That big day is getting closer! Are you ready for it?
For the first time in quite a few years, I can say that I am ready for it. Usually, we are down to the wire and doing our shopping at the last minute. But this year, we managed to get some of the major shopping (ie: shopping for the kids!) done early, which has helped immensely! I don’t feel stressed or rushed like I usually do this time of year! Yay!
What a unique tea Della Terra Teas sent to me on this Ninth Day of Christmas!
Snow Fairy
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: White & Green Teas
Where to Buy: Della Terra Teas
Tea Description:
On your eighth day you may not have ladies dancing, but you do have a Snow Fairy prancing around your tastebuds.
This magical tea will brighten your day, any time of day with it’s fruity flavors of pineapple & apple with creamy vanilla and white tea. Oh, you are in for a treat today!
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
A quick glance at the ingredients of this tea, and I found myself wondering why Della Terra Teas chose this as a “holiday” tea … I don’t usually think of pineapple as a holiday flavor. But, the flavor of this tea is so nice, that I don’t really care if it’s especially holidays-y!
The base of this tea is a blend of fluffy Bai Mu Dan white tea leaves and Chinese green tea. By brewing this at a low temperature (170°F) for four minutes, I was able to get a nice balance of both the green and the white tea flavors. I like that I can taste both here, a slightly buttery, vegetative taste from the green tea, and a light, sweet taste from the white tea, and they don’t seem to be competing with one another for the spotlight. This two teas are working together very well in this blend.
The pineapple is sweet and soft … curbed slightly by the vanilla and the apple. I am not trying to say that the flavor of the pineapple is obscured, really, it is just not quite as clear a flavor as it might be without the vanilla and the apple. But I like how these two ingredients soften the flavor – it does give it a somewhat “snowy” kind of flavor … like pineapple ice cream. I also do taste a hint of spice here from the pink peppercorns. It isn’t a strong peppery note (pink peppercorns don’t deliver a strong peppery taste), but it is just enough contrast to the cup to keep the flavors from becoming dull.
Overall, the flavor is gentle and creamy … one of those types of teas you’d like to curl up to while reading a good book.
On the Eighth Day of Christmas, Della Terra Teas Sent To Me…
Usually, I like to start these 12 Days of Christmas Teas reviews with a little bit of chatter. However, today’s tea is really something I’ve been waiting for since I started in on the box. I kept hoping that this tea would be in this box, and now that it’s here, I can’t wait any longer … so enough of the chit-chat!
On the Eighth Day of Christmas, Della Terra Teas sent me this tea:
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!
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
This is it! This is the tea I was HOPING would be in this box. It was taking almost every ounce of willpower I had to keep from ordering this tea, because it was receiving such high praise on Steepster, I really wanted to see if it was as good as everyone was making it out to be. And as I don’t have a lot of willpower as it is when it comes to tea, let me just say that it was extraordinarily difficult to NOT order this tea and be patient and wait to see if it was in my box.
And here it is, Yay!
And Oh.My.Gawd! It is good! Yummy yum yum!
I’ve tried a few teas with marshmallows in them, and I’ve enjoyed most if not all that I’ve tried. I can’t think of one that I didn’t like … but, this one … this one is the BEST one yet. This really tastes like marshmallow. While sipping this, I experience that joyful feeling that as a kid I would have experienced when eating marshmallows.
My favorite marshmallow maker is 240Sweet (and trust me, you should try their marshmallows, they are heavenly), and this cup of tea is a bit like 240Sweet in my teacup … except, this doesn’t have some of those really exotic flavors. This doesn’t taste like Avocado and Lime. Or like Sweet Potato and Ginger. This just tastes like sweet, fluffy marshmallows with a drizzle of caramel … these would be more like the Salted Caramel Swirl Marshmallow from 240Sweet, minus the salt.
The black tea can also be tasted here, but, I also have to admit that I didn’t even think about the black tea until I was nearly finished with the cup. I was too wrapped up in marshmallow bliss. The black tea is delicious, and melds together with the flavors of marshmallow and caramel very seamlessly.
What I’m liking best about this cup, and this is something I only just thought of as I sit here considering the flavors that are dancing in my mouth … the burnt-sugar taste of the caramel gives the marshmallow-y notes a sort of toasted taste. This tastes like liquified roasted marshmallows!
If you don’t like sweet tasting teas, this tea is not for you. But if you love the flavor of roasted marshmallows … then, you’re going to love this tea.
On the Seventh Day of Christmas, Della Terra Teas Sent to Me…
We’re past the halfway point in this countdown, and you know what that means, don’t you? The big day is just around the corner, almost here … are you finished with your holiday shopping? We’re not, but we are nearly done, and that’s more than I can say for our usual progress this time of year.
Today’s tea was sent in a beautiful blue, sparkly envelope/box. These little boxes are really cute, and of course, I’m keeping them … hopefully I’ll think of something to do with them that is alter-ish art-y.
Anyway, I’m sure you’re all just sitting there at the edges of your seats, waiting to learn what today’s tea from Della Terra Teas is …
Walnut Brittle
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Della Terra Teas
Tea Description:
On the seventh day of Christmas you’ll be swimming like the swans in delicious tantalizing walnut brittle tea.
A most amazing green tea is the base for this perfect walnut tea. With bits of real walnut brittle within we truly believe you have a cup of nutcrackers Heaven in your tea cup!
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
This IS a tantalizing treat!
The dry leaf offers a very appetizing sight with the big chunks of walnut, coconut and pineapple blended with the long spears of Chinese Sencha green tea. The aroma is nutty and fruity, and interestingly enough, reminds me very much of the holidays, although I don’t usually associate walnuts, coconut or pineapple with this time of year. Somehow, the way it all comes together reminds me very much of Christmastime – perhaps it is the sweetness of the scent … I don’t know. But it is certainly bringing a smile to my face.
The flavor also brings a smile to my face. The flavor of the green tea is prominent, it is sweet and slightly vegetative, although most of the sweetness I taste is coming from the coconut, I think, or it could be the fact that there is also brittle candy in this blend, and that may have melted during the brewing process. I do taste a bit of caramelized sugar in the cup, and that just may be my favorite part of this tea.
But I also like the walnut flavor. Walnut is not a “usual” nut flavor to find in a tea … almonds – yes … but not walnuts. But I think it is the fact that I don’t often get to experience walnut flavor in a tea that makes me enjoy this rare occasion so much.
Overall, a very enjoyable cuppa. It is nutty and sweet, with just the right amount of fruity essence to keep the cup interesting. A bit unexpected and very nice, indeed!
On the Sixth Day of Christmas, Della Terra Teas sent to me …
We are now halfway through the tea-xtravaganza that is Della Terra Teas’ 12 Days of Christmas. I love counting down the days with tea!
Today, I am greeted by Santa on my box/envelope with a stern warning not to peak! The tree and Santa’s beard are sparkly, although it’s difficult to capture that with the camera. I really love these little box-y/envelope-y thingies that each tea has been placed in. It makes each day a little more special to be opening up a little gift of sorts.
So, dear Santa, I’m sorry, but I have to peek! I just have to know which tea Della Terra Teas sent to me today …
Pom-Magical
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Della Terra Teas
Tea Description:
On the sixth day of Christmas you’ll be happier than a fluffy white goose a laying after trying this pomegranate tea.
Have a hot cup of pomegranate tea infused with delicious hibiscus for your treat today. This exclusive to this set tea will warm and relax you. A perfect addition to your festive day.
I really had my doubts about this one. Hibiscus? Why? Oh why do tea companies put hibiscus in blends? Why?
When done properly, I really don’t mind hibiscus all that much, but, more often than not, it seems, it is NOT done properly. So great care should be taken when brewing a tea with hibiscus, because a tea with hibiscus … if steeped too long, will end up tasting tart and syrupy. And just plain icky. Fortunately, this is a black tea, so I am already not brewing it too long for the hibiscus to get to the icky stage. Just 2 1/2 minutes in boiling water ought to do it!
Despite my doubts, this is really quite a tasty pomegranate tea. The black tea is a bold, flavorful tea base. Strong … but not so aggressive that it overpowers the flavor of pomegranate which is juicy and tart … and has just enough sweetness to keep this from tasting like something too sour.
It may seem a bit weird, but pomegranate is one of my favorite fruits … and I say that because I am not a fan of tart food, and pomegranate is really all about the tartness! But, there’s something magical about popping one of those juicy arils in my mouth and letting the juice flow over my palate, it is sour, yes, but, it also has just a little sweetness that helps to soften some of the “tartier” notes. I may pucker a bit while eating a pomegranate, but there is something about this fruit that keeps me coming back for more!
Anyway, this tea has managed to capture that magical quality of the pomegranate quite nicely. It tastes very much of pomegranate and black tea, and not so much of hibiscus. This one gets two thumbs up from me!
On the Fifth Day of Christmas, Della Terra Teas Sent To Me …
Well, I really must admit that this 12 Days of Christmas box has really brightened my holiday season. Every tea thus far has been new to me, and that alone makes me happy.
I don’t really have anything clever to say right here, so instead, I think I’ll just jump right in to the review of today’s tea from Della Terra Teas.
Orange Brulee Oolong
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Della Terra Teas
Tea Description:
On the fifth day, Orange Brulee!
As golden as five golden rings, so is a delicious, juicy orange. That mixed with a wonderful caramel brulee creates a perfect holiday season tea. Enjoy this Oolong tea any time of the day. You’ll thank your personal Santa.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
From the moment I opened the pouch of this tea I knew it was something special … well, actually, I knew that just by reading the name of this tea. Orange Brulee? Um… yes please! Creme Brulee is my favorite dessert, and so the idea of having it recreated in tea form makes me very happy. And while I’ve never actually had an Orange Creme Brulee, I can only imagine what an incredible dessert that would be!
And then when I did open the pouch and smelled the fantastic aroma of the dry leaf, I knew I was in for a real treat. It smells like candy orange slices. Sweet and juicy and distinctly orange, but with a lovely sugar-y note too. I could even smell a hint of cream. I was treated to this fragrance throughout the brewing process.
Once the tea was brewed and poured into my teacup, though, there was less of that amazing scent. Oh, it still smells yummy … just not quite as incredible as it did before or while it was brewing.
But it tastes oh-so-good! The flavor is sweet and creamy … custard-y even! The caramel is a little less distinguishable here than the custard, but, that is also true of every creme brulee I’ve ever eaten. Once you finish that bit of caramelized sugar crust, the caramel notes are pretty much gone. Here, I notice a sweet, burnt-sugar caramel note that arrives at the start of the sip, but wanes toward the finish. The creamy, custard-y note remains from start to finish, and then there is the bright, sunny orange notes that really perk up the whole cup. Every once in a while, I taste a note that reminds me of creamsicle, and this alone is enough to bring a smile on my face.
But this delightful treat would be far less interesting if I didn’t actually taste the tea – and I am glad to say that I do. This Oolong is a darker Oolong, and it offers a lovely texture as well as a pleasing fruit note that seems to enhance the orange notes rather than attempts to emerge as a real individual flavor. There are some woodsy notes as well as a hint … just a hint … of flower.
When I first read the description of this tea, I wondered if Oolong was the best base for these flavors, but after tasting it, I’m really happy with the way this tea turned out. It is certainly different, but, I like the way the smooth, luxurious Oolong interacts with these flavors. It is such a comforting and happy beverage!