If you are looking for a creative, rich, bold, chocolaty blended base to start your day…might I suggest this one…Brunch in Paris from Plum Deluxe!?
I was THRILLED to read that this doesn’t have dairy in it…just stand alone Cocoa Nibs! All-Organic Ingredients – to be exact – Black Tea, Honeybush Tea, Cocoa Nibs, Orange Pieces, Orange Essence. Love, Gratitude. What a great way to start your day…with love and gratitude!
These days it seems like if you say ‘love and gratitude’ it makes you a hippie. And some people think that makes you weak. I say…that couldn’t be further from the truth! And I would take it as a compliment to be called a HIPPIE. Actually, I have been called that…more than once…and I have to say that puts a smile on my face each and every time!
It takes a stronger person to love one another than those who hate. It takes a bolder person to stay positive and a weaker person to be ‘down in the dumps and negative’ all the time.
The same could be said for this tea. The black tea base is bold and rich. The cocoa is strong pretty ass-kickin’ but in a ‘warrior pose’ sort of way (and not a violent way). The orange isn’t as prominent and it’s the only thing I would alter if I was asked what I would change about. But I’m not saying that to complain because I truly do LOVE this flavored black tea/honeybush blend.
And let’s talk about the honeybush, shall we? I’m stoked they used honeybush and not rooibos here! Kudos on that!
I’m VERY pleased with this cuppa. It makes me want to go out and face my day with a smile on my face, love in my heart, and a certain swagger I was lacking before the sipping experience!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Plum Deluxe
Description
We think that a good cup of tea can transport you to someplace special. And that’s what we had in mind when we created our fresh, flavorful blend of chocolate orange tea. It reminds us of brunch in a fine cafe in Paris, the city of light.
To create this magic we pair a simple blend of black tea and honeybush tea with cacao nibs and orange peel / orange extract. It’s delicious and will give you an emotional boost. Excellent with a splash of honey and milk.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Earl Grey Creme from The Spice & Tea Exchange . . . .
Based out of Savannah, GA, The Spice & Tea Exchange has this little number…Earl Grey Creme. Sure…lots of companies feature an Earl Grey Creme but this one I’ve had time and time again and it never disappoints.
It could be that I have already written about Earl Grey Creme from The Spice & Tea Exchange before here at SororiTea Sisters but if I did it was a LONG time ago!
I decided to make a strong cuppa with approximately 2 teaspoons of loose leaf and infuse for about 3 minutes. By doing so the comforting flavors meshed together well. It was creamy, citrusy, soft, warm, and comforting.
I did try to do a 2nd steep and it is possible if you don’t mind a more muted flavor and really want to stretch your tea stash but the 1st cup is where it’s at!
Thumbs up from me on Earl Grey Creme from The Spice & Tea Exchange!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: The Spice & Tea Exchange
Description
The comforting flavors of vanilla and cream combine to lighten the citrus notes of a traditional Earl Grey. With its soft, warm flavors, this is a great tea to start off your day.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Assam Nokhroy Estate Black Tea (STGSOP1) from Simpson and Vail. . . .
Wine and food pairings are popular all over the place but here at Sororitea Sisters we love learning about TEA and food pairings! Assam teas complement foods such as chocolate, spiced desserts, meat, strong cheeses, fish and more. Since I follow a vegan diet, I like to pair Assams with non-dairy cheese – such as cacao and carob. I’m not even close to being a baker so I don’t frequent vegan desserts but when I can get my hands on one I would gladly pair it with an Assam. I’m not into ‘fake meats’ because I wasn’t into ‘real meat’ prior to being vegetarian and vegan, but I suppose one could try pairing it with an alternative. I will say, that if I see a vegan cheese, I’m probably going to try it at least once and can see myself sipping on a solid Assam while nibbling on a chunk.
Enter the “Assam of the Day”…Simpson and Vail’s Assam Nokhroy Estate Black Tea (STGSOP1). These black, slightly tippy leaves brew to a dark amber cup with a woodsy aroma. The brewed cup has an AMAZING malty flavor profile that characterizes Assam teas with a pleasing, light peppery finish. YUM!
Now for a little bit on where this tea comes from…which is the northeastern state of Assam in India, along the Brahmaputra River. They grow hearty, malty Assam teas – like this one.
The Nokhroy Estate is located in the eastern most region of Assam, closest to the Burmese border, in the Tinsukia district. In 1816 a village called “Halcyon Chuck” was about to be invaded by the Burmese army. Before the attack, the villagers made a peace offering of ‘Nine Platters’ (NA – HORAI) to the Burmese army, as a gesture of respect. Afterwards, the village was called “Na Horai” and over time it became Nokhroy, symbolizing peace and respect for all.
This is a bold yet peaceful cup and I’m so glad I was able to enjoy it! Yet another winner from S&V!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Simpson and Vail
Description
In the northeastern state of Assam in India, along the Brahmaputra River grow the hearty, malty Assam teas. The heavy rainfall and hot, humid day time temperatures in this area create the perfect green house like environment for growth, as well as helping to create the unique taste found only in Assam teas. Their distinct flavor can be enjoyed “as is”; however, Assam teas are often used in conjunction with other teas to create numerous blends, specifically breakfast teas.
The Nokhroy Estate is located in the eastern most region of Assam, closest to the Burmese border, in the Tinsukia district. In 1816 a village called “Halcyon Chuck” was about to be invaded by the Burmese army. Before the attack, the villagers made a peace offering of ‘Nine Platters’ (NA – HORAI) to the Burmese army, as a gesture of respect. Afterwards, the village was called “Na Horai” and over time it became Nokhroy, symbolizing peace and respect for all.
Known for its clean and stylish Orthodox teas with coloury cups, the Estate is home to the famous Nokhroy N / 436 clones known for its unique character. A vigorous uprooting and replanting operation is underway to further enrich the quality of the field.
The black, slightly tippy leaves brew to a dark amber cup with a woodsy aroma. The brewed cup has the malty flavor profile that characterizes Assam teas with a pleasing, light peppery finish.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
King Dragon from Wendigo Tea
With a name like King Dragon…this Oolong was set-up for GREATNESS!
Dry, this loose leaf oolong smells like a damp forest with wet wood and stone. After infusing this one it smells more like stone and a little less like wood. However, the aftertaste, especially when chilled, the tea-itself, is fairly woodsy! The aroma and flavors flap back and forth like a dragons MIGHTY WINGS!
This tea ‘brews up’ pretty dark for an Oolong and does well with multiple infusions. The darkness lightens up with each follow-up infusion but the woodsy/earthiness flavor is still present.
If you are a fan of Red Robes you will enjoy this one, as well!
I salute you – King Dragon from Wendigo Tea! You are a warrior!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Wendigo Tea
Description
All arise for I am King Dragon, an ancient and illustrious oolong tea. I smell of exquisite honey, leather, orchids, and wet stone. My taste is of ripe peaches, earth, and smoke with a smooth lingering sweetness.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Earl on the Prairie from SimpliciTea . . . .
Not too long ago I received an envelop from Canada! Yay! My friends from the north! I’ve always adored Canada! Inside the package was Earl on the Prairie from SimpliciTea.
Upon opening this tea – I have to say – first and foremost – I was smacked in the face with an out of this world aroma! It was a cross between perfume and potpourri. It was pretty intense but oh-so-memorable!
This look leaf contains medium length black tea Ceylon leaves, Bergamot, and Saskatoon Berries! If you aren’t familiar with Saskatoon Berries they are much like blueberries but actually closer to the apple family and have a sweet almond-like flavor.
Saskatoon bushes are a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach 16 ft in height. The mature bushes sport white flowers each spring. Saskatoons are native to North America, growing wild from Alaska to Maine. In the northern lower peninsula of Michigan there are currently over 20 commercial growers that have 50 to 10,000 plants each. We are currently working on a survey of operations in several other states and the Canadian provinces.
The flavor of the tea is pretty incredible. I have never tasted anything quite like it. It’s very memorable, fruity, semi-tart, and tasty! For a tea tasting experience you won’t forget – try Earl on the Prairie from SimpliciTea.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: SimpliciTea
Description
A Decadent Saskatoon Berry Earl Grey
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!