A bit underwhelmed by this one at first. My first go at it was in my favorite mug, water at 140, steeped for around 2 minutes. Definitely not enough time.
Then tried again at around 4 minutes. Still not quite what I was hoping for… Ah. But wait. As the taste of my cereal subsided the flavor of the tea truly came out.
It is a true Ceylon with its slight tannic after taste. Good woody and slightly earthy notes. Second round will be 150 F in a smaller glass cup.
Change in temp hasn’t affected it as much as I was hoping. A bit more tannic, which is to be expected in the second brew of a CTC tea.
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Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Teakruthi
Description
Savour the taste of a deliciously strong flavoured tea with this Organic Broken Orange Pekoe Special (BOPSP). This single estate tea high grown in the Dimbulla region which has been producing premium quality teas since the 19th century. The certified organic tea is grown using traditional organic-only fertilisers and labour-intensive yet traditional methods of harvesting where the growers’ hand pluck only the bud and top two tender leaves, giving you the finest quality of tea grown here. The tea is processed to give you a strong flavoured brew that has a deep amber brownish-gold colour and woody, slightly burnt after notes.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Maple Sugar Shack/Tease Tea -skysamurai
When I first heard the name I thought it would be full of sugar or flavoring but decided to take a peek at the ingredients anyway because I love maple syrup. I don’t guzzle it like a certain Elf we all know and love but I find it tasty and the process of making it fascinating.
Low and behold no crappy stuff!
So of course I ordered a bag. I was still a bit pensive of how the flavor was going to turn out but it has not disappointed. The loose leaf is gorgeous dry and wet.
The aroma has floral notes and also a hint of sweet red wine. The liquor has a unique hint of brandy mixed with maple and floral notes. It is great hot but also very good cold.
Will also have to try as a latte at some point when it’s not at a temperature in which I can cook an egg on the concrete.
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Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Tease Tea
Description
This blend is no longer available but click below for blends that are.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Anxi Dan Gui/Verdant – skysamurai
This is my first time drinking a Dan Gui. But knowing it is an Anxi region oolong I have high hopes. The dry aroma is very fresh.
With summer garden scents. . . . though I only got to smell it once since I was outside at a splash pad with my kids. Not ideal tea drinking area but we tea drinkers have to make do.
Leaf is gorgeous. Blends of light green and darker greens. Refreshing flavor. Reminiscent of tie guan yin but lighter. The mouth feel is silky. The wet aroma is very interesting.
There is a spot in Hawaii where the forest and the ocean meet. Bits of plumeria and other tropical flowers with a fresh water meets ocean water aroma.
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Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Verdant Tea
Description
This tea is no longer available but click below for oolongs that are.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Mint Medley/Brooke Birch Tea Shoppe -skysamurai
You’ve eaten a ton of pizza and now you’re dragging. Grab some peppermint tea to put some pep back into your step. Granted this varies depending on the pizza you consume.
While I generally do not pick a peppermint tea I thought tonight was a good night to give it a go. This is a lovely one as far as peppermint goes. Though I still find the spearmint to be just a bit too much.
I love mint but I prefer regular mint to spearmint. The dry and wet aromas are pleasant. My lungs feel a bit cleansed. My tongue definitely does as well.
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Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Brooke Birch Tea Shoppe
Description
A after dinner mint tea at its finest. Great for the digestion system but lovely anytime. Makes a great dessert tea.
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Moringa Lemon/Teakruthi -skysamurai
Teakruthi kindly sent me a bunch of tea to review for them. Which almost scared me at first when I received the shipping notification because I thought someone was using my account to order themselves tea.
I was surprised to find that this was not a tea bag as expected but full of gorgeous moringa leaf and lemon peel bits. But then I was hit by the aroma. This smells like Windex. Or that commercial cleaner they use in some hotels. And now I can’t get that out of my head. I’ll let that thought be so I can try to enjoy the flavor.
I’ve never had moringa before and I’m not much for herbals so… here goes. The liquor color is dark, clear, yellow. Kind of pretty in its own way. Steeped for about four minutes. Couldn’t take that smell any longer. The flavor is highly citrus with what I am assuming is the herbal flavor that comes off smooth and lightly medicinal. Cleansing.
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Teakruthi
Description
Looking for the perfect refreshing and healthy herbal drink? Look no further than our Moringa Lemongrass herbal tisane tea. Highly nutritious and healthy, dried Moringa leaves are infused with lemon and lemongrass. While Moringa improves the immune system, controls blood sugar and blood pressure, lemon is a mood enhancer that helps with digestion. Together, the three produce a powerful herbal infusion that is free of caffeine and with a host of health benefits. The prepared brew has a dark yellow colour and a zingy lemony taste for you to devour.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!