Pu’erh is a new-ish, mostly unexplored territory to me, so I don’t have a huge range of language to use to describe it, or a lot to compare this particular sample to. That said, ready or not, WE’RE GOING INTO THIS REVIEW.
This is a really deep, wooded, hay-like, rustic taste, like an old barn that’s not in use. (No, like, gross animals. Just the structure and the hay and some age.) Which I really like, actually. It’s calming. There’s also a hint of cocoa here, but it’s not strong. The “candy bar” element, despite the tea’s name, isn’t the forefront.
This tea tastes like being outside and away from society. It tastes like what I imagine living in a Tiny House might be like. Wander around, hook it up to campgrounds in the trees. Sip tea. Work on your art. Look out the window for inspiration. When that inspiration runs out, go to another place.
Is it obvious, here, that I want a Tiny House? In addition to my real house, of course. Which I think is against the whole “GOING TINY” ethos of “less is more.” I just want to go glamping away from my troubles for a while.
This tea seems like the kind of straightforward “tastes good in a simple way” vibe that I would like to attain in more aspects of my life. I’ll enjoy drinking more of it.
Unfortunately, you will not, as it is not currently available at Liquid Proust. It appears, from his most recent blog posts, that he will be whittling down his tea involvement while he gets his MBA.
I’m very happy for his personal development, even though his blends will be missed! He’ll still be around, if you want to befriend him online or get straight teas.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Flavored Puerh
Where to Buy: Liquid Proust
Description
This tea is no longer available but click below for teas that are.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Caramel Chai from The NecessiTeas. . . . .
Yum yum yum!
This pu’erh chai has a lovely sweetness that turns it into a dessert. The sweetness is so strong I didn’t even put milk in it. (Is this chai blasphemy?) The pu’erh has a depth and strength that puts a dimension into it that a normal black chai doesn’t have. It’s a study in contrasts, and it totally works.
One of my high school friends loved chai so much he had it incorporated into his AIM screen name. (That’s what the kids were doing pre-texting. Oh, the 1990s.) He’d always get it everywhere he went. He was like a craft beer snob, but with chai. I talk to him very sporadically — but I specifically contacted him to point out this one. He needs this.
If you’re a chai aficionado, you need to try this, too.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Pu’erh
Where to Buy: The NecessiTeas
Description
Enjoy the warm, sweet buttery taste of caramel as it mingles with a full-bodied pu-erh and traditional Indian spices. Smooth enough to drink straight or steeped in milk for an authentic chai experience.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Unlock your Inner Romantic with Rose Garden Pu Erh from Tocha Tea
Rose Garden Pu Erh from Tocha Tea looks the part right off the bat, with deep, pink rose petals and dark tea tied up neatly in a silk teabag. The dry tea smells strongly of roses, so strongly, the scent verges into being a bit like floral-scented soap.
With the heavy rose smell and the pu erh base, I kept the steep times and temperatures a little lower than the package recommended, brewing for 1 minute at about 195 degrees Fahrenheit, to keep the flavors from getting too saturated.
When brewed, the rose overtones are still the most forward flavor, but there is an added depth from the musky tones of the pu erh tea. This earthiness is a pleasing presence, fleshing out the “garden party” theme.
With the romantic and delicate nature of roses, it makes sense that this is blended with pu erh tea instead of black tea. Black teas have a more astringent bite, while pu erh is smoother and creamier, and this gentler mouthfeel is noticeable.
At first, I wasn’t sold on the rose and pu erh combination from the description alone, but this brew turned out to be lovely. Rose Garden Pu Erh would be perfect with a Beauty and the Beast theme, using the rose petals and earthy pu erh, as stand-ins for Belle and Beast. I say, keep track of your brew times and temperature, and this tea can unlock even your toughest enchantments.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Pu erh
Where to Buy: Tocha Tea
Description:
For centuries, pu-erh tea has been treasured for its elegant flavor and health benefits. The unique natural fermentation process gives it an earthy, woodsy essence that is never bitter, even after a long steep. Rose petals add a graceful note to this delicious and versatile blend, a wonderful tea for everyday wellness.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Organic Mint Cocoa Pu-Erh from Full Leaf Tea Company. . . . .
Organic Mint Cocoa Pu-Erh from Full Leaf Tea Company is pretty impressive! I’ll just come right out and say it! It’s impressive because it’s a delightfully done flavored Pu-Erh which can sometimes go well or go terribly wrong. Thankfully in this case Organic Mint Cocoa Pu-Erh from Full Leaf Tea Company was a tasty winner!
I always like to give THUMBS UP to the organic teas but one that is cocoa AND mint flavored? Yes, please! It has just the right amount of BOTH cocoa AND mint! The mint they used in this was spearmint. Great choice on the blenders part!
All of the ingredients are defined not only to the eye but the nose and tongue, too! Mint Chocolate Pu-Erh! Yeah, Buddy! The Pu-Erh base has a strong earthy flavor to it. The Mint and Cocao Nibs are just like you think they would be.
This is a GREAT flavored Pu-Erh that I would recommend to those who enjoy mint, chocolate, and/or mint chocolate. A nice treat without the ‘cheat ingredients’. It’s also naturally dairy-free! YAY!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Pu-Erh
Where to Buy: Full Leaf Tea Company
Description
Full Leaf’s Organic Mint Cocoa Pu-Erh blend has a mint cocoa taste making it impossible to stop at just one cup! Spearmint leaves bring a sweet mint taste to the combined earthy flavor of cocoa and pu-erh.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Dark Chocolate Peppermint from Art of Tea. . . .
Art of Tea has been one of those companies that I’ve always wanted to try so when they contacted The SororiTea Sisters about reviewing a few of their offerings, I was giddy!
Dark Chocolate Peppermint seemed appropriate for the season so I decided to start with this one. The dry leaf of this blend had a lovely rich dark chocolate aroma that had a note of peppermint in it. I’m typically not a dark chocolate fan but this one even made me drool a tad.
I finished this cuppa off in no tie flat. This tea had a rich earthy tone. After I took a few sips, I checked out the description online and found that this is actually a puerh blend, which is where that earthy note is coming from. Those earthy tones mingle gorgeously with the rich peppermint freshness. This tea is an absolute treat and one that I’ve been enjoying cuppa after cuppa. I noticed there are also peppercorns in the blend but I can’t say that I’m noticing their flavor.
Regardless, this tea is one that should be tried by all who enjoys puerh and ones that are curious or wanting to check out puerh blends. I’m not a huge puerh tea drinker but this tea has me wanting to check out other Art of Tea blends and more puerh teas.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Pu-erh Blend
Where to Buy: Art of Tea
Description
Awaken your holiday spirit with this sweet, aromatic blend. Thick and dark once steeped, Dark Chocolate Peppermint joins wintery notes of cooling mint with the taste of smooth, decadent chocolate in an infusion that will fill you with festive thoughts.
Caffeine Content: Medium
Origin: Art of Tea Blend
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
