When I first heard the name I thought it would be full of sugar or flavoring but decided to take a peek at the ingredients anyway because I love maple syrup. I don’t guzzle it like a certain Elf we all know and love but I find it tasty and the process of making it fascinating.
Low and behold no crappy stuff!
So of course I ordered a bag. I was still a bit pensive of how the flavor was going to turn out but it has not disappointed. The loose leaf is gorgeous dry and wet.
The aroma has floral notes and also a hint of sweet red wine. The liquor has a unique hint of brandy mixed with maple and floral notes. It is great hot but also very good cold.
Will also have to try as a latte at some point when it’s not at a temperature in which I can cook an egg on the concrete.
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Tease Tea
Description
This blend is no longer available but click below for blends that are.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
The Dragon! from 52Teas. . . . .
I have talked about Steepster before and I will probably mention it again as it is a large part of my tea-loving life. Recently it gave me the opportunity to not only enter but WIN a draw by 52 Teas for their monthly teabox. I lucked out even more by winning the box of their anniversary month so while they normally have 4 teas of the week in the box, my box had 5 teas to try.
This tea and another tea, The Unicorn!, were both the blends made for the first week of the month and they are both inspired by the Starbucks Frappuccinos of the same names. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to try The Dragon frappuccino but I can appreciate the idea and I am excited to give the 52 Teas interpretation a try
The Dragon! brings together limes, strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallow root, all on a green tea base.
I brewed this up hot per the recommended steeping parameters.The liquid is the color of a clear and light lemonade (this is how my sister described it when I asked). The taste is also light, though not without flavor. Lots of natural tasting, juicy berry flavor, effectively mimicking the berry ribbon in the namesake frappuccino. The lime contributes a bit of flavor but mostly adds a refreshing brightness to the tea. Finally, the marshmallow root keeps everything sweet and fluffy. Is this in-your-face like a frappuccino? No, this is lighter and easier to drink but still satisfies the sweet tooth and to me, that makes this a winner.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Description
This tea is no longer available. Click below for teas that are.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Bourbon Black Tea from Elmwood Inn Fine Teas
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Elmwood Inn
Tea Description:
Enjoy the flavors and aromas of Kentucky’s best-known beverage infused into a custom blend of handpicked Chinese and Indian teas. Vanilla and caramel notes with a hint of char from the bourbon barrel. Make mine a double!
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Another blogger that is more into lifestyle recommend this tea for me. She purchases tea from them and thought I would enjoy them. So of course I instantly checked them out and couldn’t believe the variety of tea they had. This one instantly caught my eye and seems to be one of their best sellers. I jumped on the chance to try this unique blend.
Brewed this up like a black tea with the help of my Breville One Touch and poured myself and Jason a cup. He was more excited to try this one than me I think. Before I even took a sip of the tea you could definitely pick up the char that they hint at in the description.
Took a sip and we both smiled. The tea is definitely bourbon inspired. The vanilla and caramel notes are delicious with a mix of a woodsy malty flavor. The char is a bit stronger than a hint like the description suggests and can be overpowering at times. But overall this tea is unique and is one that demands your attention. Such a rich deep smooth flavor that is very reminiscent of the title of the tea. I just adore those vanilla and caramel notes mixed with that char note.
I found that my cup was empty at no time and was wanting more. Jason on the other hand wasn’t a big fan of the char aspect of the tea. He adored the flavor of the tea-he just isn’t a fan of smoky teas. I’m typically not either but I really like the combination of flavors. This is one cuppa I could drink all night!
For my first experience with this company, I’m extremely pleased!
Organic Buttered Rum from David’s Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: David’s Tea
Tea Description:
Hot buttered rum is so delicious we want it all day long. Unfortunately, most employers frown on workplace drunkenness, so we came up with this rich and creamy alternative. Toasted coconut and vanilla beans mingle with black tea in a caramelized caress of flavours. Decadent hot or iced, it also blends perfectly with dark rum, brown sugar and a dash of milk – so go ahead and indulge your inner pirate, off the clock. (MK Kosher).
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Back in my newbie tea drinking days, I would stalk David’s Tea Web Special Page. I was seriously addicted to it. I couldn’t get enough of their teas and I swore their teas were the best ever.
Fast forward several years, I still enjoy David’s Tea but I don’t obsesses over them like others do. More or less because there isn’t a store anywhere near me and I have to order about $50 to get free shipping. If one looks tasty to me, I’ll wait around and see what people say on Steepster and then might order it, but I seriously can’t remember the last time I ordered any teas from them. Anymore it seems I’m drinking teas that I find on Etsy.
Digging thru a box I received from a fellow Steepsterite, I noticed that this little guy was hanging out and I thought yes. I’m in the mood for some David’s Tea.
Brewed this flavored black tea up with water at 212F for about 4 minutes. I instantly could pick up the coconut aroma. Yum!
Took my first sip and this is pretty good. I’m actually surprised I like it as much as I do. The coconut is the flavor you really get from beginning to end. There is also a nice sweet vanilla flavor that mixes well with the coconut. I bet this would be an amazing tea iced or even cold brew where the vanilla could potentially really become the star. That would be amazing!
Overall, this wasn’t so bad but I can’t say that I’m dying to get my hands on more. If any would come my way, I would drink it without question. Just not sure it would be one I would reach for on a consistent basis or one I’d try to track down.
Glad I was able to try it!