Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Honeybush
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Tisane Description:
As for this week’s tea, I kind of have a soft spot for these peanut clusters–the ones with peanuts and caramel dipped in dark chocolate? It’s making me hungry just thinking about it which is probably a good sign since I haven’t eaten much of anything for almost a week. But I think this blend of caffeine-free honeybush, peanuts, cacao nibs and organic caramel, peanut and chocolate flavors is bound to be a crowd pleaser. It’s a honeybush blend, so it probably won’t last long. Get yours today!
Learn more about this tisane here.
Taster’s Review:
Peanut Cluster? Yummy! That’s a treat you don’t have to ask me twice if I’d like one … I mean, what’s not to love about a peanut cluster? Caramel peanut clusters that are drenched in dark chocolate? Yes please! And as Frank (the chief zoomdweebie at 52Teas) has a way with honeybush, I had absolutely no doubt that I’d be loving this Peanut Cluster Honeybush Tisane!
The aroma of the dry leaf was a little funky. It smelled a little bit chemical-y … but I can also smell notes of cacao and peanut as well as the nutty, woody fragrance of the honeybush, so I was hopeful that the weird smell wouldn’t upset the flavor.
Fortunately, it doesn’t taste off. Quite the contrary … it tastes quite scrumptious! I taste the notes of caramel, peanuts, and chocolate. It’s sweet and tastes like it should have more calories than it does. (I don’t know that it has any calories … but if it does have some, I’d guess that the calorie count is small.)
As I make my way to the end of the cup, I notice the flavors develop. I taste the sweet, creamy notes of the caramel and the warm, toasty flavor of the peanuts. The chocolate has a richness to it.
There is a really good balance of flavors here, including the honeybush, which hasn’t been overpowered by the other flavors of this tisane. The nutty, honey-sweet flavor of the honeybush melds very well with the other notes of this cup. I think that honeybush was the ideal base for these flavors because they seem to be made for one another. Everything marries beautifully.
This is really good. I don’t know that I’m tasting a liquefied peanut cluster here, because to be perfectly honest, I’d rather be munching on the confection than sipping the tisane. That said, this IS really tasty and makes a pleasant dessert substitute for those who would rather not indulge on a piece of candy but still want something sweet and satisfying.
Caramel Toffee Flavored Oolong Tea from Octavia Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Octavia Tea
Tea Description:
This is sweet and creamy with decadent caramel. It’s certainly rich with flavour, but balanced out enough by the profile of the dark oolong that you can enjoy every last sip without getting overwhelmed. The oolong lends an amazing roasted character that blends perfectly with the hazelnut.
Learn more about this tea here.
Learn more about subscribing to Amoda’s Monthly Tea Tasting Box here.
Taster’s Review:
Oh … yum! This Caramel Toffee Flavored Oolong Tea from Octavia Tea is so good, and as I’m sipping on this tea and writing this review, this song came on my Pandora Radio – a perfect tune for this tea experience!
I had high expectations going in to this tea experience. With a tea called “Caramel Toffee Oolong,” well, it better be good, right? And it is.
The caramel/toffee notes are very well-defined and they meld so beautifully with the dark Oolong. The Oolong has a slightly smoky character that complements the toffee. It’s a sweet, smooth and silky Oolong. I typically find that darker Oolong teas have more of a fruity character than a floral one, and that is true of this tea base.
The caramel and toffee bring a sweet flavor and a hint of bitter burnt sugar taste to the cup. The natural nutty tones of the Oolong are enhanced with the notes of hazelnut flavoring, creating a very delicious, dessert-y sort of flavor that would make a great next-to-no calorie substitution for something fattening. It tastes like it should be naughty but it isn’t.
A truly decadent and delicious tea treat – I’m glad that this one was in my Amoda Tea Tasting Box for this month!
On the Eighth Day of Christmas, Della Terra Teas Sent Me This Tea …
Day Eight finds us revisiting an old favorite. When I contacted Della Terra Teas this year to inquire about their 12 Days of Christmas collection, my question for them was would it be a different box than last year. As many of you know, I used to do another 12 Days of Christmas countdown, however, with that company, I subscribe to their teas, so, all of the teas that are in the box are teas that I would have tried. I wanted something NEW which is why I changed to this box from Della Terra Teas. Don’t get me wrong, I love the other company too (Hey, I subscribe to them so that I get every tea they offer, I must love them, right?), but for the Christmas countdown is something that I want to be somewhat new and fresh whenever possible.
So, when Della Terra Teas got back to me – promptly too, I might add, they have great customer service! – and told me that all the teas would be new teas except for this one, I was OK with that … for one reason and one reason only. The tea that this “old” tea is.
Eight Candles
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Della Terra Teas
Tea Description:
On this, your eighth day you will have Eight Candles, lit brightly in your cup. The eight maids a’milking will be a bit jealous with this one!
Caramel and marshmallow flavors abound in this perfectly blended black tea. Sip after sip the magic of this season is tasted within!
Taster’s Review:
I LOVE this tea. This is – by far – my favorite tea from Della Terra Teas. And based upon the response on Steepster, I’d say that I’m not the only one who thinks that this is a pretty amazing tea. So, needless to say, I didn’t mind it when I was informed that this would be the one “old” tea in the collection. I didn’t mind it a bit.
Since this was in last year’s 12 Days of Christmas Teas box from Della Terra Teas, I have reviewed it, so I don’t guess I need to review it again, do I?
But I will say that this tea is every bit as good as I remember it being. Sweet, gooey, marshmallow-y happiness in a teacup! One thing I did note about brewing this cup … there was some “oily” spots that rose to the top of the cup which I must admit are never appetizing to see, but, I was able to look past them. If I were to change anything about this tea at all, it would be the oil slick, but, if that means that the flavor of the tea is changed, then forget about it, I’d rather see spots and enjoy the caramelized marshmallow-y joy that is this tea.
On The Fifth Day of Christmas, Della Terra Teas Sent Me This Tea …
Today is the fifth day of yummy teas from Della Terra Teas. I’ve really been enjoying this year’s countdown, and today’s tea is just entirely too yummy for words. But, since you’re here to read a review, I’ll do my best to come up with some words to describe this confectionery delight.
Cozy Caramel Oolong
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Della Terra Teas
Tea Description:
On this, the fifth day, be cozy with this delicious caramel oolong.
As golden as the five golden rings, so is this delicious, warm caramel tea. Enjoy this Oolong, sip the creamy caramel and create a holiday memory.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
This Cozy Caramel Oolong from Della Terra Teas offers me two of my favorite tastes: Oolong tea and caramel. How could I resist?
Answer: I can’t. This is so yummy.
The Oolong tea is a darker Oolong, and it brings a sweet and toasted nut flavor to the cup. The roasty-toasty notes accentuate the delectable notes of caramel perfectly. I can taste a hint of burnt sugar like flavor in the background, and this elevates the caramel tones, giving them some dimension.
The Oolong has a rich, creamy texture but it isn’t overwhelming. That is to say, it doesn’t inundate the palate with that sort of creaminess that might otherwise obscure the nuanced flavors of the caramel. There is a lot of complexity to this cup, and you want to enjoy each and every layer of flavor!
When it come to Oolong teas, I generally prefer them to be “pure” or unadulterated with flavor because Oolong is such a flavorful experience on its own and no additional flavor is really necessary. However, I have enjoyed many different flavored Oolong teas, and of those that I’ve enjoyed, I’d have to say that this might be one of the very best.
This should be a must try for those of you who love caramel, or the Oolong enthusiast who is looking for something just a little different! This one resteeps really well too – the caramel flavor subdues somewhat, but the second infusion is still very flavorful!
Creme Caramel Black Tea Blend from Upton Tea Imports
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Upton Tea Imports
Tea Description:
Black tea from Sri Lanka with a mild, creamy caramel aroma. Pieces of caramel are added to complement this flavorful blend. Enjoyable on cold days, and throughout the seasons. Back in stock!
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Yum! This delicious Creme Caramel Black Tea Blend from Upton Tea Imports almost reminds me of the caramel blend that I used to sell back when I was blending teas. Although, I have to say it: I think mine was just a little better. I think it was that my blend was a balance of both Ceylon and Assam teas, and the malty tones of the Assam really accentuated the caramel flavors marvelously.
But, I’m not here to reminisce about my blending days! I’m here to talk about this tea!
And this tea is yummy! It is sweet and caramel-y, just as a caramel tea should be. The black tea base is smooth and mild, but with a richness to it that provides an ample backdrop for the delectable flavor of luscious caramel. It is a delightful treat for someone with a sweet tooth (like me!), this tea would certainly satisfy that sweet craving without fat and calories.
I liked this served straight, but I do think that a small amount of sugar will amplify the caramel tones just a bit. (I used about a 1/4 teaspoon for my tea mug and it enhanced the flavor without making it too sweet.) It would also be really delicious as a latte!
The above description states that this one is “back in stock” but I did want to alert my readers to the fact that supplies appear to be quite limited on this one, so if you want it … better hurry and grab it while you can! This one seems to be a really popular one – and with good reason. It’s delicious!