Vista Blend from Plum Deluxe. . . .

by TeaRax

There is so much Yes going on with Plum Deluxe! I discovered them when my Sororitea sister sent me a surprise cuppa their Pomme Blossom White tea. It’s a discontinued exclusive so I won’t tease you with too much detail. This was a very colorful blend with some “furry” white leaves. What was so exceptional was that the second steep tastes even better!!! Which is usually not my experience with flavored white teas.

I ordered another, not sold out, white tea blend of theirs called Afternoon “High Tea”, which is a peach and pear blend that also held up to resteep. It was a completely different taste profile than the Pomegranate and berries that I fell in love with earlier, but it was still very posh tasting. All their teas are made with organic ingredients — no sulfites, no artificial chemicals, and non-GMO. Eco-Friendly for the Win!

I ended up subscribing to Plum Deluxe’s tea of the month club. It’s only $10 for one exclusive bag of hand crafted tea, plus access to their amazing Facebook community. And Yay for supporting local PNW businesses!

The real star from this month’s shipment was a sample of their Vista Blend Herbal Tea.

This definitely tastes like the uncaffeinated sister of the Pomme Blossom. I’m not sure what the common element is, but it could be the Love and Gratitude they blend into their creations? This company likes to send out smiles.

The infusion slowly turns the color of a summer sunset, and the beautiful sight is complemented well by the apricot flavor. A creamy lavender taste leads into a mellow citrus that lingers nicely for quite some time after drinking.

The naturally sweet Honeybush base made a scrumptious treat cold brewed, and no sweetener was needed, which for me is saying something. Double win! I don’t want this cup to end, so I will definitely be buying more of this with next month’s mystery blend.

Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type:  Honeybush
Where to Buy:  Plum Deluxe
Description

The apricot + lavender “Vista Blend” is inspired by one of our favorite things about nature — the views. This tea reminds us that we can have a beautiful view wherever we are, if only we slow down to appreciate it.

We use a base of earthy honeybush tea, paired perfectly with Oregon lavender and apricot essence. The fruit and floral pair to create a calming influence.  It’s just delightful — and especially refreshing on ice. Originally this tea was a seasonal-only blend but based on your demands, we’ve elevated it to a signature blend so you can get your Vista cuppa anytime of year.

All Plum Deluxe teas are hand-blended and infused with love in Portland, Oregon. Each 1oz packet makes 15-20 cups. All organic ingredients — no sulfites, no artificial chemicals, non-GMO

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

TeaRax

My favorite tea is always changing, like a typical Gemini. When I was a teenager, my native Washington Starbucks coffee was forbidden, but I occasionally snuck in a chai latte, so black teas have been my go-to morning drink when I feel feisty. As an adult, I spent 3+ years living in China and Japan where I learned about green, white, oolong, and pu'er teas origins. I was even prescribed traditional medicinal teas while I was there and that's a taste you don't soon forget! But it didn't scare me away from herbals - I really like cold brewing rooibos and tisanes now because I can share them with my toddler. I am back in school to become a geologist, and these science textbooks can be difficult to get through without a strong cuppa. When I'm not studying, I love pairing my teas with my BFFL and salted caramel macarons, or having existential chats with my dad.

This post was posted in Fruit/Herbal Tisane, Plum Deluxe

Fresh Perspectives Green Tea from Plum Deluxe. . ..

by Sophia

The name of this tea is what caught my attention. “Pour a cup of this tea and sit in the stillness. Consider fresh possibilities.” I thought that was interesting. As a stay at home mom to an 8 month old, it is a little hard to sit in the stillness…but i’m trying. The ingredients here are green tea, apricot pieces, cinnamon chips, calendula, and vanilla essence. I was really excited once I read the ingredient list because the combination of all those ingredients just sounded really yummy.

The first thing I noticed once I steeped this tea was that it smelled like apricot cobbler, or peach cobbler. The apricot scent was so realistic that you would think I just sliced up some fresh apricots. The cinnamon and vanilla mingles with the apricot and honestly smells like cobbler. Really, really, yummy.

Of course the green tea adds that crisp, fresh, vegetal-ness that ties it all together. The taste is delicious- it tastes exactly the same way it smells- like apricot cobbler! I think that if my daughter was down for a nap right now I would definitely want to drink this while sitting “in the stillness” and relaxing. It is so yummy and definitely evokes comfort and relaxation! I will be finishing the rest of my sample and i’m now interested to see what other teas Plum Deluxe has to offer, this one has totally won me over!

Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type:  Green Tea
Where to Buy:  Plum Deluxe
Description

This tea is no longer available but click below for teas that are.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Sophia

Hi, my name is Sophia. I am a first time mother to a beautiful little girl who will be 1 in July 2017. I spend my days at home with her and when I get a minute to myself, I usually spend that time making, drinking, or researching tea! My love for loose leaf tea is relatively new. When I was pregnant with my daughter, my mother (a tea addict herself) brought me to DAVIDsTEA. I enjoyed a cup of their Coconut Cream Pie Oolong and was instantly hooked! Since then, my addiction has grown to fill entire cabinets, and shows no sign of stopping. I am the creator of the Facebook group CommuniTEA where we have one big tea discussion. It is a great group for those new to the tea-world. I feel strongly about spreading the joy of loose leaf tea. I like making instructional videos and helping those that are new to the art of tea-making so that they, too, can share in the happiness that tea brings. I am excited to see where this hobby takes me and I will continue to spread the joy!

This post was posted in Green Tea, Plum Deluxe

Orange Creamsicle Tea Anyway? #plumdeluxe

by SuperStarling

This tea (available again in May!) is an orange creamsicle confection! It has orange peel bits floating right in the mix, boasting of their bold flavor. The black tea isn’t hiding, though, it’s a nice, slightly tart black with plum* notes. * (Appropriate to Plum Deluxe!)

This blend is recommended as frozen into a popsicle form as a treat. I wish it weren’t 40 degrees out; I’m always into trying out oddball suggestions like that. I’d totally lap at it in a friend’s hammock.

Because, alas, this tea has reminded me of a thing I’ve always wanted, but never had: a hammock to call my own. It’s a first-world problem, I know. But it’s my burden to bear.

If you have a hammock (or convenient access to one), take a moment and think about how lucky you are. Revel in your blessings.

And then revel in this tea. Which is a very nice little blend. It’s not an aggressive blend, it’s just a tart-and-sweet buddy that would keep you company. ON YOUR BEAUTIFUL HAMMOCK. You glorious, bourgeoisie monsters.

Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type:  Black Tea
Where to Buy:  Plum Deluxe
Description

When we set out to make the perfect loose leaf iced tea blend, we knew one of our favorite flavors was orange. With a hint of “creme” vanilla flavor, it makes the most delicious iced tea, the perfect thirst quencher on a sunny day.  As the name implies, grab a cool glass of this tea and relax. Reminds you of an orangesicle without all the calories!

All Plum Deluxe teas are hand-blended and infused with love in Portland, Oregon. Each 1 oz tea packet makes 15-20 cups. All organic ingredients — no sulfites, no artificial chemicals, non-GMO.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

SuperStarling

"Hey, everybody! I'm Leah, a graphic designer from Pennsylvania, United States. I live with my husband and rescue mutt in a house with colorful walls. I love fonts, colors, animals, flowers, novels, illustration, geeking out, and -- obviously! -- tea. I've only been heavily into tea for about a year, but I've found I tend to prefer loose blended black dessert teas. I normally drink them hot western style without anything added; if I add in some vanilla almond milk or honey, I promise I'll mention it! When I'm not blogging here, I'm blogging at leahlucci.com/starling or posting to Instagram (super_starling), so come say hi!"

This post was posted in Black Tea, Plum Deluxe

Kick Back and Relax with Hammock Blend from Plum Deluxe

by MrsPremise

Brewed hot, this tea is smooth and bright, with the fullness of black tea and crisp orange, and just enough vanilla to smooth out any astringency.  The tea is creamy even without milk and sugar, but not so sweet or over-flavored to come off as artificial orange-creamsicle.  In many ways this is definitely still a classic black tea.  

With a name like Hammock Blend, this tea is meant to be a cold summer beverage, so I brewed a batch hot with sugar and let it chill.  Iced and sweetened, I will say that the sugar complements the orange and cream flavors, though they weren’t any bolder after the iced brewing style.  Maybe I’m just a bit out of season for this tea and I’ll have to give it another go when I’m sweltering in July.     
Overall the flavors of this tea were a little subtle for my tastes, but would be a great choice for someone looking for a traditional black tea with just a little non-traditional twist.  It’s hard to go wrong with a splash of orange and cream.  

Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Plum Deluxe
Description:

When we set out to make the perfect loose leaf iced tea blend, we knew one of our favorite flavors was orange. With a hint of “creme” vanilla flavor, it makes the most delicious iced tea, the perfect thirst quencher on a sunny day.  As the name implies, grab a cool glass of this tea and relax. Reminds you of an orangesicle without all the calories!

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

MrsPremise

Growing up, I drank herbal teas like fresh ginger tea during New England's harsh winters and iced blueberry tea during its humid summers. Over time, I was tempted into trying a wider variety of loose leaf teas by the fandom-themed blends available online. I have since gone on to design my own blends, and I greatly enjoy drafting up flavor ideas and drawing tea labels. When I'm not thinking about tea I can be found reading novels and comic books, playing video games, or watching movies; my favorite genres being history, humor, sci-fi, and fantasy. Generally, I prefer bold teas: spicy chais, rich black teas, even smoky lapsang souchong on occasion. But I have also dabbled in herbal rooibos, flavored oolongs, and traditional matcha. I'm glad to be expanding my palette by tasting and reviewing new teas and blends. Find me on Steepster: http://steepster.com/A2shedsjackson Fandom blends: http://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/list.html?userId=292149

This post was posted in Black Tea, Iced Tea, Plum Deluxe

Evening in the Garden from Plum Deluxe. . . . .

by Mary

As is true to many of us tea-lovers, I’m a big fan of taking tea time as more of a ritual than just a beverage (although don’t get me wrong– many a cups are sipping while I’m racing out the door or mindlessly doing work at my desk) whenever I can. So anytime a cup encourages me to a sense of relaxation and place during my sipping, I’m all about it. Is my garden currently covered in snow and darkness post-5 PM still practically every day? Yes. Will I pretend I’m relaxing in the late warm summer breeze after dinner while sipping this tea regardless? Also yes.

This tea boasts a honeybush base (already off to a great start for my tastes) with elderflower, rose, lemon and vanilla. While I can’t say I know what elderflower tastes like (certainly not elderberry, which I think I’d assumed upon ordering), the rest of the flavors shine through for me here with some light floral undertones. I like this one with a touch of honey, which brings those citrus notes right to the top of my sip. Smooth and creamy vanilla lingers at the end, which is just delightful. Honestly, this one has been sitting in my cabinet for too long, and I just kind of… forget about it. But every time I brew up a cup, I’m pleasantly surprised by how lovely it is.

And in late winter, I’ll take any chance I can get to evoke those warm spring evenings that I know are on their way!

Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type:  Herbal
Where to Buy:  Plum Deluxe
Description

Find yourself in a delightfully calming, quiet moment inside your teacup.  This tea is a blend we are very excited about!  We start with fresh elderflowers — a unique herb not as often used in teas.  Then we pair it with lemon peel and rose petals to add a floral zing that is both refreshing and relaxing.  Honeybush tea and a touch of vanilla essence add body.  The combination is simply delicious — we literally almost called this tea Elderflower Awesomeness, but this organic elderflower tea can be for whenever and whatever you want.

“Enjoy a cup of smooth fragrant Evening in the Garden tea to ready yourself for sleep and dreams of floral meadows.” – Experience Life Magazine

All Plum Deluxe teas are hand-blended and infused with love in Portland, Oregon. Each 1 oz tea packet makes 15-20 cups. All organic ingredients — no sulfites, no artificial chemicals, non-GMO.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Mary

Hi there! I'm Mary, a 27-year-old mental health professional living with my fiancé and our quirky kitten in the Midwest! I've loved tea for as long as I can remember-- in fact, I have vivid memory of being four or five in a tea shop and being mesmerized by all the tea flavors and proclaiming that I "was going to be kind of adult who drank tea, not coffee." A stint living (and tea-drinking my way through) London and twenty-some years later, I'm still channeling that sassy four-year-old and loving my tea habit. When I'm not sipping a cuppa, you'll find me reading, doing yoga, traveling, exploring my own city, planning our wedding and experimenting with different healthful and healing foods in my kitchen.

This post was posted in Fruit/Herbal Tisane, Plum Deluxe