A very palpable shift happens to me around the end of August. Whereas starting in early spring, I’m drinking iced teas like they’re literal manna from heaven, suddenly when autumn starts to peek its head around the corner, I abandon all my cold beverages. Jars upon jars of iced tea sit in the fridge, un-sipped (the horror!)– I’m just not FEELING it anymore, friends.
Alternatively, suddenly, all of my spiciest chais, warmest and more comforting flavors of black tea are suddenly getting all the air time. I’ve been blowing through my current stash of black teas like they’re going out of style, doctoring them up into tasty lattes, sipped as I drive to work in that brisk, summer’s-almost-gone morning air. So you can imagine, when sifting through my tea samples to find more autumnal, latte-ify-able teas, this one was just begging to be brewed. So potent is the scent that I’ve literally had to stash this one away from any other teas lest it impart its warm, spicy flavor on my delicate greens, it’s a perfect fall cuppa. The robust black tea is balanced well by the cinnamon spice– and it’s spice, indeed. Think Red Hots candy, minus the chemically, fake candy flavor. This tea packs a PUNCH, and it is not only incredible sniff-able, but takes milk and sweet quite well, making for the perfect latte to sip while you watch the leaves begin to change and fill your home with cinnamon-y candles and adorable pumpkin décor. This tea is for fall, for sure. And autumn is indeed right around the corner– I’ll drink to that!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Harney & Sons
Description
Our most popular flavored tea worldwide, Hot Cinnamon Spice is an assertive blend of black teas, three types of cinnamon, orange peel, and sweet cloves. No sugar added. Kosher. (n.b. Hot Cinnamon Spice & Hot Cinnamon Sunset are the same tea; the name varies only in certain packaging).
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Buddy’s Blend from Geeky Teas
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Geeky Teas
Tea Description:
Buddy has blended a black tea just for you! With the only other acceptable foods on his list being orange peel, ginger root, cinnamon bark, natural spice, ginger and cinnamon flavor, it’s perfect paired with spaghetti and maple syrup.
It’s only here during Christmas cheer! A seasonal new tradition.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
We are down to the wire! Last few days before the Christmas holiday is here. And what better way to celebrate the holidays with a festive blend from Geeky Teas, one of my personal favorite tea stores.
Geeky Teas is located in California where they combine two of my favorite fandoms- tea and all around geekiness! You’ll find anything from board games, Dr. Who merchandise, geeky fandom teas, and much more! I’ve never personally been there but I’m an avid follower and huge fan of theirs. I’ve used Geeky Teas for gift giving in the past and have always been impressed by Donna’s care and compassion.
Let’s chat about this tea- Buddy’s Blend. Now the first thing I thought of was that this tea was going to be a maple syrup blend or very sweet with the whole candy obsession Buddy has. Not the case at all. This is a black tea with more of a chai feel going on. Cloves, cardamom, ginger root, cinnamon, and other spices. I’m not the biggest fan of chais or blends that have a chai feel but I love Geeky Teas, so I had to check it out.
Brewed up like a black tea, this tea omitted a gorgeous aroma. The ginger really stood out. After about 3 minutes of steeping in water at 212F, the tea was ready to try. The tea itself had quite a nice amber appearance to it. I took a sip and from start to finish, you really do get a mild chai like flavor. The ginger still stands out as the most prominent flavor while the cardamom and cloves take a spot in second place. The cinnamon bark and cinnamon flavor rounds out the sip nicely with a touch of a spiced sweetness. The tea itself isn’t overall very sweet but with a bit of honey or sugar, this tea could really be stellar! I could even see this tea being a wonderful tea to create a latte with. A wonderful tea to start the holiday week off right!
Pretty tasty, tho I think I would like to see Donna’s take on a maple syrup tea. . . .that could be fun and fantastic!
If you haven’t checked out Geeky Teas, please do. They are a wonderful hand blended tea shop.
