Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Republic of Tea
Product Description:
Perfect Picnic Tea – This iced tea captures the essence of summer with the natural, fresh sweetness of sun-ripened watermelon finished with a touch of cool peppermint. A smooth base of fine black tea rounds out this bold, bright, refresher.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Ahh! This Watermelon Mint Black Iced Tea from Republic of Tea is so refreshing!
While shopping at Chuck’s Produce Market the other day, I came across a display of new teas from Republic of Teas – all iced tea that have been prepackaged in large, quart-size unbleached tea pouches. Whenever I shop at Chuck’s (or Whole Foods or New Seasons), I always take a moment to peruse the tea aisle to see if there are any new teas that I haven’t yet tried. (Because you know me … I GOTTA try ’em all!)
There were several different flavors of these new iced teas from Republic of Tea, but the one that was the most appealing to me was this Watermelon Mint Black iced tea. Mmm! Watermelon? Mint? Yes please!
And this is really delightful. I cold-brewed the tea, tossing two of the large tea pouches in my glass 2-quart pitcher and filling it with freshly filtered water, securing the cap and stashing it in the fridge overnight. This morning, I had a pitcher full of cold-brewed, thirst-quenching refreshment.
The watermelon in this iced tea is really well-defined. Very often, with watermelon teas, sometimes the watermelon is a bit too demure for my liking. When I’m tasting a watermelon tea … I want watermelon! You know what I’m saying? Here, the watermelon comes through very nicely. I could even smell it when I opened the pitcher to remove the pouches. The watermelon DOES taste a little on the sweet side – tasting a bit more like watermelon Jolly Ranchers than something that’s more true to the fruit. But, I’m still finding it rather tasty, regardless (I guess because I happen to enjoy watermelon flavored Jolly Ranchers!)
And I’m also happy to report that while the peppermint is discernible, it is NOT an overwhelming flavor. The Republic of Tea did the mint just right in this blend. Because peppermint can sometimes be a rather aggressive herb when added to a tea blend, it is important to add it with caution and not go overboard! That was kept in mind with this blend … the mint is there, but it isn’t overpowering the other flavors. Instead, it is more of a cooling presence … a crisp note of mint that seems to cool the palate as I sip.
The black tea is a pleasant background flavor. It tastes like it is probably a Ceylon tea that is used in this blend, because it’s rather mild-tasting. Sort of even-tempered and not overly assertive. I can taste it, it’s there … but, sort of like the aforementioned mint, it’s not a strong presence in the cup.
This is an agreeable balance of flavors. Sweet, juicy watermelon, hints of mint, and a brisk black tea base. It is one of those teas that you could serve at the family picnic and everyone will enjoy it – even those who are fussy about what they eat and drink. It’s so enjoyable that I think I’m going to have to pick up another tin of the new Iced Tea Pouches the next time I’m shopping at Chuck’s!
Sandakphu White Orange Tea from Rare Tea Republic
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: White
Where to Buy: Republic of Tea (formerly Rare Tea Republic)
Tea Description:
This laboriously hand-plucked leaf yields a light yellow infusion and a sweet, refreshing liquor reminiscent of cucumber and honey. A whisper of woodsmoke in the finish completes this satisfying tea.
Steep Time: 5 minutes
Water Temperature: 180°F
Tea per 6 oz of Water: 2 teaspoons
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I have been saving this sample of Sandakphu White Orange Tea from Rare Tea Republic for a while now. I wanted to sample it when I could savor it as I have high expectations for this tea, even though I don’t know why. Rare Tea Republic has some amazing teas, and I have rarely been disappointed. When I went to the website today I was redirected to their sister company Republic of Tea. It seems they have decided to merge their two companies. So while I got my sample of this tea from Rare Tea Republic, you will need to go to Republic of Tea to get yours.
Sandakphu White Orange is truly a unique and delicious cup. For a white tea it is very full bodied, one of the most robust white teas I have ever sipped. There is a very delicate smokiness deep in the core of the taste, but mostly it is a yummy honey flavor that is not too sweet, and a light taste of cucumber and spice. Yes, it is an unusual flavor but I love it.
The color of the tea is orangish brown, and there is a very slight citrus flavor as well but I would not really say it is an orange tea. Granted this is not a flavored tea obviously but there is just a hint at an orange note regardless. Don’t be too concerned about the smokiness in the tea. It is not smoky like a Lapsang Souchong at all. The smoky note is more in the woody note itself and reminds me of the quality wood that would be used to smoke meat.
This is absolutely a white tea that I would recommend and is unique enough that everyone should try it at least once.
Orange Red Carrot Raw Green Bush Tea from The Republic of Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Rooibos
Where to Buy: Republic of Tea
Product Description:
Spot of Sunshine Herb Tea Blended with orange peel, sweet carrot and beetroot bits, raw green rooibos takes on a fresh wake-up flavor. If you could taste sunshine, it just might taste like this. Low in tannins, it steeps a unique, gratifying cup – hot or iced.
Taster’s Review:
This tisane is part of The Republic of Tea’s “Raw Green Rooibos” collection, and it was one I was definitely excited to try. I love carrots, and I’m always intrigued by teas or tisanes that are carrot flavored.
And I’m very happy to say that I’m not the least bit disappointed by this blend! It’s really good. The green rooibos has a more fruity taste to it than the typically nutty-woody tasting red rooibos, and I appreciate that difference in this blend. The sparkling fruity tones to the rooibos accents the orange flavors nicely.
The beets give this a beautiful reddish color as well as a fair amount of sweetness (in fact, if you’re one who routinely sweetens their tea before tasting, I would recommend tasting this one first, because you may find that it is sweet enough on its own). The carrot flavor is sweet and earthy, while the orange flavor lends a hint of tartness and a juicy taste to this – it almost tastes like a breakfast smoothie (but without the thick, ice-y texture!) and is just as refreshing. It also has a very revitalizing quality to it. It is naturally caffeine-free so it’s a great way to get that energy boost without caffeine.
I’ve really enjoyed the three varieties of The Republic of Tea’s Raw Green Teas that I’ve tried – and I think this one might just be my new favorite. It’s awesome!