I have recently been introduced to LOTS of tea by Adagio, and honestly I had no idea that they had such a huge selection.
I decided to share this pot of tea with someone who has actually had chestnuts since I never have so I would be able to tell you how authentic the taste is!
My impression of the tea is that it tastes exactly like the company description – black tea with a pleasant dryness. It is nutty, but the company says their teas are safe for people with nut allergies. The facility is also gluten free.
I took it plain but it definitely could take milk and sugar if you prefer. It had that raspy dry feel on the tongue that many Keemun teas give, a cocoa powder vibe without chocolate. It reminded of the feeling when a wee bit of the “bitter” from inside a pecan or walnut shell gets in your mouth. That may sound bad but as they said – it is a pleasant bitterness.
So what about the person who has had actual chestnuts? She said it was so authentic that she was transported back to Eastern Europe at Christmastime, buying roasted chestnuts from vendors in the street. She was quite nostalgic and I am pretty sure she would be pleased to find a box of this tea in her stocking this year!
This also gave a decent resteep. Many thanks to the Sisters for sharing this one with me!
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Adagio Teas
Description
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Cherry Almond Black Tea/Stash Tea- Ashmanra-
Cherry and almond are almost inseparable flavors, and immediately bring sweet, decadent desserts to mind for me. I knew I would like this tea before I ever opened the pouch.
The smell of the leaves confirms it. This is going to be delicious! There is so much sweet cherry aroma here! And the almond is just as strong.
Steeped up and served with biscuits – the Southern US kind – made for a delightful tea time.
The black tea base is pretty brisk, and as usual I don’t notice this much while eating but the final cup sipped by itself has a building drying effect on the tongue.
It occurred to me that this would probably be fabulous as a refreshing sweet tea for summer! Off to the kitchen to fill the kettle again.
Iced tea tastes best after it has mellowed in the refrigerator for a bit. My mother insisted on overnight, but sometimes we can’t wait that long! I have done cold steeped tea (really great for unsweet tea) and I have done flash chill, and they work but it isn’t the same. I want to do this tea justice, so I am patient and put it in the fridge without tasting it yet.
One day later: the tea has had plenty of time for the flavors to meld. Time to try it!
This is delicious. I am loving the cherry. To be honest, I could do without the almond part as it lends a cozy warmth that throws me off in iced tea. But…I still love it. I will definitely ice this again.
And now that I have visited their website and seen PEACH black tea, guess what I am ordering to ice next?
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Stash Tea
Description
For our delicious Cherry Almond dessert tea, we combine the sweet flavor of plump red cherries and rich natural almond oil with select black teas. The result is a smooth, cordial-like tea that is rich in flavor and aroma. This tea may be enjoyed any time of the day, but it is especially pleasant in the evening with a touch of sugar.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Lumbini Tipsy Eve Ceylon FBOPF SP/Lumbini Tea Valley
Twigs or perhaps larger dried out branches.
Go bite one and that is what this dry leaf smells like.
The wet aroma turns to wet twig, big surprise, compost, and wet forest floor. Silky mouthfeel.
So far no astringency, just wonderful earthy hints of wet wood and slight citrus hints. For a CTC, cut, tear, crush tea this is very satisfying but at the same time soothing.
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Lumbini Tea Valley
Description
Make your evenings more stimulating with Lumbini Tipsy Eve, a robust – full-bodied tea, richly aromatic of the many compounds infused into it. Finely crafted from the rare tiny apical tea buds fresh from the valley, the unique tip and broken leaf combination contains plenty of zest. The flowery tones accompanying the main notes of a touch of caramelised butterscotch are infused by the tender apical buds, along with the lingering hint of citrus. The ‘slow-release’ nature reveal different elements across multiple infusions; from flavor, aroma and health-boosting antioxidants to the essential minerals. Made in extremely limited quantities by the ‘Dalu’ Master Tea Makers, Tipsy Eve is a ‘strong’ testament to the diverse craftsmanship abilities of Lumbini Tea Valley.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
French Vanilla Marshmallow Assam Black Tea/52Teas – Ashmanra –
A good vanilla black tea is a shelf staple in my opinion. Sometimes you need black tea but you want something to soften it, or make it a little bit pampering or luxurious.
French Vanilla Marshmallow Assam is a blend of first and second flush Assam leaves. They are strong, malty, and brisk. While the tea is piping hot you don’t notice the briskness as much, but as it cools it becomes increasingly more drying.
I am loving it as a morning cup, but I could definitely see it as an afternoon pick-me-up as well. The vanilla softens the Assam a little and blooms roundly after the swallow. That’s when the briskness kicks in and makes you pick up your cup for another sip.
I take my tea plain, but this could definitely handle both milk and sugar if you like your tea that way. In fact, I can see this being turned into a decadent dessert drink as a sweet latte or with the addition of vanilla creamer.
As for me, I will continue to enjoy it just as it is! And since it is so good with snacks, I think it is time to grab a cookie or two!
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Bold Breakfast/Dunkin Donuts -TeaEqualsBliss-
Sometimes even the most loose leaf tea-loving fan gets lazy from time to time. That’s why I recently sipped on one of the packaged Dunkin’ Donuts Bold Breakfast Black Teas.
There were two reasons for this. One – was because I was overly lazy. Two – I wanted a black tea I didn’t have to think much about. Enter…Bold Breakfast from Dunkin’ Donuts!
I’ve been known to roll my eyes at some bagged teas that claim to be ‘bold’ only to find out that they aren’t bold at all or even close to being so!
With this tea – I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! For a bagged tea – this WAS pretty bold! It brewed really dark and the black tea flavor stood up to the test, too! Even the 2nd infusion wasn’t too shabby!
A mighty fine way to start your day or kick your butt back into gear during that midday lull!
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Dunkin Donuts
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
