Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: The Tao of Tea
Product Description:
Ginger Peach is a blend of fine black tea, organic dried ginger, calendula (marigold) flower petals and natural peach essence. Together, they blend to make a refreshing tea that can be enjoyed either warm or iced. Native to China and India, Peach has its roots in Persia, Greece and Spain. In the 16th century, it became cultivated in America. Peaches are low in calories and a good source of healthy carbohydrates. We use dried ginger root with mildly spicy flavor undertones to balance the sweet lushness of peach in this blend. Ginger is known to be a good remedy for digestive problems.
Taster’s Review:
This is the 2nd tea that I received in the Steepster Select Box for August. I’ve tried some of Tao of Tea’s offerings by now and have been very happy with what I’ve tried, so I was sure I’d enjoy this also. Especially nice is that this is one that I hadn’t yet tried from Tao of Tea. I am glad that the Steepster Select Box is exposing me to new teas!
There are quite a few ginger peach teas out there. And like other teas, there are some ginger peach teas that are better than others. This is one of the better ones. The black tea base is strong and delicious. The astringency is tangy but not overly dry, and it gives the cup a nice balance. I don’t taste any real bitterness to the tea, a big plus in my book.
The peach flavor is sweet, although it is somewhat softer than I expected it to be. That being said, it balances out with the other flavors, providing a taste that is neither too sweet or overwhelmingly fruity.
The ginger is peppery and adds that sassy quality that I look for when I enjoy a ginger peach tea. Like the other components of this tea, I am not finding this to be too ginger-y, but providing just enough zesty spice to the cup to keep it interesting.
Overall, a very tasty, well-rounded Ginger Peach.
Malty Assam from The Tao of Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: The Tao of Tea
This tea is found on the Fair Trade Certified page on the Tao of Tea website.
Product Description:
Origin: India
Introduction: The region of Assam is the largest tea producing region in the world and home to some of the best black teas from India. It lies 120 miles East of Darjeeling (a high elevation tea growing area), and borders with China, Burma, and Bangladesh. The distinct tea varietal growing in Assam is the Camellia Assamica, a relatively larger leaf tea plant.
Flavor Profile: Rich, malty brew with a slight caramel sweetness.
Taster’s Review:
Assam teas are among the most temperamental teas out there, and because of that, they are sometimes avoided by tea drinkers. And that’s just sad! What an amazing flavor these tea lovers are missing!
Assam teas generally do require a bit of “babysitting” while brewing. It is important not to over-steep the leaves. Even just a few seconds of extra brew time can mean the difference between a delicious cup of tea and a disastrously bitter cup of tea. I’ve also found that pulling the kettle just a moment before it reaches the full boiling point helps (for those of you who are lucky enough to have a variable temperature tea kettle: set the desired temperature to 205° F)
Diligence does pays off, and this is so true when it comes to Assam. The flavor of a properly prepared Assam is so rewarding!
This Malty Assam from The Tao of Tea is nothing short of spectacular. Generally it is the malty quality of an Assam that is most desired when it comes to Assam, and this Assam is the maltiest that I’ve yet to taste. This is so rich and almost decadent!
This is certainly not your typical Assam, though. While it is malty, there is an amazing set of flavors to this tea that set it apart from the other Assam teas out there. The tea starts out bold, but it is a smoother boldness than I’m used to with an Assam. This is a little less rugged. It has an undertone of sweetness that is similar to caramel.
And here is where it gets really interesting: towards the middle of the sip there is a hint of bitterness to it. It is ever so faint, and if you aren’t paying particular attention, you might miss it! It isn’t that “I oversteeped the tea” kind of bitterness I was mentioning earlier. This is more of a “let’s keep it interesting” savory note that cuts through the somewhat heavier tones of the tea. And it does keep it interesting, indeed!
But even more intriguing than that is this “salty” note that I get just as the bitterness makes its quick appearance. It is a flavor profile that I don’t ever remember tasting in a tea that I’ve not salted myself. It isn’t a disturbing or distasteful flavor – in fact, I rather like it. It is just very unexpected.
This is an Assam that I would recommend to all tea drinkers, if for no other reason than to experience these tantalizing nuances. This is an exceptional Assam!
French Verveine Tea from The Tao of Tea
Tea Type: Herbal
Where To Buy: The Tao of Tea
Product Description:
Native Name: Verveine Odorante
Plucking Season: Verveine is typically Harvested towards the beginning of Summer, when in full bloom, and again in Autumn, just before the cold weather sets in.
Introduction: Also known as Lemon Verbena and Verveine Odorante, Verveine is a fragrant herb indigenous to South America, namely Argentina, Chile and Peru. It was introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 17th century where it was given the name Aloysia triphylla after the princess Maria Louisa of Parma and for its spirals of three (tri) leaves (phylla).
Soothing Aroma
Verveine’s soothing yet refreshing aroma comes from its essential oils, believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, aid digestion and relieve mild depression. Its therapeutic qualities are similar to those of mint, orange flowers and melissa.Accents
Verveine is a versatile herb and can lend its fresh, lemony aroma to any variety of teas, liquors, desserts and other culinary delights. Verveine steeps well in milk and makes an exotic addition to fine hot chocolate.Flavor Profile: Soft, rich lemony aroma and smooth taste. Refreshing and soothing.
Ingredients: 100% Organic Verveine leaves
Certified Organic by: Quality Assurance International (QAI)
Tasters Review:
If you are looking for a nice soothing herbal tea that has lemon notes without the pucker try French Verveine from The Tao of Tea.
This is a very lovely herbally-lemon…a very smooth and gentle lemon. Everything is mellow about this tisane…but isn’t that the point!?
I know this is redundant but…it’s very nice and very relaxing!
I think this would be interesting to cook with too! Perhaps with rice! YUM! I just might have to try that!
Ujaala Tea from The Tao of Tea
Tea Type: Black Tea
Where To Buy: The Tao of Tea
Product Description:
Being in tune with nature (Prakriti) also means being in tune with your own nature. In Ayurveda, working toward a harmonious balance with nature and your body constitutions – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – helps bring Ujaala into one’s life.
Ujaala is a stimulating blend of black tea and spices. It will rejuvenate and renew your stamina and energy.
Flavor Profile: Slightly Peppery with an underlying sweetness.
Certified Organic by: Quality Assurance International (QAI)
Tasters Review:
The dry mix aroma reminds me of a pale chai. Post infusion – it smells like a sugary black tea with hints of spice…maybe more cinnamon than the other spice types.
The taste is wonderfully surprising. If you are looking for heavy spices – this is on the light side but I’m totally LOVING it! There is something naturally-sugary, too, that I can’t put my finger on but it’s delicious! It’s slightly chewy but not the chewy one may expect. This is VERY different and I really like it VERY MUCH!
Puer Tuocha (Xiao Tuo Cha) from Tao of Tea
Tea Type: Pu-erh
Where To Buy: The Tao of Tea
Product Description:
Mini Puer Tuocha has a characteristic full-bodied and earthy flavor. Can endure long steeping times without gaining any astringency and can be re-infused at least three times.
Tasters Review:
I had a rough start with my Pu-erh journey. I have finally determined it wasn’t necessarily that I wasn’t a Pu-erh Fan, per say, it’s more like I am a bit more finicky with my pu-erh personal tastes, I guess you could say.
Having said that…one company that has really impressed me with their pu-erh’s overall has been Tao of Tea. With this specific selection from them I decided to try an infusion test. Below are my findings:
1st infusion…2 mins
This was a Lighter Brown in color and the aroma isn’t as wormy/fishy as most pu-erhs and I am very happy about that! The taste is VERY velvety and smooth and lighter tasting with slightly earthy yet honey and cocoa type flavors mixed in. 1st infusion rating based on personal tastes 95 – I really liked the taste of this one on the first infusion.
2nd infusion…3 minutes
I found it to be much darker in color and a bit more earthy/wormy in aroma but the taste is a hint sweeter and still quite velvety and smooth. I would say 90 or more for rating on this one…based on my personal tastes.
I’d hated to give up on this one because I KNEW this would be good for more than 3 infusions! It wasn’t slowing down anytime soon!
3rd infusion…4 minutes….
This infusion was even darker than the first two! It smelled earthy but not wormy at all. It was a bit sweeter than the last infusion but there is a ricey-type taste hiding underneath this time. It’s interesting…the aftertaste is a little nutty but malty and more black tea/bold tasting. Personal rating on this infusion about an 88-89 – still quite good!
4th infusion…4 minutes…
I could go on with more infusions with this one but have more tea from this great company to try so I will call it quits with this one…This infusion is just as dark as the 3rd infusion…it smells like black tea with a hay-like aroma as well with a more woodsy-taste as well as being more malty. I thought it was less sweet but still velvety.
I would still say upper 80’s even with it being the 4th infusion!
This is a very Sturdy Tuocha from The Tao of Tea!
Tao of Tea put a lot of thought in their Pu-erhs! The quality is good and they have been known to break Pu-erh stereotypes – at least in my book they have! If you have had some trials and tribulations with Pu-erhs in the past…give it another try and sample some of Tao of Tea’s Pu-erhs! Experiment with them! You just may find the right ones that will work for you!