Even though we are in the midst of pumpkin flavored and heavy spiced teas, I still yearn from brighter and more vibrant flavors. Mainly, because in my neck of the woods, the days have certainly been gloomier and more on the rainy side.
The other day I remembered that I had picked up some samples from Amitea Organics, an Etsy Tea Shop. If you aren’t familiar with Amitea Organics, take a moment and check out their wide variety of amazing teas. I’ve been a fan of theirs from the very beginning and just love the flavors they are able to capture with their hand blended creations.
Since this is a green rooibos base blend, I decided to go ahead and brew this tea up with fresh boiled water at 212F and allowed the tea to steep for 5 minutes. With the rest of the flavors being primarily orange zest and safflower petals, I wasn’t worried about any kind of oversteeping.
After allowing the blend to steep for a bit, I also allowed the tea to cool. Took my fist sip and was happily greeted with the warm fresh flavors of orange and a sweet vanilla honey note from the green rooibos base. Sunshine in a Cup is what I’ve nicknamed this tea. This blend is simple yet vibrant and so happy to deliver flavors that are more reminiscent of summer. I wouldn’t say this blend reminds me of a cremsicle but with a bit more orange and vanilla, you probably could easily get there.
I’m a huge fan of all things flavored orange, so this tea was right up my alley. I enjoyed several cups of this tea hot and should have saved a bit for a decent cold brew, but couldn’t resist. The flavors were just so soothing and warming, I just found myself gulping this tea prepped hot down.
This blend is one to keep close for those warm snuggly nights in the not to distant winter future that my area will see. Being one that doesn’t love chai blends, I’m always on the look for blends that give you that warm and fuzzy feeling, and this blend does just that.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green Rooibos
Where to Buy: Amitea Organics
Description
Light tasting Green Rooibos makes a fantastic base for just about any flavors and additions. This Orange herbal blend is juicy and fruity. The perfect caffeine free iced tea, or enjoy it piping hot on a cold evening, it won’t keep you awake, and might just soothe you to sleep!
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Organic Rose Chai Black Tea from AmiTea Organics
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: AmiTea Organics
Tea Description:
Sensual and aromatic, this chai tea has it all, spices to warm you and exotic roses to add another level of interest.
Pure organic ingredients sourced from all over the world are brought together to delight your senses. Best served with a splash of milk, or see below for a fabulous iced latte recipe.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Be still my heart! This is a perfect chai tea for me!
This tea is such a subtle gorgeous version of a chai tea. The tea brewed up is a gorgeous light amber brew and has such a sweet cinnamon aroma. Brewed up like a black tea (212F-3 min), this tea produces an amazing flavor that I’m wowed by.
Organic Rose Chai Black Tea provides such a sweet floral version of a chai tea for those who aren’t huge fans of heavily spiced teas like myself. The floral notes contrast nicely with the cardamom, coriander, and cinnamon notes in each sip. The more the tea cools, the more the cloves are starting to become more prominent but still the rose petals are still the forefront flavor. I don’t really pick up the black tea but the tea does have that nice well rounded feel to it, so I’m thinking that is what the base is providing.
I did try this as an iced tea and still this amazing sweet floral chai flavor that I can’t seem to get enough of. Such a simple tea, but so well done!
Another fantastic tea from AmiTea Organics. If you haven’t taken a moment to check out AmiTea’s amazing selection, please do so now! You are missing out on some amazing flavored teas!
Yorkshire Bold Organic Black Tea from AmiTea Organics
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: AmiTea Organics
Tea Description:
Bold, smooth and delicious, this is the perfect, soothing, “start your morning” tea. This is my version of the famous Yorkshire tea. Of course the actual ingredient ratios have long been a secret, but I feel I have unlocked them, and now it is in an all organic version, just for you.
I have blended malty Assam and Nilgiri teas from India, A warm, rich Tanzanian tea and a smidge of smokey Chinese Yunnan, together they make a fabulous tea, hot with milk, or even iced for sippin’ on a hot day.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
This tea is just delicious.
The malty goodness and rich well balanced flavor of this fantastic unflavored blended black tea is just perfect. Perfect for that first cup of tea to wake you up in the morning or in the afternoon when you need a pick up to get you thru the rest of the day. I really enjoyed this one.
First infusion was strong and rich. Brewed up like a traditional black tea, this tea was such a delight. I didn’t pick up any smoky notes like the description says, but I am fine with that. I have had a lot of smoky teas lately and was happy for a break. Second infusion, the strong malty touch was still there. Not as strong, but still discernible.
I have yet to have a tea from AmiTea Organics that I haven’t just adored.
I didn’t try this one iced. Next time I will. I would love to try this as an iced tea. I couldn’t help but keep brewing this up hot. It was hitting the spot, giving me that warm and cozy feeling.
The best part of this tea was how there wasn’t a high astringency factor. I thought for sure there would be, but this was just smooth black tea deliciousness.
Another winner from AmiTea Organics!
Funky Monkey Black Tea from Amitea Organics
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Amitea Organics
Tea Description:
If you like that “chunky” ice cream, you may like this funky tea. It’s great with milk when hot, and makes a fabby iced tea too.
Black tea with Coconut, Chocolate and Banana!
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Banana Laffy Taffy. That is exactly what this tea tastes like. Seriously.
I didn’t brew this one up hot. I was in the mood for some iced tea. So I cold brewed it.
Holy bananas!! I destroyed this tumbler of iced tea in no time at all. This was good. Really good.
If I had brewed this up hot, I bet the chocolate flavor would pop more. I just am not a huge fan of chocolate so I am fine with the banana flavoring being the star.
The chocolate flavor was very subtle and light. It basically just gave the tea a hint of sweetness. The banana flavor was spot on. Natural and Delicious. The Coconut is there but like the chocolate, the coconut is in the background. But again, if I had brewed this one up hot, those flavors may show themselves more. I’ll have to try having this hot one day.
I am very happy with this one as an iced tea and plan to pick up more as soon as possible. Amitea Organics puts out some quality flavored blends. I’m a fan!