the powerful citrus notes.  In fact, it smells so powerful, one might become intoxicated just by taking in the aroma!

OK, maybe I’m exaggerating a little bit.  But it does smell very much like what the name suggests.  It smells like a Mai Tai cocktail.  Once brewed, the bouquet is a little more subdued, but it still smells very much like a concoction of rum and citrus fruit … with a distinct tropical flair to it.

And it is really tasty.  I like that even though the flavors are strong, the green tea is not overpowered by the flavors of rum, liqueur, and citrus fruit.  I can taste the smooth, fresh notes of the green tea.  There is a buttery note to the tea that melds quite nicely with the rum flavors.  The citrus notes lend a nice, tangy quality to the tea.  It is sweet and a little tart.  It tastes as though the bartender accidentally poured green tea into my Mai Tai!

It is very refreshing.  I enjoyed this hot … but I liked it even better as it cooled. I refrigerated the remaining tea and let it chill a while, and that’s really the best way to enjoy this tea – iced!  It’s oh-so-yummy!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  Teavivre

Tea Description:

This Organic Dragon Well Long Jing tea origins in organic tea base of Tianmu Mountain in Lin’an, Hangzhou. The organic tea base of Tianmu Mountain, has passed the organic certification of European, USA and Japan, is a significant base of planting organic dragon well and green tea. This dragon well long jing tea persists a high level in picking and producing while meeting the standard of organic certification. The tea should be picked as one bud and two leaves or three leaves in order to reach the standard. Tea workers also have excellent skills, which help keep the natural features of fresh tea leaves. Combined with the advantages of organic tea and high grade tea, this dragon well long jing tea is suitable for tea lovers of organic tea as well as dragon well green tea.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

Oh how I love Teavivre!  Why?  Because they never fail to impress me with their high quality teas.  This Organic Superfine Dragon Well Long Jing Green Tea is absolutely stunning!

It tastes so deliciously sweet, smooth, and there isn’t even the slightest hint of bitterness.  It is sweet from start to finish.  It is vaguely reminiscent of tender, freshly roasted chestnuts.  The buttery smooth, sweet flavor of chestnut!  YUM!  There are also notes of savory vegetation in there too … not really grassy, or even like steamed veggies … but just that subtle touch of “green” to it.  This is the way a Dragon Well should taste!

I love the freshness of this Dragon Well and this is typical of all the teas that Teavivre offers – their teas are just so very fresh and delicious.  (Except for their pu-erhs which are aged and delicious.)  I also love that this particular selection is an organic offering.  Without having compared a conventionally grown Dragon Well versus an organically grown Dragon Well, I can’t say that there is a difference in taste between the two.  But, I know that I feel better knowing that this tea is organic.

This tea is delicious served hot, but, it’s also quite nice when chilled – which is how I’m drinking it now.  I had brewed a teapot of the tea this afternoon, and drank one cup of it hot, and then refrigerated the rest of it, and am able to enjoy a frosty glass of tasty iced tea.  While I do prefer MOST teas served hot versus iced … since the warm weather is upon us now, it’s nice to be able to enjoy this one iced.  It’s very refreshing!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Amoda Tea

Tea Description:

This is our Mother’s Day Tea. One of the Amoda moms has been asking for a black tea “that’s not boring”. So we found one for her.

There’s 7 different black teas layered in here! Medium-body, medium-strength, full taste. There’s citrus, malt and honey and that amazing smoky character that likes to linger.

Learn more about this tea here.

Learn how to subscribe to Amoda’s Monthly Tea Tasting Box here.

Taster’s Review:

I have wanted to try this Lord Petersham Black Tea Blend from The Devotea for a long time now – and the monthly tea tasting box from Amoda Tea made that possible for me today!  Thank you, Amoda Tea!

The Devotea maintains an active presence on Tea Trade, and that’s our home here on SororiTea Sisters too, so I’ve been hearing a lot about this tea blend.  I tried to win it back when the Devotea was hosting regular giveaways on Tea Trade, but, I never won anything.  Bummer!  I have been meaning to order from them for a while, but, every time I have funds available in my “Can Buy Tea” budget, somehow, I forget to order this!

Now I HAVE to order more of this, because this blend is FREAKING awesome!  Seriously … it’s extraordinarily good.  I know I’ve said that this tea or that tea is good, and I’ve meant it.  But, if you have room for only one black tea in your tea cupboard – this is a tea you should definitely consider as your one and only.   I’ve encountered a few “one and only” black tea blends … this tea blend is absolutely a contender for that distinction as well.

I think that Amoda Tea describes this tea well when they say that it’s medium-body, medium-strength with full-flavor.  It is all those things.  It doesn’t taste or feel too heavy or overwhelming.  It isn’t one of those “kick you in the backside” kind of teas that you would turn to on those mornings when you are too drowsy to focus.  Instead, it’s one of those teas that you drink because you LOVE tea and you want the optimal tea experience.  As I sit here and drink this, I am so astonished at how beautifully round it is.  It is completely satisfying in it’s flavor.

I steeped this for 2 1/2 minutes in my Breville One-Touch, and this worked out perfectly.  It is not overly tannic, it isn’t bitter, it is just … divinely delicious.  A wonderfully balanced cuppa that tastes rich with its notes of sweet honey-like tones, malty goodness, and hints of earthy notes.  There is a citrus-like finish to it.  The smoky tones that Amoda Tea mentions in their description … there is just the right amount of smoke to this blend.  It doesn’t taste aggressively smoky.

This is so close to perfection – this blend – that I can’t think of a black tea blend that I like better than this one at the moment.  There might be one … but, this tastes so good that it is clouding any other opinion that I might have!

The Des Anges from Nina’s Paris

Tea Information:

Leaf Type: Black

Where to Buy: Nina’s Paris

Tea Description:

Strawberry pieces, vanilla, and strawberry flavors.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

The Des Anges from Nina’s Paris is a nice simplistic tea with subtle flavors. I can appreciate the way this tea is not over done with flavorings. I can taste the black tea base, the strawberry, and the vanilla, and none seem to be fighting with another for focus. It is a pleasant cup of tea.

I am not quite sure that it is strong enough to hold up to creamer or sweetener but I think that it would give it a nice kick and jack it up a notch. It is rather a no fuss, simple, enjoy me as I am tea. That is not to take away from the blend, but if you are looking for an in your face flavor, this isn’t it. However if you often time flavored teas too flavorful and prefer a subtle hint of flavor to your tea, then this is bang on!

This tea also is not very sweet, which is nice, a lot of flavored teas are too sweet. This taste a lot more like some fresh strawberries had been infused in the tea with a splash of vanilla flavor. I do not find the vanilla to give the tea as much of a creamy flavor and the mouthfeel is very light as well.

Overall a nice change of pace in a flavored tea.

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  Aiya

Tea Description:

Premium Sencha is one of the most prized Sencha teas available in Japan.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

This Premium Sencha Green Tea from Aiya is easily the freshest Japanese Sencha tea I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting!  The freshness is due to the fact that Aiya’s teas are packaged in sealed tins.  Not just a closed tin, not even just an airtight tin … but sealed … like a tin can.  You know, the kind where you pull the ring and peel back the lid.   Aiya takes the freshness of their products very seriously!

And while I might have been skeptical before popping the ring and peeling back the seal … after smelling the tea inside the tin and more importantly, after tasting it … I’m a believer!  This stuff is fresh!  The aroma smells like a combination of freshly cut grass and kelp.  Not just “freshly cut grass” but the scent of the air as I mow the lawn.  As in JUST cut grass.  That is to say, it smells very fresh.

While it smells like a cross between grass and kelp, it doesn’t taste so much like these two things.  There are grassy notes, yes, and perhaps even the faintest kelp-y note, the overall flavor is much more like steamed green veggies.   A distinct “green” taste.

It is sweet, and there is a savory quality to it too, and I’m finding this contrast to be very satisfying.  It has a brothy kind of taste and texture, and it makes for a soothing beverage.   As I continue to sip, I start to notice an astringency to the tea, it is more of a “tangy” sort of astringency rather than a drying astringency … there is almost a citrus-y quality that goes along with it.

I’m loving the complexity to this tea … each sip brings with it a new discovery.  It’s a wonderful journey in a teacup – and I expected no less from Aiya.  I’ve always been so impressed with the quality and the flavor of their teas, and they are a company I feel good about recommending to all my readers!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green (Matcha)

Where to Buy:  Red Leaf Tea

Tea Description:

Kiwi Matcha’s rich acidic undertones make it a delectable delight when added to many foods and drinks around the home. Its sweet and tart taste make it a great food or drink enhancer because it enlivens the taste buds and makes partaking of the food much more enjoyable. It is an excellent flavor when making culinary delights exciting and more delectable. Its lingering flavor makes many foods and drinks very delicious and appealing.

Learn more about this Matcha here.

Taster’s Review:

This is pretty tasty, although, I must admit that I’m just a tad underwhelmed by it.  I was hoping for more of a true to the fruit flavor with this Kiwi Flavored Matcha from Red Leaf Tea, but, it tastes a bit more like candy.  It still tastes kiwi-like but it’s more like an artificial kiwi flavor than a authentic fruit-like taste.

That’s not to say it tastes bad … it’s certainly enjoyable.  But, it tastes more like it was flavored with kiwi flavored candy … rather than kiwi fruit, if that makes sense.

The fresh, “green” taste of the Matcha lends some balance to this bowl of traditionally prepared Matcha, though.  It has a bittersweet, slightly vegetative, slightly buttery taste.  The texture is smooth and creamy and I’m glad to report that it is not gritty.  (Yay!) It even stayed mixed all the way to the bottom of the bowl.

The kiwi has a sweet, fruity taste, but as I mentioned before, it is not a true fruit kind of taste … more like a fruity candy taste.  It definitely does taste of kiwi, though.  And there is a trace of “chemical-y” taste to this as well, but, I didn’t find it to be a powerful or overwhelming flavor, and after the first couple of sips, the artificial-y/chemical-y taste began to subside.

I prepared this traditionally, as I said, but I used slightly cooler water than I normally would, because it’s warmer out these days, and I wanted a cooler drink.  While it terribly hot, it was warm and I enjoyed it that way.  It’s also quite good when added to smoothies!

My specifications for this Matcha were my “usual” – the classic grade of green Matcha, flavored with a distinctive level of kiwi flavoring.  This time around, I think that the kiwi slightly overpowered the flavor of the green tea, so you might want to go with the delicate flavoring with this particular flavor.  Or … perhaps try a higher grade of Matcha (which is what I’d recommend!)

Good … but, not my favorite flavoring for the Matcha from Red Leaf Tea … but I’m still really glad I had the opportunity to try it, and don’t regret ordering it because I do love the flavor it adds to my smoothies, especially since I do enjoy kiwi fruit but it’s not a fruit I typically keep on hand.  A teaspoon and a half of this Kiwi Flavored Matcha gives my smoothies a nice hint of kiwi!

Key Lime Pie from Della Terra Teas

Tea Information:

Leaf Type: Black

Where to Buy: Della Terra Teas

Tea Description:

This tea combines the flavor of delicious Key Lime pie and black tea.  If you love lime, pie, tea… any of those, you’ll love this tea!  Perfect for first thing in the morning or even as a dessert.  Enjoy your day in the sunny Florida keys with this one!

Ingredients: Black tea, lime flavor, cream flavor, lime pieces and bits*

Allergens: contains dairy, soy.

Suggested brewing tips

Serving Size: 1 level tsp./6oz serving

Water Temp:  210°F

Steep Time: 2-5 minutes

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

What can I say about Key Lime Pie from Della Terra Teas, I don’t know, how about YUM YUM YUM!!!! One thing I have noticed with lime flavored things, not just tea, there is more often than not this strange yucky aftertaste that lingers around for a long time. Well you will not find that lingering yuck in this tea! What you do get is a zesty, sweet, limey goodness that lasts and pleasantly lingers on your palate! I love this tea and I can’t wait to try it iced and cold steeped.

It is no secret I am a huge fan of Della Terra Teas and have successfully narrowed my flavored tea sipping down to a few very good and consistent companies, Della Terra Teas is one of them. Their teas are always of high quality and true to the flavor description. On the rare occasion their tea is not received warmly by customers they work on the blend and perfect it based on reviews. I respect that.

I find lime to be a flavor that is really difficult to get just right but Della Terra has managed to not only do a lime tea but a key lime pie tea and it sure does remind me of a creamy key lime dream. What I love even more is that the black tea base is not lost beneath the flavors. I can distinctly taste the tea in this blend.

This tea is sweet but not cloying and there is also no aftertaste from the sweetness. I think this will make a wonderful summer tea and should be served to anyone who usually enjoys those half lemonade half tea blends to convert them!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Grey’s Teas

Tea Description:

Keemun is grown in Anhui Province and is a ‘gongfu’ tea requiring disciplined skill to produce thin tight strips. It produces a rich liquor with a slightly scented flavour and delicate aroma. Keemun is the most famous of China’s black teas and, due to its subtle and complex nature, it is considered the “Burgundy of teas”.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

OH wow!  This China Keemun Dahlia Black Tea from Grey’s Teas is awesome!

The flavor is rich and powerful – it is a bold, robust, hefty black tea, but it also possesses enough subtle nuances to it to keep it from becoming too overpowering.  There are some smoky notes to this, but, they aren’t as apparent as in some other Keemun teas I’ve encountered.  Here the smoky notes are softer … like wisps of smoke that waft their way throughout the sip.

There is a really pleasant complexity to this tea – with notes of fruit, earth, leather, caramel, hints of smoke and very delicate whispers of flower within the layers of flavor.  I like that it is a strong tea, but, it isn’t all about the strength.  I like that it isn’t so heavy in flavor that the softer notes become lost … I love that I can taste all the little delicate notes here.

This is a tea that has the strength that is needed for that first cup of the day (this would be great as a morning latte!) but it also has enough softer, wine-like notes that make for a very enjoyable afternoon cuppa as well.

An excellent Keemun – this one gets two enthusiastic thumbs up from me!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green Tea

Where to Buy:  Le Palais des Thés

Tea Description:

A wonderful combination of green tea and vanilla. Enlivened by small vanilla pods, this delicately flavored Sencha is beautifully mild and smooth.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

Mmmmm!  I know I’ve said it before, but I’m going to say it again, I love vanilla flavored teas.  There is something so luxuriously smooth and wonderful about vanilla teas … the soft, creamy taste of vanilla melds so beautifully with the leaves of camellia sinensis!  And this Thé Vert á la Vanille from Le Palais des Thés does indeed taste creamy, smooth and luxurious!

The overall presentation of the cup is mellow.  The soft, lush taste of the green tea – vegetative and fresh tasting – unified with the sweet, creamy taste of vanilla.  It is delicate and delicious, with a buttery undertone and sweet high notes.

The green tea notes have almost a “lima bean” kind of flavor to them, and there is a hint of buttery taste in the layers of flavor, and a wisp of flower in there too.  The vanilla brings it all together – and while it seems like it shouldn’t work (I mean, lima beans and vanilla?  Really?) somehow, it does.  It works out wonderfully!

A really nice cuppa.  I think this makes a great afternoon tea … a beautiful way to spend a leisurely afternoon … not rushed, not hurried … the kind of day when you have time to just sit back and enjoy a delicious cup of tea!

Divine Temple from Georgia Tea Company

Tea Information:

Leaf Type: White

Where to Buy: Georgia Tea Company

Tea Description:

This name of this tea is perfect, for it is divine to drink. Before you take your first sip, inhale the aroma which comes from your cup. You sense a combination of fruits, many fruits. Now take your first sip; there is a sweetness to the palate. But you also sense a substantive base which complements the sweetness. This comes from the multi-blend of white and green teas. No wonder this is our bestselling tea. It is perfect for an afternoon break. And you get all the health benefits which come from the high amount of antioxidants in the green and white teas. What more could you ask!

Steeping time: 175°F / 2-3 min / 2.5 teaspoons per 10oz

Ingredients: white tea China Pai Mu Tan, green tea Darjeeling, green tea China -Fog Tea, -Sencha, -Lung Ching, -Gunpowder, -Jasmine, -Jasmine Jade Pearls, candied mango bits (mango, sugar), candied pineapple bits (pineapple, sugar), candied papaya bits (papaya, sugar), flavoring, orange peels, strawberry bits, red currants, sour cherry bits, apricot bits

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

Divine Temple from Georgia Tea Company tastes like a fine wine. This tea is scrumptious and truly divine. I love the mixture of white tea and sencha which I can detect from all the other various teas within this really cool blend. Oh and yes as the description states, you want to drink this in before taking your first sip. The aroma is just to die for. This is the kind of blend that I could see myself being buried with, surrounding me, tucking me into my hand built casket. Sorry the review was turning a little dark there, but in all seriousness, whoever created this blend really hit the nail on the head here. They must surely be very proud of themselves, then again, this is a really hard tea to top.

So what is this tea anyway? Well as you can see, the ingredients list a whole array of yummy goodness, white teas, green teas, fruits of all types from berries to citrus. I can really taste the tropical fruits but the berry notes also jump up and dance for me now and then, especially the cherry. One may think that this tea is just too confused, the flavors won’t stand out, it will be a muddled mess. Nope, its damn tasty, that is what it is and there is some sort of backdrop here, that just screams white wine. This is surely a tea to be chilled and guzzled in the summer and this tea blend will absolutely be gracing my shelf in the kitchen that hosts my summer stash, but right now I am quite enjoying this tea warm, and when warm, the liquor of this tea, which does have a liquor note in it, is almost reminiscent of a warmed brandy.