Scent is one of the strongest senses tied to memory, and there is something distinct for all of us about the holidays! There are the cinnamon pine cones in every store, you start being able to use you fireplace, and everything smells like apples. Yule Fuel by For Tea’s Sake is hands down the best holiday tea I’ve ever had. It smells like the holidays with cinnamon and cloves immediately confronting your senses. One encounter with the aroma of this tea will make it obvious that it is aptly named.
I brewed this black tea at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius) for five minutes as directed. It brewed into a nice rich color. The cinnamon and cloves which are prominent in the aromatic profile of this tea are reduced to supporting, but important, players when brewed. The flavor that comes out in the brewing process is a lovely vanilla which helps remove the bitter aftertaste that is common for black teas and often puts people off of drinking black teas without sugar or cream. Saying this is a smooth black tea may be an understatement for this blend. This blend needs no assistance from sugars or cream, but I suspect that the addition of either would create a lovely flavor profile as well.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this blend. From the aroma to the flavor profile that is presented once brewed, this tea is one that you need to have in your collection.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: For Tea’s Sake
Description
This is a holiday blend tea so if interested click below right around the holidays to see if the blend is coming back!
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Shades of Earl Grey / Let It Snow from For Tea’s Sake. . . . .
I have said it before and I will say it again…Earl Greys are just not my favorite. I don’t love citrus teas and Earl Grey is all about the citrus. Cream of Earl Greys I can get behind a little bit more given the vanilla/cream elements but I still am not a lover. To me they just seem too brisk and sharp. However, the idea of a London Fog always appealed to me. For those who are not sure what I am talking about, a London Fog is an Earl Grey tea latte with a splash of added vanilla. Simple yet appetizing if you ask me, even with my dislike of the tea base. Well, I tried making one at home and things did not go as planned.
I was looking through my many teas and noticed that in the holiday sampler pack of For Tea’s Sake that I bought on Black Friday there was an Earl Grey. Not a Cream of Earl Grey. Not a flavored Earl Grey. Just a plain Earl Grey. And I thought to myself “I don’t want to drink that!”. But then I remembered all the eggnog I had left to use up and decided this would be a good time to try out a London Fog. So, I took my sample and got to work.
I used my normal measurements of one cup each of tea, eggnog, and milk to go into my 24 ounce latte mug. Because of how many ounces I was using, I made sure to use A LOT of leaf. In fact, I used the whole sampler. I got my vanilla and mixed it into the eggnog/milk mixture in the milk frother and got all excited for the treat that was in store. Except when all the appliances started beeping and alarms started chiming I realized the latte mug was nowhere to be found. In my panic to ensure the tea didn’t oversteep, I drained it out of the gravity steeper into a 16 ounce mug. Then, I hoped for the best and tried topping it with all of the eggnog/milk/vanilla. Of course it didn’t fit so I managed to spill the latte everywhere.
Anyways, next was the moment of truth. I took the first sip and of course it was all bergamot. Brisk, bitter bergamot. Now, this is probably due to the very concentrated flavor that should have been diluted by the other components…the components that didn’t fit in my undersized mug. Knowing this, I persevered. Drinking and then adding the eggnog/milk/vanilla mix as I made room in the mug. Eventually something wonderful happened and the flavors balanced out. Gone was the overwhelming citrus and in its place was a decadently creamy concoction of deliciousness. Classic bergamot brightness that was kept soft by the sweetness of the vanilla. Add to that the gentle spices of the eggnog and you get a smooth yet flavorful beverage.
I should mention that I believe this tea is For Tea’s Sake’s Shades of Earl Grey but it seems to have been rebranded as Let It Snow for the holidays so this review would apply to both those teas as they are one in the same.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: For Tea’s Sake
Description
The story goes that a gift of this tea was given to Charles Grey – 2nd Earl Grey and Prime Minister of England. The story goes that a gift of this tea was given to Charles Grey – 2nd Earl Grey and Prime Minister of England. Midnight blue cornflower pairs with traditional Earl Grey black tea to deliver this creamy tasting blend. A sensual experience for all lovers of tea to enjoy.
INGREDIENTS:
black tea, cornflower petals, natural flavours
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Sugar Plum Waltz from For Tea’s Sake. . . . .
The one Black Friday deal I actually took advantage of was at my local Chapters Bookstore. 40% off was just too hard to pass up. However, I own a Kindle and normally buy ebooks so I hit up the gift section, more specifically the teas and teaware they offer. I took the opportunity to pick up a selection of For Tea’s Sake blends, including this particular tea which seems to be sold exclusively at Chapters/Indigo stores.
The first thing I noticed was the scent is quite reflective of the holiday season: sweet but with the slightest touch of spice. At first sip, the plum takes over. It is delectable with notes of stone fruit and sugar. The base, though not imparting much to the taste, contributes body to the tea that makes it richer and more well-rounded. Unfortunately, the tail end of the sip comes off perfumey – spicy floral, similar to lavender, yet also quite drying. It is not particularly offensive while the tea is still hot but it does take over the more it cools. As a result, I would say make smaller mugs of this to ensure you finish it while its still hot.
Nonetheless, this tea definitely captures the flavor that I assume a sugar plum might have. It’s both rich yet delicate and there is a great deal of depth to the cup. Just avoid letting this cool and it’s pretty nice. Certainly a great introduction to the For Tea’s Sake brand.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: For Tea’s Sake
Description
Sugar Plum Fairy-approved, this Christmas Black Loose Leaf Tea has fruity and lightly spiced notes that are inspired by the tastes of the holidays. Get into the rhythm of the season with this festive tea, featuring cinnamon, clove pieces, safflower petals, and natural flavouring in a 100 g tin. Non-GMO and gluten-free.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Mint To Be Together from For Tea’s Sake
At first glance, this tea sounds stellar-a combo of different mints and lemon peel. Sounds refreshing and so inviting. When I opened the pouch, I was greeted with a fresh feel to the tea.
For Tea’s Sake is one that I stumbled upon after lunch with my parents at a neighboring town. I couldn’t resist grabbing 4 different kinds of their loose leaf tea to try.
Brewed up with fresh water at 212F and allowed to steep for 5 minutes, I poured myself a generous cuppa to enjoy. Unfortunately, first sip in, I knew this tea wasn’t for me. The lemon and mint didn’t play very well. Since I wasn’t in love with what I had, I thought I would try a nice cold brew.
So I scooped what I had remaining of this tea into a pitcher and allowed the tea to sit overnight. I have to say this way of brewing the tea yielded a better flavor but I just don’t think this is a tea cut out for me.
Final Thoughts? The lemon was present and quite lovely but I just didn’t like the combo of the mint with the lemon. It was almost like the mint either needed to be pulled back a bit or more lemon peel added in. This tea (for me) seems to be sort of confused. Regardless, I appreciate the effort. I would try this tea again in a heart beat just to try adding in another spoonful or maybe even cold brewing for another day or two. Or maybe even add in strawberries or raspberries. That may be the ticket.
Just one of those blends that needs a bit of experimenting!
Here’s the Scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: For Tea’s Sake
Description:
For Tea’s Sake Mint To Be Together Loose Leaf Iced Tea Blend. The perfect combination of tart lemonade and refreshing mint is reminiscent of warm sunny days and long conversations in the shade. Lemonade and friends are meant to be together. Mint Lemonade, 1.8oz/45g Tin.
INGREDIENTS:
peppermint, ground lemon peel and spearmint
Learn more about this tea and tea company here.
Pretty in Pink from For Tea Sake
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: For Tea’s Sake
Tea Description:
For Tea’s Sake Pretty In Pink Loose Leaf Iced Tea Blend. Juicy and delicious strawberries are a traditional summer treat and when blended together with papaya pieces they make a pretty tasty cup of iced tea! Strawberry,3.5oz/85g Tin.
INGREDIENTS:
oolong and green tea, papaya and strawberry pieces, plum and safflower petals and natural flavors.CAFFEINE: Low
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Pretty In Pink from For Tea’s Sake is a new tea and a new tea company to me. I was enjoying lunch with my parents and hubby when we stopped into a little boutique shop afterwards. At the very front of the shop was a little display of different teas from For Tea’s Sake. I quickly squealed and picked up a few of the sample packs. With names like Pretty in Pink and Mint To Be Together, I was sold!
Pretty in Pink is a lovely blend of oolong, green tea, and fruity pieces. The dry mix had a rich and vibrant candy or cotton candy note to it. One that just made you start drooling.
Prepped this tea per the instructions they provide and I have to say the tea turned out quite brilliantly. First sip and I was hooked. This is one of those teas that a sample pack just will not do justice. Fresh bright strawberry flavors mingled with a sweetness that reminds me of a candy base or even like I said earlier cotton candy flavoring. But not overwhelming to the point of tasting fake. Add in the lovely lush oolong base, and you have yourself one fantastic treat!
This tea is one those that delivers infusion after infusion. I’ve spent a day with the same leaves and still the flavor is spot on. Sweet and spectacular. One that I could see would crave those 3pm sweet tooth cravings I have.
Pretty in Pink from For Tea’s Sake will be one that I will be picking up a larger package of. One that I will need more of soon for sure!