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.
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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!
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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!
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Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Dunkin Donuts
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Assam Nokhroy Estate Black Tea (STGSOP1)/Simpson & Vail -Skysamurai-
This is a tea for you cream/sugar tea drinkers. Not that us purists won’t enjoy it but I find this one is lacking the appeals of a cup that can manage on its own. No dry aroma.
This is a gifted review tea so I suspect some of the other teas have leached.
However, the wet aroma is quite nice! The smell of wet peeled twigs! I love that smell. The flavor is good but just not what I would expect after smelling the leaves.
The malt is prevalent with this one. Subtle woodsy notes make an appearance at the beginning but they disappear with a bit of astringency at the end. The liquid is dark amber.
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Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Simpson & Vail
Description
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.
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Apricot Brandy/Spice & Tea Merchants -TeaEqualsBliss –
Apricot Brandy from Spice & Tea Merchants – based out of Michigan – is an organic flavored black tea that is labeled “More Caffeine” on their website and “Most Caffeine” on their package! More OR Most Caffeine…AND Apricot Brandy flavor? I’m game! Bring it on!
This tea has been infused with apricot pieces and natural brandy flavor. It’s full, delicious, sweet, and LUSH! It’s appealing to all of the senses!
The origin of this tea – India. The suggested brewing instructions – 1 teaspoon per 8 ounce water at 212 degrees for 4 to 5 minutes. I, for one, doubled it up to 2 teaspoons, and steeped for 3 and a half to 4 minutes and it was pretty stellar!
When I bought this I only purchased 1 ounce. I should have grabbed at least 5 or 6 ounces so it would last me a while because it’s already gone! It was terrific while it lasted! A definite THUMBS UP!
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Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Spice & Tea Merchants
Description
Our apricot brandy tea had been blended with apricot pieces and infused with natural brandy flavor which gives this black tea blend a delicious full flavor and luscious sweetness.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!