Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Andrews & Dunham Damn Fine Tea
Tea Description:
The Thirsty Elf Blend is a custom blend of black teas. Melt snow until boiling and add leaves. Strain after four minutes and serve piping hot.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I have enjoyed just about every tea offered from Andrews & Dunham Damn Fine Tea, and this one is no exception. I do find it to be quite similar to the Damn Fine Holiday Blend of 2010, but I think I may actually like this one better (and at the time of its release, I proclaimed the Damn Fine Holiday Blend to be my favorite from Andrews & Dunham!) and interestingly enough, one of the things I like better about this blend is that it is a tad smokier than the Damn Fine Holiday Blend … and I generally do not like smoky teas!
I noticed a creaminess to the Damn Fine Holiday Blend that I don’t notice as much here, but both blends are remarkably smooth with lovely sweet tones that weave their way in and out of the sip. There are still some creamy tones to this which are more apparent as I make my way to mid-cup. These creamy tones meld with the sweet flavors to create a somewhat caramel-y note.
This blend has a bit more astringency than the Damn Fine Holiday Blend, I think, and the finish tends to be a bit more dry. The aftertaste is somewhat smoky with the aforementioned caramel-y undertone. Very pleasant.
This has a lightness to it – it isn’t a really heavy or “hefty” cup of tea, but, at the same time, I find it to be remarkably energizing, and I can see why it would be an elf’s choice to “restore elf vigor.”
A great afternoon pick-me-up, and would even make a good breakfast tea, even though it is not a heavy cup of tea, it is still strong and is sure to bring a smile to the faces of even those who find mornings unbearable (I’m one of them!)
A tea named Thirsty Elf? I have to try it.