The first thing I noticed upon inspection of this blend was the rose petals, they stuck out to me first. For whatever reason whenever I see rose petals, I think “relaxation”. The flavor and scent of rose always invokes relaxation for me. Upon looking at the list of ingredients provided by the company Tocha Teas, I noticed that this blend included jasmine as well! So yes, this is going to be a relaxing blend! Jasmine is always a soothing scent and flavor.
I would say that my initial assumption was correct! This blend is one that you would be served at a spa while waiting for your massage! The oolong was very light and a perfect base for the essence of floral lotus leaf, jasmine, rose, and osmanthus flowers. Oolong does contain caffeine, but this blend is still a good one to wind down with. The floral blend is soothing not only to the mind and senses, but also to the throat and stomach. This would definitely be one I would reach for if I was having some tummy upsets! A must try!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Tocha Teas
Description
Escape into a luxuriant garden with this fresh, lively blend of delightful oolong tea and the finest botanicals. This elegant, harmonious infusion eases body and mind, supporting a fit and trim physique while putting a blissful smile on your face.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Travel the World with #SirStuartBlackAndGreen from #Kent&Sussex Tea Co.
Sometimes I try out unflavored teas with one kind of leaf, and a flavor that all about the purity of the process. And sometimes I try out teas that are exactly the opposite– just like today’s blend, Sir Stuart Black and Green.
This tea has both black and green tea leaves, three types of flower petals, and rich spices like cardamom, fennel and ginger. Visually, this blend is full of diverse colors and shapes, and the smell of the dry leaf is luscious and complex. It smells like someone lit floral incense in a kitchen, where other smells like fennel or orange peel are being mixed together as someone starts cooking.
The flowers are most prominent in the scent of the tea, with bergamot and sweet orange dominating the taste. The flavors of the tea leaves themselves are minimal: no grassy greens and no bitter blacks. Instead, the varied ingredients list really dominates the flavor spotlight.
As I drank the tea, more of the unexpected herbs like fennel or cardamom popped up in the taste and smell, though the ginger was slow in arriving. I finally got some of my favorite buzzy, spicy mouthful from the ginger after I let the teabag steep beyond the recommending steep time. Overall the blend is sweet without being cloying, and the bright citrus lingers on the tongue without being to tart.
According to Tea & Coffee, this blend is named after the well-travel Sir Stuart Cleary of Cranbrookshire. With all the varied treasures and eye-catching beauties hidden within this tea blend, it feels like a bounty gathered from exploring the reaches of the world.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black/Green
Where to Buy: Kent & Sussex Tea Co.
Description:
Sir Stuart a fine Black Tea and Green Tea. A flavoured Tea with hints of Bergamot and Orange. Named after the explorer Sir Stuart Cleary of Cranbrookshire following a trip to the Orient. A beautiful looking loose leaf tea with magical flavours when brewed. A Fruity aroma combined with Spicy Ginger and Fennel create something special and fresh tasting. Ingredients Black Tea, Green Tea, Ginger pieces, Fennel, Cardamom seeds, Natural flavouring, Rose petals and Cornflower blossoms.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Jasmine Tea Blend from Simpson and Vail. . . . .
I haven’t quite made up my mind on whether I like jasmine or not. When I think I do, I try something else that includes jasmine and then I wonder if I actually don’t. I was hesitant to try this Jasmine Tea Blend by Simpson and Vail because of this. However, I persevered and decided to go ahead and try anyways.
Jasmine smells really sweet and tastes that way too. I did not even add sweetener to the steeped cup. I do like this, but being 100% honest I feel like I need another component here. Like, maybe, apple jasmine…or vanilla jasmine…or maybe like a jasmine tangerine or something. But, just plain jasmine tea isn’t really doing it for me. That said, this is definitely a rich jasmine flavor. Its sweet, its floral, and its smooth.
I think that this would be a great cup to drink if I want to unwind in the evening after a nice bath. The smell of jasmine is definitely relaxing. I just don’t know if i’m all for straight floral tea. Like I said, I am longing for a second component. I do think that this is yummy, though, and I think that someone who enjoys floral teas or jasmine teas would really love this. Even if you aren’t sure whether you like floral tea, this would definitely be a tea to try it out. It is authentic and yummy. I have had great luck with Simpson and Vail and I really always enjoy their blends.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Simpson and Vail
Description
The process of producing Jasmine tea started in China sometime during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) using tea blended with Jasmine blossoms. Jasmine teas are created using different types of tea: white, oolong and green predominantly. The base teas used are picked, depending on the type of tea, from March to June, but the Jasmine blossoms do not bloom until the summer. So the teas are picked, processed and stored until the fresh blossoms can be added. The blossoms are picked in the morning when the dew has dried off the closed buds. The buds are then kept cool during the day and then in the evening, when the buds begin to open, they are mixed into the tea. After at least 4 hours, when the tea has absorbed the jasmine scent, the blossoms are removed and fresh buds are added. For standard grade jasmine teas, the blossoms are added 2 or 3 times. For premium grade jasmine teas, this process may be repeated up to 8 times. Once the blenders are satisfied that the tea has the appropriate amount of aroma, the tea is re-fired to remove the moisture that was introduced to the tea by the fresh jasmine blossoms. Jasmine tea destined to remain in China usually has the spent blossoms removed from the finished product, but with teas that are exported, jasmine blossoms are sometimes left in the finished tea for their appearance.
Historically the aroma of Jasmine blossoms was recommended for stress relief, depression and relaxation. For us, the aroma of Jasmine infused teas does have a profound ability to calm and relax!
This Jasmine tea, from the Fujian Province in China, is a scented oolong tea with a delicious jasmine flavor. The medium size tea leaves brew to a pale ecru cup with a strong jasmine bouquet.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Raining Weather Calls for a Rose Oolong from Indias Tea. . .
Today is one of those days where a rose oolong was just what the doctor ordered. It has been raining non stop since Friday and we are starting to experience water in the basement and seeing flooding in our community. So as the rain continues and the thunderstorms start up, a flavored oolong sounds like perfection.
This particular Rose Oolong is from Indias Tea. The dry leaf of this blend is intoxicating. Fresh floral notes fill the air while this tea starts to steep and creates a gorgeous blend that I couldn’t wait to check out.
Gorgeous sweet floral notes mingle marvelously with that familiar oolong flavor that I can always count on. This tea aromas translate into this wonderful floral flavor. As the tea settles and cools, those lovely rose notes develop more and more. Such a warm, soothing, and comforting tea on such a spring rainy day.
Rose Oolong is one that I can see snuggling up to with a good book and letting the stresses of the day wash away. Something I’ll be doing for sure soon!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Indias Tea
Description
This invigorating brew captures a deliciously romantic mood, that sparkle on your palate, with the freshness and beauty of Roses. With its light and gently flavored quality, it sets in your mood for the perfect occasion.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Lavender Fans Take Notice! #TheLoveTeaCo
Anything with LOVE in the name of the company I can’t wait to learn more about and try their products – especially if they are TEA companies so when I heard we were getting teas from The Love Tea Co I was super excited!
The first tea I tried from this company was their Black Lavender. At first glance of the loose leaf I thought it was more Lavender than Black Tea but after a closer look I noticed the ratio from leaf to flower or flower to leaf was about 50/50.
After infusing the contents I noticed the tea liquor was of a lighter brown in the cup. The intense yet beautiful lavender aroma was prominent that is for sure.
The flavor of this Lavender flavored Black Tea had a mellower black tea base and a more ‘in your face’ Lavender flavor.
Their website says…Lavender lovers, this is for you. All the calming qualities of this popular scent and flavor with a kick of caffeine to get your day started. This Brilliant Blend is one you won’t want to miss. Blended with our fine quality First Flush Darjeeling and a Lavender Super Blue, it will get you going but keep you calm for the day ahead.
I agree it was nicely blended. And the quality of the Lavender was TOP NOTCH! It was a more creamier Lavender which I was extremely grateful for because I have had some that were more of a stale flower flavor. This wasn’t the case here and I applaud them and that.
This was a goodie and I can’t wait to try more of their teas! Spread a little LOVE today, folks! We all need more of it!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: The Love Tea Co.
Description
Lavender lovers, this is for you. All the calming qualities of this popular scent and flavor with a kick of caffeine to get your day started. This Brilliant Blend is one you won’t want to miss. Blended with our fine quality First Flush Darjeeling and a Lavender Super Blue, it will get you going but keep you calm for the day ahead.
Caffeine Level: Medium
Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons @ 195° for 3 – 5 minutes
Ingredients: First Flush Darjeeling Black Tea, Lavender Petals
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
