I told my husband I’ve been borrowing his t-shirts sometimes, and he said that was “sneaky.” Later in the day, I told him I’m drinking a “Winter Treat” tea in August, and he said that too, was “sneaky.”
I don’t think drinking a winter tea in September is sneaky; it’s more “ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT, MAAAAAAN.” I won’t let the seasons dictate what I drink, maaaaaan. I’ll wear white after labor day AT A WEDDING, maaaaan. Like a teenager who skims Marx after their history homework and uses that shaky grasp to buy a Rage Against The Machine album, maaaaan. BERNIE 2020.
I don’t know if you can tell, but I went through an ill-informed “rebellious” phase I’m slightly ashamed of.
Unfortunately, my reviewing Winter’s Treat in September means it’s not currently available, but you need to listen up: 52 TEAS KNOWS WHAT IS GOING ON WITH OOLONGS. I’m not sure I have literally ever been disappointed by one of their oolongs. I am not owned by them; I have no financial stake in any tea company whatsoever. I am saying this FOR FREE. Keep an eye on those new releases as they come out. When an oolong that speaks to you emerges, BUY. IT.
This tea is a marshmallow, banana, cinnamon mix. I’m not sure what bananas have to do with winter, but NO MATTER. It’s very sweet. It’s like a chai that someone in the tropics might make. They’re like “it’s 100 degrees out here, but we’re on a banana plantation, and it’s technically ‘winter,’ so… let’s do the thing.”
The oolong makes a rich background, a perfect canvas for the other colors to shine. But I doubted nothing less from 52Teas, the Oolong Queen of Tea.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Description
This tea is currently not available but click below for teas that are.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Cotton Candy Genmaicha from 52Teas. . . .
I am a sucker for 52 Teas flavored genmaichas. Their Marshmallow Treat stole my heart long ago and I have yet to turn back. Not to mention, some flavors just call to me when I am ordering teas. Things that scream “sweet” and “dessert” almost always catch my attention and Cotton Candy is at the top of that list. That is why the minute I opened the email advertising this Cotton Candy Genmaicha tea, I started building a cart. I was quick but not quick enough because the large packs of this tea were gone before I even opened the site.
Looking at the tea, I can see the immediate appeal. Besides the mouthwatering name, this tea is lovely, with its amaranth petals and adorable purple heart-shaped sprinkles atop the typical genmaicha base loaded with popped rice. Before even trying the tea, I am won over. Thank goodness too because I might have stocked up without even giving this a taste.
Alright…the moment of truth…how does this lovely tea taste? Well, like genmaicha. A little vegetal from the green tea base and the matcha and a lot roasty from the popped rice. How does the cotton candy play into this than? This is sweeter than the typical genmaicha, and I suppose that makes sense because at the end of the day cotton candy is just sugar. It is not overly sweet though which is both good and bad. Good because it means one can drink this more often without feeling like they are developing cavities. And bad because when you think cotton candy you think over-the-top sugar and I am just not getting that here.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Description
This tea is no longer available but click below for teas that are.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Coconut Flan Genmaicha from 52Teas. . . .
So I am only about half a year late but I am getting into the 12 Teas of Christmas. This particular tea, Coconut Flan Genmaicha, was from the 4th night of Christmas and unfortunately that means it is no longer available. However, in case it comes back, I will probably try snatching some more of this up because it is a tasty tea.
I have never had flan personally but my understanding is it is a gelatinous custard with a caramel top (drizzle? coating?). So if I am wrong about what flan is I am sorry but that is what I am basing my interpretation on and based on that, I would say this tea is pretty true to its name.
The first thing I notice is the almost thick and creamy custard quality. A little bit eggy and a little bit sweet. In fact, a caramelized sweetness floats atop the sip. Underneath the custard, the genmaicha – a pop of roastiness to keep everything else in check. It is both desserty and like cereal which makes this tea great as either a nighttime treat or a morning pick-me-up.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Description
This tea is no longer available but click below for green teas that are.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Calico & Black Cat Tea from 52Teas. . . .
On a rainy day where the wind is blowing and the raindrops are as big as golf balls, tea is perfect to curl up with. Sometimes, if you want a little something more, a latte could be what’s needed to hit the spot.
For me, it was a rainy day in May. I just had a consultation with a surgeon regarding my gallstones and got drenched walking back to the car as it poured outside. I got home, freezing, a little bit soggy, and I needed something more. That meant a Calico & Black Cat skim milk latte.
Having had this tea before, I knew how chocolatey this was and thought that it would pair nicely with a more milky base. And having tried the latte I could say I was right about that. With that said, I do think it is worth noting that though this is chocolatey, it is not a creamy milk chocolate sort of flavor. The chocolate of this tea leans more towards the sort of dusty and more unrefined chocolate of cacao husks which may not be enjoyed by all.
There is also a coconut undertone here that I worried might have been lost in the latte. Luckily, it is not as it provides a foil flavor to contrast to the cacao. Sweet and creamy, the coconut is nicely balanced here.
As this is inspired by the delicious Girl Scout Samoas, I will say the caramel component is lacking both in this latte and previous cups I have had. I imagine it may be drowned out by the other flavors though since the chocolate here is strong. That’s not necessarily bad but I note it so that anyone who gets ahold of this tea (which is currently unavailable but could be reblended in the future) is not disappointed.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Description
This tea is no longer available but click below for black teas that are.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Blueberry Muffin Honeybush from 52Teas. . . .
I love 52 Teas. They have a great selection of unique and exciting flavored teas thanks to their business model of releasing a new small batch custom blended hand-crafted tea each week. The only downfall? The flavors go fast so if you fall in love, you have to act quickly to make sure you get your hands on that particular tea before it is sold out. That, or you hope and beg and pray for the 52 Teas gods to bless you with a reblend of your beloved flavor. I mention this because this particularly tea, Blueberry Muffin Honeybush, is not currently available on 52 Teas website but it may return in the future.
The blueberry flavor of this tea is perfect. It is juicy and just a little sweeter than the fruit itself but that is because it is more reminiscent of the blueberries found in muffins which are more syrupy sweet than fresh blueberries. The honeybush, though a little woody, also contributes a honeyed baked goods flavor that helps sell the idea of blueberry muffins. On top of all that, this tea is a touch buttery which is like the cherry on top.
This tea is a great evening treat. Being based on honeybush means it is naturally caffeine free and that means even the caffeine-sensitive won’t be kept up at night after enjoying a cup.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Honeybush
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Description
This blend is not currently available but click below for blends that are.