Santa’s Secret from David’s Tea

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  David’s Tea

Product Description:

Ever wonder how Santa manages to deliver all those presents in just one night? Well here’s the hush-hush formula. He uses a special combination of Chinese black tea, peppermint leaves and spices – all sprinkled with real little candy canes. It’s both energizing and remarkably soothing. All Santa needs is one cup and his motto changes from “ho ho ho” to “go go go”.

Taster’s Review:

Every year I try to tell my family that Santa would prefer tea instead of milk with the cookies we sit out for the jolly old elf.  They don’t believe me, but maybe this tea will convince them!

My first reaction – my first sip – was CANDY CANE!  It was sweet, minty and delicious.  Now that I’ve taken a few sips, it tastes a little less like candy cane (although that taste is still there), and more like a black tea that has been flavored with candy cane.  The mint flavor is just right – it doesn’t taste overly minty.  It tastes crisp and fresh and exhilarating with a sweetness that is not too sweet.  Perfect for dipping your favorite Christmas cookies!

The black tea base is strong without being overly aggressive.  It seems to be in perfect harmony with the mint flavor.  It is a very well-balanced cup.

I find this to be delightful as a hot tea and that’s just what I want this time of year.  It has a refreshingly sweet taste that requires no additions, although it might be nice with a splash of milk.

Yep, I think Santa would be a very JOLLY old elf indeed if you surprised him with a cup of this tea instead of a glass of milk!

Emerald Ice from WhiteAugust Tea Company

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  WhiteAugust Tea Company

Product Description:

All the good stuff. Beautiful green tea, Ginger, Jasmine and tropical fruits. Our beautifully refreshing melody was made for iced tea and packed with antioxidant richness.

Taster’s Review:

I tasted this tea back in January, but I saved the review for it until May because Emerald is the birthstone for May (and my birthday is in May), so I thought it was appropriate.  Also, because this tea is outstanding as an iced tea, I thought it would be a good time to highlight some of the better iced tea options.

The aroma of the brewed tea smells amazing with notes of flower, tropical fruit and ginger.  It is so delightful!  When I first smelled this tea, I thought back to the Hawaiian Ginger plant that my gramma had in her back yard.  I don’t remember if it smells like this or not – but the tropical/gingery/flowery scent made me think of the Hawaiian Ginger… and warm memories of my gramma are always welcome!

The flavor is just as delightful (if not more so!)  The green tea is the dominant flavor, but, not by much.  It is a nicely balanced set of flavors.  The green tea tastes light and fresh and has a moderate astringency.  It has a unique “green” tea taste in that it doesn’t taste grassy or vegetative, exactly.  Nor does it have a buttery taste that is sometimes associated with green teas.  It falls somewhere in between butter and vegetable, without tasting like either one, if that makes sense.  It is delicious though, and melds well with the flavors.

The jasmine is the next flavor I detect, followed by the ginger.  The ginger doesn’t have that peppery taste, it is more of a mellow spice that nicely compliments the bright flavors of tropical fruit.  In the background rests the tropical fruit flavors.  I taste pineapple distinctly, but I am finding the other flavors difficult to specifically discern… mango perhaps?  Papaya?  It tastes sweet and juicy and delicious.  The jasmine lingers throughout the sip and into the aftertaste.

The unique and delicious combination of flavors in this tea makes it one of my favorites from WhiteAugust!  It is delicious hot, but even better iced!  Refreshing and exhilarating!

Razzleberry Green from 52Teas

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  sorry, this limited edition tea is no longer available…

Product Description:

Our buttery sweet Chinese sencha green tea with real freeze-dried blackberries and raspberries and all natural flavors. This is a great treat for these waning days of summer. I think I’m going to make another big icy stein of it right now.

Taster’s Review:

Even though 52Teas is one of my favorite tea companies, I’ve only become familiar with their teas within the last two years.  So the limited edition teas that had sold out before I started becoming an avid customer – like this Razzleberry Green – were teas that were sadly out of my reach.

Fortunately, back in February, 52Teas offered some sample size packages of some of their retired blends.  The samples were random (I didn’t know which samples I would receive), but I was so happy to find this one amongst the samples I ordered.

This is really delicious.  The Chinese Sencha is light-bodied, buttery and sweet.  The “razzleberry” flavor is a combination of raspberry and blackberry, and it is a subtle flavor that slowly develops as I continue to sip.  The sweet “razzleberry” flavor seems a perfect match for the creamy flavor of the Sencha.

It is delicious hot, but even better as it cools.  A very refreshing iced tea!  This blend has a light sweetness to it, so I found it unnecessary to sweeten it when it was hot, but as it cooled, I found that a little sweetener (just a tiny drizzle of agave nectar) really brightened the fruit flavor.

This is a delightful tea.  I wish it were still available so that I could tell you to order some!  But I will say this:  you should visit 52Teas website and watch for their tea of the week updates (or better yet, just subscribe to their newsletter, you’ll receive an emailed update with information about each week’s tea, as well as updates on any mid-week specials).  If you love outrageous flavored teas, there is no tea company out there that does them better!

Ti Quan Yin Oolong with Fresh Ginger and Turkish Rose from Aftelier Perfumed Teas

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Oolong

Where to Buy:  Aftelier Perfumed Teas

Product Description:

Monkey-picked Tie Guan Yin oolong tea starts with a roasted-rice aroma and finishes with a fruity taste, blending beautifully with the refined Turkish rose and warm fresh ginger. These rolled leaves provide up to 4 infusions.

Taster’s Review:

Oh … WOW!  This tea is absolutely dreamy!  Like some sort of euphoric dream that’s been scented with roses and ginger and even a hint of smoke.  That’s not only what it smells like, it’s what it tastes like too!

It’s amazing!  The sip begins with an introduction from the rose.  It is a sweet and almost intoxicating rose flavor that is not bitter, it’s not even what I would consider to be sharp.  It is a distinct rose flavor, but, at the same time, it is unlike the rose flavors that I’ve experienced in teas before.

Shortly after your palate has become acquainted with the rose, a smooth yet smoky note from the Ti Quan Yin Oolong comes through and imparts its silky texture.  The smoky flavor is not at all off-putting, rather, it seems to unite perfectly with the rose and the ginger to create a complete flavor experience.

The ginger comes in next, and this is not a strong, peppery kind of ginger, but rather, an almost sweet note of warm spice.  It doesn’t taste hot or spicy, just mildly warm and enchanting.  The sip finishes with a slightly drying astringency, and the aftertaste lingers with the perfumed flavor of rose and whispers of ginger.

This tea is absolutely lovely.  Words cannot even begin to adequately describe just how lovely it truly is!  It is a tea that must be experienced to appreciate fully.  What a delight!

Latte Matcha from Teanobi

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  Teanobi

Product Description:

This Matcha is specially blended for a Matcha Latte. This blend provides a smooth rich texture and deep green tea flavor to make a full bodied Latte, just add milk. This blend dissolves quicker than any of our other products for instant use. Can be used both steaming hot and iced.

Our Premium Latte Matcha is made with a higher grade of gyokuro leaves. This yields a finer texture and more delicate flavor. The aroma is sweeter and the flavor is less bitter than our standard matcha. Both are a delight to drink they just have a slightly different flavor profile.

This tea is made from Gyokuro grown exclusively in the Shizuoka region of Japan. There are no preservatives or additives of any kind. Imported directly from Japan to preserve peak freshness.

Taster’s Review:

The first time I prepared this, I did so using the package instructions:  1 cup of steamed milk to 1/4 tsp. Latte Matcha.  It was good, but, to be honest, I wanted the Matcha flavor to be a little stronger.  I felt like I was tasting too much milk.  So, the second time I prepared it, I used a little more Matcha (not quite 1/2 a tsp.) and this was perfect for me!

The flavor is so rich, creamy, and smooth.  Yes, it’s vegetative, but, that’s to be expected.  This IS Matcha!  It has a wonderfully mild sweetness.  There is no bitterness to this Matcha, which I found kind of odd, because I always expect a light bitterness in the background.  Perhaps its the milk that offsets the bitterness?  I don’t know.  Anyway, for those of you who often find Matcha to be too bitter for your personal taste, try it as a Latte using this Matcha!  I think you’ll be surprised at how good this one is!

I have blended this using my bamboo whisk (a chasen) and I have blended it using my handheld frother.  Both work just fine, although I prefer the handheld frother for the latte.  It becomes more frothy and creamy – just like a coffee shop green tea latte.  One big difference, though, is that this one hasn’t been sweetened, so you can decide if you want sweetener in it or not.

I really enjoyed this Matcha.  It’s not only great for making a Matcha Latte, but it also is quite nice in smoothies too.  Here’s my recipe:

• 8 oz. of yogurt or Kefir (I prefer Kefir, coconut Kefir if you can find it!)
• Banana
• 1 cup (or more if you desire) of frozen fruit of your choice
• 1/2 tsp of Latte Matcha (or more if you prefer)

Blend until creamy smooth.  Enjoy!

Now, I warn you, this smoothie will not have the most appetizing color.  But it is delicious, and it makes for a very satisfying (and healthy) meal replacement.

This is a great Matcha – at a great price!

Honey Gold from East Pacific Tea Co.

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Oolong

Where to Buy:  East Pacific Tea Co.

Product Description:

Travel far away to the Fujian Province of China. Our Honey Gold Tea steeps a nice amber color and releases a captivating orchid scent. Serves great chilled, and will impress any connoisseur.

Taster’s Review:

A lovely Oolong.

Just as the description above suggests, the aroma is indeed captivating with its flowery notes.  I can also detect a somewhat woody fragrance to it, with notes of earth lingering in the background.

The sip begins with a woody flavor – oak, perhaps? – and finishes with a sweet, honey-esque smoothness.  There are faint hints of smoke that weave in and out throughout the sip, and a stronger fruit note that is somewhat peach-like.  There is also the slightest whisper of flower in the sip that reminds me of the air in my gramma’s backyard when the honeysuckles were in bloom.

I have come to expect exceptional quality when it comes to East Pacific Tea Company and this Oolong is certainly exceptional.  The flavor is deliciously complex and contemplative, with an aroma that enchants the spirit.  And the best part when it comes to East Pacific Tea’s high-quality Oolong teas?  They product multiple infusions – stretching the value of this fine tea.  What a delight!

Tulsi Masala Chai from Yogic Chai

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Yogic Chai

Product Description:

Ingredients: Organic CTC BOP Assam, Organic Cardamom, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Ginger, Organic Cloves & Organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Leaf

Taster’s Review:

This is a very flavorful chai.  But then, I expected nothing less from Yogic Chai.  When it comes to flavor – Yogic Chai delivers!  Their chai is not too spicy, but not too mild either… it possesses just the right level of spiciness so that you know you’re drinking a chai blend without being smacked hard in the face with the spicy flavor.

Now I will admit that sometimes I like being smacked hard in the face with spice, but, when I want a delicious, evenly-spiced chai, Yogic Chai has never disappointed.

This Tulsi Masala Chai takes Yogic Chai’s award winning Original Masala Chai and adds a bit of dried Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil).  The addition of the Tulsi brings a hint of mint-like flavor that is especially noticeable in the aftertaste.  It is crisp and refreshing without overwhelming the balance of spices.

I like the subtle approach with the Tulsi here.  It’s almost enchanting.  Another delicious chai offering from Yogic Chai!

Green Tea, Japanese Sencha from Supple Skin Boutique

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  Supple Skin Boutique

Product Description:

Sencha green tea is one of the most popular teas in Japan and know for high antioxidant content. Sencha is said to have more antioxidants than other greens teas that is why we use this for our mixtures.

Taster’s Review:

This is an excellent Japanese Sencha.

Overall, this cup is impressive in its mild flavor.  It doesn’t try to overwhelm me with its grassy tones.  The grassy flavor is soft and mellow.  It is lightly sweet.  There is a background note of floral tones that remind me of the air on a breezy day in a flowery field.  A pure and simple tea.

There is a buttery note to this tea that develops as I continue to sip it.  It was barely there when I first started sipping this cup, and now that I am nearly finished, that creamy buttery taste has developed nicely.  There is also a light astringency at the tail of the sip that cleanses the palate.  The aftertaste is sweet and lightly vegetal although it does not linger long.

This is my first tea tasting from Supple Skin Boutique, and I’m very impressed with the quality of this tea.  It is delicious and I like that it is certified organic.  To be truthful, I do not drink tea because it is good for me or because it offers healthful benefits to my skin.  I drink it because I like the way it tastes – and this one tastes great.  That being said, it is nice to know that tea is good for me and helps maintain skin health!  It’s like having my cake and eating it too – but without all the guilt and calories!

Mayan Cocoa from Sands of Thyme

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Sands of Thyme on Etsy

or on Artfire

Product Description:

Ingredients: black tea, cocoa bits, barley malt, roasted chicory root, ginger bits, cardamom, flavor, black pepper

you know how most chocolate teas leave you feeling disapointed. remember what i said about our quality. now try the best this is the chocolate tea that will take away that candy bar craving. sweeten it with a pinch of stevea and reduce the calories even more

Taster’s Review:

As some of you probably are well aware, I am a chocoholic.  Therefore, when it comes to tea, chocolate is one of my favorite flavorings.  As a result, I have tasted a lot of chocolate teas, and I’ve reviewed quite a few of them.

There are a lot of great chocolate teas out there, and some of them … not so great.  This one falls somewhere in between, leaning a little more toward the not so great than the great.  And I confess myself to be a little disappointed, because I was really looking forward to this tea.  I not only love chocolate, I especially love a spiced chocolate, because I love the contrast between sweet and spicy.

Let me start with the chocolate – it is a strong chocolate taste, and I like that.  In fact, the chocolate flavor in this tea is its redeeming quality. It tastes authentic and rich and delicious, and it is what is keeping me sipping this tea.

The black tea base is decent, although it is plagued by the overwhelming flavor of chicory root.  Normally, I enjoy chicory root in a tea – I love the deep, roasted flavor that it offers.  However, with this tea the chicory root is too strong and overwhelms the tea.  This causes the tea to have a funky taste that remains well into the aftertaste.  The funky taste is almost numbing to the taste buds, and making the tea less enjoyable overall.  It just tastes “off” somehow…

This tea is just OK with me.  I liked the chocolate flavor, but its the rest of the blend that sort of ruins the cup for me.  It isn’t my favorite, but I would really love to hear from others who have tried this tea and enjoyed it.  It could be that I just got an “off” batch.  I don’t know… but if you’ve tried it and liked it, please comment!

Yiwu Wild Puerh Cake 2010 from Qing Tea

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Puerh

Where to Buy:  Qing Tea

Product Description:

Yiwu moutain is the biggest mountain among the famous 6 mountains in Yunnan. The region grows a great amount of old tea trees.This puerh cake uses spring tea leaves from Yiwu and is shaped in traditional way. The soup is already friendly and rich of sensation.

Taster’s Review:

I am still a little afraid of Pu-erh… I think more than anything, it’s that very pungent earthy aroma that puts me off on the stuff.  However, I was very pleasantly surprised when I opened the sample pouch that I received of this Pu-erh and noted very little (almost NO) earthy scent.

This translates into the flavor as well, with very little earthiness detected in the taste.  There is some earthiness in the flavor, it just doesn’t dominate the cup.

What I am finding most intriguing about this tea is an almost wild note in the background.  I don’t know if one can actually taste the “wild” in a wild-grown Pu-erh, but, this flavor is a bit different from any other Pu-erh that I’ve tried.

There is a lightness to this particular Pu-erh, and this allows the flavor to come off as a bit more crisp and bright.  I taste notes of spice in this tea, as well as a hint of sweetness.  It has an almost rustic tone to it.  The finish is dry.  A very pleasant Pu-erh!

Grand Earl Grey from Mhai Diva

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Mhai Diva

About Mhai Diva Tea:

Mhaidiva is pure quality tea. In general the following applies: the higher the tea is cultivated, the better the quality. Mhaidiva comes straight from the plateaus of Sri Lanka, the Nuwara-Eliya district, known as the ‘champagne area’ of Sri Lanka.

99% of the Mhaidiva tea is picked by women at the tea plantations, the women control the picking of the tea leaves with the fingertips in perfection. Mhaidiva is made by 100% Orthodox picked tea, qualitative the best way of picking.

Taster’s Review:

In her review of this tea, TeaEqualsBliss aka Jennifer states that this doesn’t taste like a bagged tea.  And I must concur … this is a very full-flavored, robust Earl Grey and if I hadn’t brewed it myself, I wouldn’t have guessed it was a bagged tea.

The black tea is brisk and energizing.  It has a remarkably smooth flavor without bitterness and very little astringency.  There is a hint of sweetness to the black tea – slightly caramel-ish.  This is a black tea that would be delicious on its own, made even tastier with the addition of the flavor of the bergamot orange.

The bergamot is citrus-y and lightly floral.  It doesn’t taste overly floral or perfume-y, just enough of a flowery note to add dimension to the overall cup.  The flavor is bright and slightly sweet with a nice tangy finish.

I can’t get over the fact that this is a bagged tea.  This is a bagged tea that will win over the loose leaf purists out there!  Yes it’s that good!

Black Matcha from Pure Matcha

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:   Black

Where to Buy:  Pure Matcha

Product Description:

During the Song Dynasty in 11th century China, tea was consumed in powder form. Centuries later this innovative way of drinking black tea has been reinvented with our natural 100% Black tea powder or Black Matcha. Consumed just like traditional Green tea Matcha our Black Matcha is made from the finest Darjeeling and Assam tea leaves of India, and has a robust rich flavor. Higher in natural caffeine than a traditional cup of black tea, rivaling that of a cup of coffee. Except with Black Matcha there is no jittery crash. When you drink Black Matcha you get almost ten times more anti-oxidants and vitamins than a regular cup of tea, where the leaves are thrown away after brewing. Black Matcha is great for a healthy morning wake up.

Taster’s Review:

Now, I know what some of you Matcha purists out there are thinking… Matcha made from black tea leaves?  But don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!

This is delicious.  It tastes like a very strongly brewed Assam/Darjeeling blend, heavy on the Assam.  It has a lot of GUSTO.  It has the maltiness that you would expect from a good quality Assam with a hint of muscatel in the background that is desirable from a Darjeeling.

There is a faint savory bitter note to this, but I’ve got to tell you that I really expected it to be very bitter in a not-savory-but-bad-bitter way.  This isn’t like that at all.  It does, however, have a fair amount of astringency to it.  It is robust with a well-rounded flavor.

It is very creamy and when that is combined with the biscuit-y quality of it and the malt – well, it becomes rather rich and decadent!  But, make no mistake, this is A STRONG TEA… so if you’re sensitive to caffeine, or even if you aren’t, you should be careful not to drink this too late in the day.  However, if you are one who finds yourself dragging a bit in the morning (um… that would be ME), this is the Matcha for you!

There is also a whisper of spice in the background that I am finding rather intriguing, and a very nice undertone of sweetness that I enhanced a little sprinkling of raw Turbinado sugar. A really delicious – and DIFFERENT! – Matcha!

It prepares just like “regular” green Matcha:  First, I sifted the dry tea (which looks a bit like dry hot chocolate mix).  The water was slightly hotter than I would with a green Matcha.  The water wasn’t boiling, but, it was just under a boil, whereas with green Matcha, I bring it to just about 145 degrees F.  Add the water and whisk, and this froths up just like a green Matcha!

I think this would also be quite nice as a latte, in fact, I think I shall have my next cuppa with steamed milk instead of water to see how that works out!   I will update in the comments when I try it!  In the meantime, you should try this tea!

Discover Joy – Lemon Vanilla Green Tea from Teamotions

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  Teamotions

Product Description:

Flavor Profile Delicate and bright with just a hint of vanilla.

Ingredients Yunwu Green Tea, Green Rooibos, Lemongrass, Ginger, Lemon Myrtle, Oatstraw, Lavender, Ashwagandha, Natural Flavors.

Taster’s Review:

This is truly a joyous tea!

The green tea flavor is light and smooth.  I don’t get a strong “grassy” or “vegetable” taste to this, although there is an overall herbaceous background to this cup.  The green rooibos add just enough “sparkle” and lightness to the cup to keep it from being too overwhelmingly creamy.

As you can probably ascertain from my previous comment, this is a very creamy cup of tea.  The vanilla tones are sweet and undeniably creamy, but I think that the presence of the lemony tones help to cut through some of the sweetness so that it doesn’t come across as cloying.  The result is a flavor that is quite decadent and dessert-like without being too sweet.

The ingredients list ginger as one of the ingredients, but I must tell you that I really don’t taste much from the ginger except for possibly the faintest hint of spice in the distance.  It is barely noticeable, and had I not read the ingredient list, it is not something I would have commented on because it is that faint.  The same is true of the lavender and the ashwagandha (aka Indian Ginsing).

That being said, I can’t say that this blend would taste quite the same with these ingredients omitted from the blend.  Their role in this blend may have a bit more to do with the motto of Teamotions:  “Teas for emotional well-being.”

There is absolutely no bitterness to this tea, and no real sign of astringency either.  It is sweet and luscious and a bit like what I’d imagine it would taste like if I were to put a slice of lemon meringue pie in the blender with some green tea.

I really enjoyed this tea – much more than I thought I would.  It’s one of the better lemon/vanilla or lemon meringue type teas I’ve encountered.  It’s so  yummy, that I’d recommend this tea based on flavor alone … consider the health/emotional wellness benefits a bonus!

PRODUCT REVIEW: Original Bhakti Chai Concentrate from Bhakti Chai

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

For more information about this product including how to purchase, visit:  Bhakti Chai

Product Description:

Antioxidant-rich black tea, fresh organic ginger, milled spices and a touch of evaporated cane juice.

Taster’s Review:

Oh. My. Goodness!  This is SO good.  This is so good, that I am on my second cup within a half an hour!

According to the website, Bhakti Chai uses fresh pressed ginger as opposed to dried ginger.  The difference this makes can be tasted!  The ginger tastes zippier, zingier, and ginger-y-er!

The black tea base here is a smooth tasting tea, but really, the focus of this chai concentrate is the spices.  And, that’s quite alright with me, because this is so delicious that I wouldn’t want to change it.  It’s absolutely perfect.

The ginger is the dominate flavor, and I can taste the black pepper supporting the flavor of the ginger.  The cardamom and cloves are a bit more subtle but can be tasted, providing that familiar background chai flavor.  The fennel is also quite subtle, but, I taste a hint of licorice-like sweetness in the distance.

One spice that seems to be “missing” is cinnamon – which is a common chai ingredient.  But, even though it isn’t in this chai, I’m not missing it.  Don’t get me wrong, I love cinnamon, but, like I said before, this tastes so good that I wouldn’t want to change it.

The ginger provides a lot of warmth (or “agni”) and offers a very warm, comforting sensation starting at the back of the mouth and permeating its way to the belly.  This is a perfect cuppa on those cold winter-y days.  Like today!

This original concentrate is sweetened, but, I am not finding it too sweet.  Bhakti Chai also offers an unsweetened version, which I will review at a later date.

If you like Chai Latte – this is definitely one you should try.  I love this stuff!

Lime Green Tea from Hampstead Tea

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  Hampstead Tea

Product Description:

The tropical floral zest of lime is a sophisticated complement to our green tea. The classic citrus overtones are reminiscent of beachside evenings.

Ingredients: Fairtrade green tea, lime zest

Taster’s Review:

I am always just a little surprised when I come across a bagged tea that tastes great.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve tasted quite a few great tasting bagged teas, but, there is always some part of me with very low expectations when it comes to bagged tea.

This is definitely a great tasting bagged tea!  The lime flavor is abundant but does not overwhelm the taste of the green tea.  The green tea base is a light-bodied, fresh-tasting green tea with very little vegetative taste to it.  It has a natural sweetness to it that offers a nice contrast to the tart and tangy flavor of lime.

The lime flavor is vibrant and refreshing.  Very clean and bright in citrus flavor with a hint of floral note in the background.  The flavor of this tea evokes images of walking through a citrus grove when its in bloom.

This is a delicious bagged tea that is just as convenient as it is tasty.  And its organic and fair trade.  Just one more thing to feel good about with Hampstead Tea!

Little Black Dress Pink Grapefruit from Teaquilibrium

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Oolong

Where to Buy:  Teaquilibrium

Product Description

Teaquilibrium’s Pink Grapefruit is bold refreshing. The colorful combination of citrus and eucalyptus make LBD Pink Grapefruit delicious iced.

ingredients: oolong tea, apple pieces, carrot flakes, blackberry leaves, eucalyptus leaves, beetroot, hibiscus, lemon grass, natural flavor, freeze-dried tangerine pieces, orange slices.

Taster’s Review:

I’m really liking this blend!

After reading through the ingredients, I was a little worried about the combination of hibiscus and Oolong tea, I worried that the somewhat thick, syrupy nature of the hibiscus might interfere with the lovely texture of the Oolong, but, that didn’t happen here.  The hibiscus seems to do very little in this blend – thankfully – except for adding some color and perhaps a little tartness.

But the tartness in this case is quite welcome, because it compliments the tangy citrus flavors so well.  Even though there are several different components to this tea that contribute a citrus flavor, the dominant flavor is that of pink grapefruit. It is tart yet sweet and quite juicy tasting.

At first, I didn’t taste much of the eucalyptus in this, but as I continue to sip, I notice it slightly more.  It is still rather subtle.  It does add some definition to the grapefruit flavor, but, this definitely doesn’t taste like eucalyptus.  It tastes like grapefruit!

The Oolong flavor, by comparison, is a little muted.  Ordinarily, I might find fault with that, however, this is so remarkably tasty that its difficult to complain about the lack of Oolong taste.  This is definitely more of a tea for grapefruit lovers than it is for Oolong lovers, although Oolong lovers might find this a welcome departure from the usual.

Overall, I really enjoyed this cup.  Such a pleasant flavor that I find to be quite invigorating.  It has a very pleasing natural sweetness to it, so little to no additional sweetener is required, which is perfect for those of us who are trying to cut back on the sugar intake!  A great tea for an afternoon out with girlfriends!

Buddha’s Tears from Byron Bay Tea Company

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green & White

Where to Buy:  Byron Bay Tea Company

Product Description:

Buddha’s tears roll tenderly from the tea plant; made with the bud and first two leaves. Carefully plucked and hand-crafted into tiny pearls, they are then scented with fresh jasmine blossoms. Once removed from their floral cocoon, the tiny pearls are ready to be brewed. With a pale liquor and delicate taste, Buddha’s tears provide a soul-soothing treat at any time of day.

Ingredients- Green and White tea scented with Jasmine Flowers

Taster’s Review:

What a lovely jasmine tea!

The ingredients confuse me just a little – this is a “pearl” jasmine tea, and so I don’t know where the white tea comes in to play, unless they are considering the bud attached to the two leaves the white tea.  But, it hardly seems necessary to fuss over such details.

These little “tears” unfurl slowly, releasing their intense flavor… which means many happy infusions for this jasmine enthusiast!  The flavor is sweet and silky.  Sometimes jasmine can come off as slightly bitter or soapy, but not this time.  The jasmine simply tastes lightly floral.  It is very soothing and restorative – and to get full effect of the relaxing effects of this tea I strongly recommend inhaling deeply – taking in the fragrance – before you sip.

The green tea/white tea is delicate and very soft … like clean air and crisp spring leaves!  It has a very comforting feel to it as it washes over the palate.  A delightful tea any time of the day, I find it most welcome later in the afternoon to help calm frazzled nerves.

I do not recommend sweetening this tea as it would overwhelm the gentle flavors of this tea.  I prefer it hot, but it makes a nice iced tea as well (and when I ice jasmine tea, I do add a little sweetener just to perk up the flavors).  It is a refreshing and beautiful tea, no matter how you choose to serve it!

Green Mango Peach from Tea Forté

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green Tea & Honeybush

Where to Buy: Tea Forté

Product Description:

Fragrant mangoes and peach scent every cup of our lightly steamed green tea with honeybush and a touch of peppermint.

Taster’s Review:

I received a “single steep” package of this tea along with my KATI tumbler, and before I get too deep into reviewing this tea, I want to say that I just love these single steep packages!  They are pre-measured with just the right amount of tea for my KATI cup.  Armed with the KATI tumbler and some of these single steep packages, a tea lover has just about everything they need to brew a delicious cup of loose leaf tea anywhere they go!  Just add hot water!

Now… on to the tea!  The flavors of mango and peach permeate each sip of this tea.  It is intensely flavored!  The green tea base is able to hold its own though, and isn’t overwhelmed.  I can taste the fresh, light taste of green tea in the background.

Less noticeable is the flavor of the honeybush, although I can taste the honey-like sweetness from it.  The mint in this blend offers a herbaceous, somewhat medicinal taste to the cup that is reminiscent to menthol.  I don’t find this to be off-putting, but I can see how others might.  The flavor doesn’t overpower the cup, and I will say that the mint flavor lends a very nice minty aftertaste to the tea experience.

I like the ginger’s presence in this cup.  It is not too strong, but it adds a nice dimension of flavor and cuts through the sweeter notes of the fruit.  It has a well-rounded taste to it.  A lovely afternoon cuppa!

Wild Forest Black Tea from Choice Organic

Tea Type:
Black Tea

Where To Buy:
Choice Organic Tea

Product Description:

Awaken your senses with this rare tea, rich in flavor and history, from ancient tea trees growing deep in the forests of Southeast Asia. Generations of local people have climbed these wild tea trees to pluck their leaves. Now you can enjoy this refreshing cup that’s smooth, yet hearty. Drink in its enduring energy.

An energizing rare wild tea with a smooth, yet hearty flavor. Leaves are plucked from ancient tea trees (500 years old or more) growing deep in the forests of Southeast Asia. Only recently have these teas been made available to the rest of the world due to recent efforts by NGOs (non-governmental organizations) to develop a positive alternative economy for the region as a solution to the illegal drug market.

Tasters Review:

I think this is a great way to start your day if you are short on time or on-the-go!  This is a bold and burly black tea in a bag!  It’s pretty strong, fairly malty, rich and robust!  It has hints of that bakey or crusty type tea that I so much love, too!

Wild Forest Black Tea is a winner in my book!  And I really like that Choice Organic Teas support the Jane Goodall Institute!

About Choice Organic’s GOOD FOR ALL Campaign and Efforts:

Choice Organic Teas is delighted to present five extraordinary teas – Oothu Garden Green, Wild Forest Black, Decaffeinated English Breakfast, Yerba Maté Mint and Rooibos Superfruit. This well-rounded collection of flavorful teas sourced from four different continents celebrates the universal passion for tea while supporting the Jane Goodall Institute and our continued leadership and commitment to social and environmental sustainability.

Sales from each purchase benefit the Jane Goodall Institute, a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. The Institute is also recognized for establishing innovative community-centered conservation programs in Africa, as well as Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, its international environmental and humanitarian youth program.

Choice Organic Teas is proud to support the Jane Goodall Institute as we share its commitment to conservation, sustainability, and being responsible stewards of the earth. Since 1989, our mission has been to improve the world one cup of tea at a time. As the first exclusively organic tea crafter in the United States, the first to offer Fair Trade Certified™ tea in the United States, and most recently, the first tea company to acquire Non-GMO Verification, we craft all of our teas the with conservation of the planet and its creatures in mind. www.janegoodall.org

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and UN Messenger of Peace, is world renowned for her groundbreaking chimpanzee behavioral research—research that transformed scientific perceptions of the relationship between humans and animals. Founded in 1977, JGI is a global leader in the effort to protect endangered chimpanzees and their habitats. The Institute and its iconic founder are also committed to empowering people to make a difference for all living things. Consistent with this mission, JGI created the “Good for All” brand to recognize companies and environmentally conscious products that reflect Dr. Goodall’s core values.

Jasmine Peach Bai Mu Dan from Samovar

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  White

Where to Buy:  Samovar

Product Description:

Organic white tea, organic osthmanthus flowers, organic jasmine flowers, natural peach flavor and natural essential oils of orange and tangerine blended in the U.S.

Flavor Profile: Consummately floral, with notes of fresh citrus, white peach, white pepper, toasted amaranth and a trace of fresh blueberries.

Taster’s Review:

This is a beautifully floral tea – I love how well the jasmine and the osmanthus work together.  It creates a light and lively flower-y essence that is not sharp like some floral notes can be, and because of the fruit-like flavors of the osmanthus, the flavors here do not come across as soapy.

The white tea is very delicate here.  There is a whisper of vegetation to this tea that is barely there, mostly what I taste from the tea is the white tea sweetness with a hint of spice.  It sits in the background, making its presence known without being too obsequious.

The peach flavor is the real star – I love how it shines through!  It tastes like a fresh, ripe peach, bursting with flavor!  The citrus tones of this tea bring a little tangy flavor to the cup, just enough tart to keep it from being too sweet.

This is a lovely white tea.  It is one that was sold out at the time that I wrote this review, I do hope that the supply will be replenished.  It is a fantastic springtime tea!