Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Tisane
Where to Buy: Supple Skin Boutique
Product Description:
Cacao beans and nibs contain a number of components that have been proven beneficial in research. Many of these constituents are destroyed or lessened by processing (i.e. milk chocolate is not as healthy as dark chocolate which is not as healthy as unprocessed cacao). For this reason health practitioners recommend that anyone interested in eating cacao for its health benefits use raw, unprocessed cacao beans and nibs rather than processed chocolate.
Taster’s Review:
Mmm … chocolate! And it really doesn’t get more chocolate-y than this, does it? This is pure, unprocessed cacao!
I didn’t steep this as recommended on the Supple Skin website, instead, I reached for my Libre Mug, and put the cacao nibs in the main chamber of the mug, added the boiling water and tightened the filter lid on the mug. As the mug sits here in front of me, the nibs continue to steep. The pure cacao flavor continues to intensify as I sit here sipping it!
The flavor is indeed intensely chocolate. It has a sweet, creamy chocolate-y taste, but there is a pleasant bitter chocolate flavor to it too. But this isn’t the kind of chocolate taste you can find in a typical chocolate bar, because it has that raw aspect to it too. If you’ve tried a raw chocolate bar (I’ve recently discovered these at my local Whole Foods market), you’ll know what I’m talking about. It also has an almost “powdery” taste to it that is especially noticeable in the finish and early aftertaste, a taste that is similar to unsweetened powdered cocoa.
Pure, chocolate-y deliciousness!
And don’t forget about the Special Groupon/Supple Skin Boutique offer! Click on the link for more details … and if you hurry, you might still be able to get in on the free sample offer just for our readers! Use the coupon code teareviewer and receive a free sample of Organic Oolong along with your Supple Skin Boutique order using the Groupon discount! Savings PLUS free tea? Yay!
Mint Chocolate Twirl from Tea, Oh!
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Tea, Oh!
Product Description:
A lively mint and chocolate blend perfect for after dinner.
Taster’s Review:
This is a delicious mint chocolate tea. And while I cannot think of a mint chocolate tea that I haven’t enjoyed, I think what makes this one so spectacular is that the chocolate note is very well-defined. This chocoholic is quite happy at the moment!
The black tea base is strong without being overwhelming. I suspect it is a black Ceylon tea because it is quite smooth and brisk while not interfering with the other flavors.
The mint is crisp and cool and presents a nice contrast to the creamy, sweet chocolate flavor in this tea. Overall, this is a bit like a “Thin Mint” cookie in a teacup! YUMMY! (I miss Girl Scout cookies already!)
There is a bit of astringency to this cup, and while I don’t normally mind astringency in a tea (and in some teas I celebrate the astringency!), with this particular one, I kind of find myself wishing it wasn’t there. I am not saying that the astringency is bothersome, however, it would make for a much smoother experience without it. So, I guess if I am to offer any criticism about this tea, it would be that I’d rather the astringency not be there.
However, as I continue to sip, the astringency seems to smooth out a bit, and is less noticeable. Perhaps I am getting used to it, or perhaps the chocolate and mint flavors have developed enough so that the astringency is not as pronounced. Either way, I like it more now that I am at mid-cup than I did at the start.
Cocoa Raspberry Maté from Fusion Tea Room
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Yerba Maté & Rooibos
Where to Buy: Fusion Tea Room
Product Description:
Rich Argentinean roasted yerba mate with a cocoa raspberry twist. While both of these flavors are wonderful by themselves we just had to try them together to blast your taste buds. One cup just isn’t enough with this fusion blend. Once you have this in the morning, you will never have to rely on your coffee pick me up again. Throw in a splash of milk or creamer and you have got yourself one irresistible cup of mate.
Taster’s Review:
Irresistible is right! This is so yummy, I don’t want to put my teacup down!
The combination of both roasted Yerba Maté and green Yerba Maté offers a well-rounded flavor that is deep, earthy and toasted, with hints of vegetation. The toasted flavor is further accentuated by the addition of toasted rice, which also lends a bit of sweetness to the overall cup.
The rooibos in the blend lends a certain lightness as well as a hint of nutty flavor, which compliments the almond note quite nicely. The barley and chicory present a nice depth of flavor to this tisane, giving it a very satisfying, full flavor. The result is a smooth tasting base that allows the flavors of chocolate and raspberry to express themselves well.
The chocolate tastes rich and creamy. The raspberry takes a couple of sips to develop, but after that development, the berry “tingle” lingers in the aftertaste deliciously. These two ingredients are a classic paring in the dessert world, making this tisane a delightful dessert tea or an indulgent way to start your morning.
I really enjoyed this cup. Rich, sweet and flavorful, even when served neat and clean. I personally prefer my Yerba Maté with just a little bit of sweetener to help curb some of the bitter tones it can sometimes have, but, to be honest, I don’t get much bitterness at all from this cup. I attribute that to the blending of such a diverse group of ingredients, and each of these ingredients seems to bring out the very best in each component.
This may very well be the best cup of Yerba Maté I’ve tried! It’s delish!
Darjeeling Avongrove from Camellia Sinensis
Tea Type:
White Tea
Where To Buy:
Camellia Sinensis
Product Description:
This white tea is very unusual combination of Darjeeling terroir, pure assamica tea, and the artisanal expertise of Avongrove’s Mr.Subba. Large silken buds give a relatively dark infusion and liquor due to the assamica’s chemistry. Rich and creamy in the cup with a smooth, full attack of cocoa butter and hazelnut notes that linger into a long pleasant aftertaste.
Tasters Review:
I’m just going to say…right off the bat…I LOVE THIS WHITE TEA!
I don’t think you understand…I love it! I mean I REALLY LOVE IT!
Darjeeling Avongrove from Camellia Sinensis has amazing cocoa notes after infusing. It really came alive once I added the pipping hot water! The natural aroma is very powerful and truly crave-worthy!
The taste is delicious! It has cocoa and hazelnut hints but the white tea itself is top quality and smooth, silky, creamy, and a true delight!
This white tea really has me craving more! I just might declare this one of my favorite white teas of all-time!
Let’s just say it had me at HELLO.
Choco-Mate Tea from White August Tea Company
Tea Type: Yerba Mate/Rooibos Blend
Where To Buy: White August Tea Company
Product Description:
This energizing combination of sweet chocolate and south American mate is sure to stimulate your senses.
Tasters Review:
Over the last couple of months anything marked Choco & Mate I have been interested in trying! When I saw this one from White August Tea Company I was equally if not MORE excited to try it! All of the teas I have tried from this company I have enjoyed – as was the case with this specific offering!
Prior to infusing this smells like Chocolate Milk… Sweet Chocolate Milk!
After infusing it does lose a lot of the sweet aroma but you can still smell cocoa or chocolate just not as sweet and not nearly as strong as before infusing.
The taste is primarily Yerba Mate. The Sweet Chocolate flavor comes thru nicely but I would LOVE to try it with even more Chocolate flavor! There seems to be a little Rooibos Flavor coming thru, too. I have yet to put this to the test but I’m considering increasing the amount of loose leaf but infusing for a little less time to see if the chocolate comes thru more.
Regardless…this is tasty…a very good flavored Yerba Mate! I would suggest this to anyone looking for a flavored Yerba Mate, a flavored Rooibos, or a Chocolate or Cocoa Flavored Tisane!