authoritea | tea blog | oolong black green white tea rooibos tisane

Apollo Tea Moon Swirl White Tip

2009-12-22T11:28:00.002-05:00

Description (from apollotea.com ): Excellent tea as evidenced by the white tip! See the spring tea leaves come to life. Lightly astringent with a magnificent green tea profile.

Review: I have been on a green tea streak lately, especially since I seem to have a ton of it lying around, and because I feel like it detoxifies my body more than any other teas. I've consumed most if not all of the Dragonwell I have, so I'm moving onto others, and came across this, which I received recently from Apollo.

This tea is strangely beautiful. Firmly rolled, shiny, with white tips, it's quite an interesting sight in its dry form. Once steeped, the water hardly turns a color at all, and the tea is sweet, grassy -- not bitter, though it needs to be steeped properly. I've experimented a bit with this tea, steeping a small amount, and a large amount, and I'd definitely go for using a bit extra when it comes to this particular tea. The flavors really come out.

I think overall this tea is simple, but it's very clean, and the grassy flavor is pleasant. This is a great, mellow, straightforward green tea with a unique dry appearance and feel. Steep it the right way and you will not be disappointed.

The Good: good, clean flavor, interesting appearance
The Bad: none
More Information/Buy: Apollo Tea Moon Swirl White Tip

Seven Cups Lao Cong Shui Xian (Old Bush) Rock Oolong 2008

2009-12-19T11:26:00.001-05:00

Description (from sevencups.com): Shui Xian is a popular tea bush grown towards the edge of Wu Yi Shan. Due to its popularity, farmers coming to cut back the bushes to allow for higher yield of tea. The Lao Cong (Old Bush) Shui Xian, which is closer to the center of Wu Yi Shan have been allowed to grow over thirty years to create a smooth sweet tea with no bitterness. The older bushes create a slippery feeling in your throat similar to a good puer made from ancient bushes. This medium roasted tea has a dried date aroma that is milder than Premium Shui Xian.

Review: This tea is creamy and woody. It has a hint of vanilla flavor to it that blends well with the texture. It's probably the most mild rock oolong I've had in awhile, but can be brewed to desired strength -- I made a fairly strong cup and I think there's more character to be involved when this tea is not too strong. There is not a single hint of bitterness to this - it is sweet, though I taste a faint undertone of something chlorine-like... I've brewed with two different waters, filtered and unfiltered, and I still taste a hint of that.

I think my brain just may be interpreting this taste wrong, though. It's not really a chemical taste as it is one of age or oxidation. The tea has a clean, crisp texture that provides a perfect partner to the sweet, creamy flavor. This tea is strong yet round; musky yet sweet. It is not too much of anything, nor too little. Take care to brew the right amount, for the right amount of time, and you will have a very unique tea. Second and third infusions create a mellower, but just-as-sweet cup that goes down gently while maintaining its woody flavor.

The Good: delicious combination of flavors and attributes
The Bad: none
More Information/Buy: Seven Cups Lao Cong Xian 2008

Serendipitea Little Green Apples

2009-12-19T11:21:00.000-05:00

Description (from Serendipitea.com): Sweet, tart aroma of fresh apples, combined with the light & grassy sweetness of Organic green tea steeps into an aromatic, gentle liquor.

Review:I don’t know why, but this is the third tea in a row I really don’t like. It smells amazing, the flavor is good, but it’s not really zesty or vibrant… it has good flavor, but overall it is weak – both the green tea and the apple flavor – and no matter how much of the tea you use, it doesn’t ever seem to become any more radiant or present.

This is a good tea for someone who’s looking for something really mellow, with some apple flavor to enhance it ever-so-slightly. I don’t think the quality is poor, it’s just not really what I envisioned… this is very mellow, smooth green tea. The only thing I don’t like is that it remains mellow no matter how much tea you use.

The Good: great light, mellow apple flavor
The Bad: would prefer to be able to strengthen green tea
More Information/Buy: Serendipitea Little Green Apples

Red Leaf Tea Kalahari

2009-12-17T11:18:00.000-05:00

Description (from redleaftea .com): The Rooibos tea, or "redbush" tea of South Africa, is renown for its red color when brewed and its mellow, nutty, and sweet flavor. Rooibos serves as an excellent herbal tea, providing beneficial effects to the skin and blood, and certainly offering a sensational flavor for casual tea drinkers. When blended with sweet flowers such as the South African "Honeybush" plant, Rooibos becomes a zesty and refreshing drink. We have added honeybush, marigolds, and cornflowers, along with orange and peach and vanilla flavorings, to create this amazingly sweet brew. Served chilled on a summer's day, our Kalahari Blend will provide a refreshing treat for any family!

Review: I am not a huge fan of this. I think I’ve had it before, but I am not sure what it was called, or what’s in it. It has a kind of citrusy flavor, but it is not really pronounced. Maybe kind of a peach-apricot taste. It’s bland; honeybush itself is bland, and it is paired with bland flavors, making it exponentially more bland. I wish I could think of the name of the same tea carried by another company, but I can’t. In any event, I’d pass. For all of Red Leaf’s awesome tea, this is boring, and the flavors aren’t optimal.

The Good: bleh
The Bad: bland, flavors are not very vibrant
More Information/Buy: Red Leaf Tea Kalahari

Mighty Leaf Holiday Blend

2009-12-15T11:15:00.003-05:00

Description (from mightyleaf.com): Our holiday blend is a festive winter chai. Indian black tea converges with chai spices of clove, cinnamon, star anise, and ginger for a robust, slightly astringent cup. Apple and goji berries give it a slightly tart, mulled spice profile. Great with milk.

Review: I am not a huge fan of this blend, to be honest. It has a unique combination of berry-hibiscus flavor (not too sour, though) and clove/cinnamon/etc. It’s fruity and has nice pie spice flavor simultaneously, but the fruit flavor and the black tea for some reason just don’t really work for me—you know how sometimes cinnamon has a chalky texture? This has that kind of texture and I am really not a fan, ESPECIALLY when it is anything but hot. Once it gets cold it seems to taste even more sour.

I will say that even though I am not a giant fan of these flavors combined, I think this is a great blend for people who really love the tastes of the holiday. Mighty Leaf did peg the flavors perfectly: the fruit, the pie, the cinnamon and nutmeg and cloves… the warming flavors of Christmas and the winter work very well together in this blend, I think for me, myself, I am looking for milder, more relaxing teas, instead of ones to be used as pick-me-ups (perhaps this is not true, as I love Adagio’s strong candy cane tea). That said, I think this is a well-intentioned blend, I just personally am not feeling the love for the flavors.

The Good: Good flavor profile
The Bad: Don't like the combination of tart and round flavors
More Information/Buy: Mighty Leaf Holiday Blend

Rishi Earl Grey Lavender

2009-12-12T08:22:00.001-05:00

Description (from rishi-tea .com): The floral aroma of lavender is perhaps the perfect complement to the sweet citrus and full-bodied flavor of Earl Grey. Our contemporary version of this classic blend was developed in French tea salons and has pleased the palate and raised the eyebrows of more than a few Earl Grey purists. Earl Grey Lavender is handcrafted in small batches and infused with pure essential oils of real fruit and flowers.

Review: This is absolutely delicious. I knew I’d love it, as I think the pairing of lavender and earl grey is absolute, 100% perfection. Rishi, as always, has delicious tea to offer, and the added flavors are as of high quality as the tea itself. This is the best, smoothest, most fantastic lavender earl grey I have ever had, and I do actually plan to buy some after I get through my current tin of earl grey (Kusmi Prince Vladimir). This is one of the few teas – the lavender earl grey – that I occasionally prefer with some sugar or sweetness added to it… it is delicious and smooth on its own but I find that this tea makes a fantastic sweet treat. I say, at least once, break the rules all the way and add milk and sugar to this earl grey… you will be blown away.

Ultimately though, this tea is fantastic in itself, plain, or with added sugar/milk/cream/whatever. This is great, high quality earl grey that is not too brisk and has just the right amount of lavender flavor. If you’ve never before tried lavender earl grey, now is the time, and this is the stuff to get!

The Good: one of my favorite flavored teas done 100% right... will be buying large quantities in the near future.
The Bad: not a single thing
More Info/To Purchase: Rishi Tea Earl Grey Lavender

Naivetea Strawberry Oolong

2009-12-12T08:19:00.000-05:00

Description (from naivetea.com): Imagine the simple happiness of being immersed in the smell of fresh strawberries. (more)

Review: I am surprised by how much I like this blend. I am not generally a big fan of strawberry, but the subtle, sweet strawberry flavor combined with the green oolong is really pleasant. This gets 0 points for creativity, but it’s surprisingly delicate and pleasant. I left this tea on my desk for so long that by the time I got back to it, it was cold… which I think is a better way to enjoy the flavor, as it becomes quite refreshing when cold.

I am still an overwhelming fan of the lychee and mint flavors, but this is an easy third place… the strawberry flavor is not fake or overbearing, and it works perfectly with the green oolong.

The Good: authentic flavor, sweet and delicate taste, great oolong as usual
The Bad: none
More Info/To Purchase: Naivetea Strawberry Oolong

Serendipitea Holiday Cheer

2009-12-10T08:14:00.000-05:00

Description (from Serendipitea.com): Spread some Holiday Cheer this season! A blend of warming spices, festive orange peel, invigorating mint & a touch of Black Tea for fortitude.

Review: Reviewing holiday teas is a hilarious part of each year for me. Thus far, my favorite holiday blend is still Adagio’s Candy Cane, of which I ordered a pound and somehow received the wrong tea (no one said elves were perfect). Thankfully some other companies have submitted new holiday blends for me to review, and Serendipitea’s Holiday Cheer is up today.

For me, to some extent, “holiday cheer” is an oxymoron: my day job, as I have mentioned before, is at a ski resort, and I work through the “holiday cheer” everyone else experiences, as the ski resort opens its doors, slopes, lifts, eateries, coffee & retail shops to more than 5,000 patrons per day.

Holiday cheer? Don’t make me laugh.

That said, this tea seems to have been blended specifically for the aches and pains that come along with the cheers… the debt, the worries, the anxiety, the rush. With a blend of mint, orange peel, cloves and many other herbs, this tea is warming, soothing, and great for the end of the night, after the sink is emptied, after the guests have left (or perhaps before, depending on the guests themselves!) For me, this is a perfect tea for after 10 hours at work, after a 4-mile jaunt through the frozen upstate New York hinterland with my dogs, after the daily 40 minutes on my elliptical machine. This is the perfect cup to have in your hand as you begin to bid farewell to the day, and get ready for the alarm to awaken you at 5:40am the following morning.

I think, in all seriousness, there is a LOT of black tea for the holidays, there is a lot of clovery and cinnamonery and holiday spicery, but this is really nice. This is delicious, it’s soothing, it’s an end-of-the-day, mid-afternoon-help-me-God-I’m-about-to-strangle-someone relaxation blend. Hats off to the chicks at Serendipitea for providing a holiday blend to soothe and calm us all, whether from happiness or sheer frustration!

The Good: very relaxing, soothing, tasty
The Bad: not a thing!
More Information/Buy: Serendipitea Holiday Cheer

Mighty Leaf Chocolate Chip Truffle

2009-12-08T12:40:00.001-05:00

Description (from mightyleaf.com): A signature black tea blend, Chocolate Chip Truffle black tea, is a decadent mix of deep dark chocolate chunks mingled with rich black tea leaves.

Review: For some bizarre reason I feel like a lot of Mighty Leaf's chocolate teas taste very similar. They seem to use either the same chocolate or the same tea base (or both). This isn't a bad thing... I think this is very good, though I like some of their other truffle teas more. This is extremely straightforward: black tea, which is quite brisk and strong, but broken and dusty... and chocolate chips.

I think it really smells more like chocolate than tastes much like it, but that's how most chocolate teas are; this is good, but it's not a favorite, though the flavor is distinctive, and the combination of the chocolate aroma and the black tea taste really blend well together. Mighty Leaf's truffle teas are fantastic, and while this is not a favorite, I do like it a lot for its simplicity but straightforward character.

The Good: delicious, great blend of tastes & aromas
The Bad: none
More Information/Buy: Mighty Leaf Chocolate Chip Truffle

Red Leaf Tea Immortalitea

2009-12-05T12:38:00.001-05:00

Description (from redleaftea .com): Anyone who has enjoyed cooking knows that there are incredible flavors to be coaxed from the leaves of rosemary and sage. Herbal teas also benefit from these old savory seasonings! Rosemary, a herb with many beneficial antioxidants such as rosemarinic acid and camphor, goes very well with strong flavors like lemon, as does sage, another healthy herb with a strong tart flavor. We have created a blend that brings together the finest green tea with rosemary and sage to create a robust herbal brew, and we've sweetened this blend with lemon and rose petals. Enjoy this fine mixture of vital flavors, all designed to quickly bring invigorating, healthy nutrients to every system in your body.

Review: This tea is good. I wouldn't say it's amazing; but it's refreshing, ever-s0-slightly fruity, and the green tea is delicious. It is not very sweet, which is ok for this blend of herbal ingredients. The green tea leaves are rolled, bunched, and the dried tea has a unique appearance. The combination of two flavors: namely rose, and lemon create a delicious pair when added to this green tea.

I really don't have much else to say about this. It's okay. It's plain, but has enough flavor to be marginally amusing. I don't usually find green tea with this selection of herbs (especially rose) so it's unique in that sense. It's certainly not a favorite, but delicate, sweet and refreshing.

The Good: good flavors, good green tea, very straightforward
The Bad: none
More Information/Buy: Red Leaf Tea Immortalitea

Special Feature: Adagio Holiday Blends

2009-12-04T08:47:00.006-05:00

Of the many tea companies that make holiday blends available, Adagio's are some of the most interesting. Though consistent every year, they are delicious -- and while I like some more than others (the chestnut, cranberry and candy cane are still my favorites), they are all worthy of tasting. Good thing you can buy the sampler for all of $11!

Candy Apple
Candy Cane
Chestnut
Cranberry
Gingerbread
Pumpkin Spice

Above are previously written reviews of the holiday blends. Since Adagio's introduction of hazelnut black, I no longer find any need to purchase chestnut; this year, I will be indulging in larger sizes of cranberry and candy cane (use a minimal amount of tea for candy cane, the peppermint is STRONG!)

Serendipitea Lemon Drop

2009-12-03T12:36:00.001-05:00

Description (from Serendipitea.com): Distinctive honey, citrus notes of Ceylon black tea reinforce & encourage lemon flavors of Myrtle, making a simple, botanical blend reminiscent of lemon lollies we all loved as children.

Review: The smell of this tea made me a bit queasy at first: something about the astringency of black tea and the bitter, sour flavors of lemon seemed like it would be a total turn-off... however, I am pleased (and surprised) to say that this tea is awesome. It's so refreshing. The black tea is not overly astringent, and the lemon is not bitter -- it provides an elegant, citrusy backdrop that is a great pick-me-up for any occasion.

Whether used for breakfast, as an afternoon tea or whenever else, this is simple, and perfect. The black tea is ever so slightly sweet, smooth, rounded, and the lemon is fresh and fruity. It seems too simple to be so good... but it's not. It's fantastic.

The Good: great flavor combined with great tea. Perfect combo.
The Bad: none
More Information/Buy: Serendipitea Lemon Drop

Red Leaf Tea Honeybush

2009-12-01T12:28:00.001-05:00

Description (from redleaftea .com): Here is a remarkably smooth and mellow herbal red tea that hails from the tea plantations of South Africa. With a taste that is reminiscent of mild honey, it is quite similar to Rooibos tea in terms of the health benefits and nutrients that it provides, some of which are Vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. Even better news is that it is naturally caffeine free, which makes it a great choice either iced or deliciously hot at any time of the day.

Review: While I applaud Red Leaf Tea’s flavor and quality once again, I cannot help but wonder who drinks this stuff plain. Honeybush tastes incredible infused with flavor—apricot, peach, hazelnut, chocolate—but it really does not taste wonderful on its own. More an herb for blending with other flavors, honeybush tastes kind of like little shards of post-lawnmower grass with some smoky accents.

The quality, again, is good—but it is difficult to gauge quality when the tea itself doesn’t taste like much interesting. If I were to buy plain honeybush, I might buy from these guys—but honestly, I bet it tastes about the same (and just as uninteresting) anywhere else.

The Good: decent flavor profile for what it is
The Bad: I really don't care for plain honeybush. Just not enough flavor.
More Information/Buy: Red Leaf Tea Honeybush

Naivetea Lavender Oolong

2009-11-28T12:22:00.001-05:00

Description (from naivetea.com): Let your mind wander to south of France and take in the fragrance of lavender on the sunny hills of Provence. (more)

Review: I’ve been incredibly impressed with Naivetea’s oolongs, but I just don’t think lavender is a big deal, especially combined with oolong. I think this is a fantastic choice for lavender fanatics, people who want to see this herb combined with an unlikely tea. There is nothing specifically wrong with it; it is just not the most interesting flavor.

I think it’s unique because I’ve never seen it before (nor have I seen most of the other flavors Naivetea has managed to combine with oolong) – but this one does not strike me as incredible, as the lychee and mint, and others did. It’s okay. It’s lavender, and green oolong; you can nearly imagine what it tastes like, and I see no need beyond that to taste it. I would opt for any of Naivetea’s other oolongs, but not this one.

The Good: good flavor, good quality
The Bad: not the most interesting or delicious combination. Points for diversity, though.
More Info/To Purchase: Naivetea Lavender Oolong

Tea Spring Qi Zhong 2008

2009-11-26T08:02:00.000-05:00

Description (from teaspring.com): N/A - tea no longer available

Review: This is another blend that smells like chocolate before its steeped. As its steeping, you get more of a grassy aroma, combined with a bit of a woody smell. Taste is a step beyond – smoke and wood combine with sweetness to create a really delicious but not floral or overly perfumey flavor.

What I like most about this tea I think is that it’s not musky at all. It has no outwardly strong taste; it’s extremely pleasant, while not being overbearing at all. The smokiness is something you don’t seem to find often in oolong, and I think that is a rather unique attribute of this tea as well. That it is not strong, has no musky flavor and still manages to be somewhat sweet and contain an interesting character makes this tea a must-have.

I’m reviewing this tea even though it’s no longer available because it’s interesting. Sorry to tempt you all with a tea you can no longer purchase!!

The Good: smoky, woody flavor unique to this oolong
The Bad: none
More Information/Buy: unavailable

Serendipitea Dahl House

2009-11-24T07:43:00.002-05:00

Description (from Serendipitea.com): Next time you are in New York City, do join us & James for this warming black tea with Giant Peach flavor. It’s certainly worth a trip.

Review: Before my days of enjoying loose-leaf tea, one of my favorite teas was the Republic of Teas Ginger Peach. Ginger peach is perhaps one of the oldest flavors applied to black tea these days—it’s extremely common. I am not sure what my deal is with peach; it could be that the fruit is somewhat forbidden to me, as I am allergic to the skin, and have to peel them with rubber gloves…I also eat raw ginger on a regular basis for nausea; so here you have black tea, and two of my favorite flavors combined.

Anything created and manufactured by Serendipitea has real, genuine ingredients and flavor; you can see the spindly shavings of ginger. It smells incredible, brews somewhat light. I’m mildly surprised they used Nilgiri instead of Ceylon for this blend, as Ceylon is usually softer and sweeter.

One thing this tea isn’t is very sweet—and that is what surprises me. I don’t mind; I think it’d be good with a teaspoon of honey or some raw sugar or whatever—but I do think it needs some subtle sweetness. The ginger adds a pungent kick to this trio of flavors, and the peach contributes the mellow, fruity undertones. The black tea itself is not outrageously strong, or astringent; everything seems to bind together perfectly…though I would still be inclined to add a bit of honey to it.

All in all, I think this is delicious and surprising. It tastes different from most of the generic ginger peach flavored stuff you come across; and while it is not as naturally sweet as I would like, the flavors are distinctive and the Nilgiri contributes a lot of character to the blend.

The Good: great flavor, especially ginger
The Bad: nilgiri doesn't have enough sweetness to accentuate the peach
More Information/Buy: Serendipitea Dahl House

Special Feature: Teastore.ca IceWine (Black)

2009-11-21T10:08:00.004-05:00

Description (from teastore.ca): No description available.

Review: This is a fantastic blend, and I am going to come right out and admit that every year, when I spend my October weekend in Ottawa, I immediately NY-style walk (ie, fast!) to Teastore to get some of this. I spend some time pining through the ten million tea canisters up and down the wall, and usually submit and ask a staff member to find the Icewine tea.

This year, I was stupid. I only bought 100g, and shipping to the US is $12, which means by the time I buy more, I should probably buy a metric ton to make it worthwhile. As I am writing this, I am drinking my last cup. Perhaps next year I should buy the entire canister, because I never get sick of this. It's fantastic in every way. The black tea is a bit bitter, but it works with the grapey, blueberry-ish flavor of the icewine.

If you don't know what icewine is, it is a Canadian specialty -- much like maple syrup (except for the fact that New England and upstate New York don't produce much icewine). The flavor, which is a pungent but more juice-esque grape flavor, translates in the tea as a cross between grape and blueberry. It's incredible.

I would suggest visiting TeaStore's site, regardless. They have some really interesting teas; you do have to buy a bit to make the shipping worthwhile (I HATE paying for shipping!) but the icewine tea is by far my favorite, and an annual treat for me.

The Good: fantastic flavor, good black tea
The Bad: none!
More Information/Buy: Teastore.ca Icewine

Harney & Sons Keemun Mao Feng Treasure

2009-11-19T10:03:00.001-05:00

Description (from harney.com): Keemun Mao Fengs are early season teas from Anhui Province. This one has lovely tips and delicious hints of cocoa and fruity flavors.

Review: This is very pleasant. I am not a huge fan of keemun, because it can be a bit malty and I don't like the flavor; however, this is mild, though has plenty of flavor. It is not strong, or outrageously astringent, but very smooth and slightly sweet. All the same, I am still not completely converted to keemun, and I do believe the Seven Cups stuff I've reviewed is much higher quality and more complex.

This stuff is ok, but it's not great. Imagine what keemun generally should taste like, what you'd expect it to taste like and this is it -- it's not bad, but it's not incredible, either. It directly meets my expectations of being a tea that is mild, non-threatening, but somewhat plain and nothing stellar by a long shot. You want good keemun, Seven Cups has distinctive, complex keemun.

The Good: This tea is just ok. No better, no worse.
The Bad: blah
More Info/To Purchase: Harney & Sons Keemun Mao Feng Treasure

Tea Spring Bai Ji Guan 2007

2009-11-17T10:05:00.002-05:00

Description (from teaspring.com): Legend has it that the name of this marvellous tea (White Cockscomb) was given by a monk in memorial of a courageous rooster that sacrificed his life while protecting his baby from an eagle. Touched by the display of courage and love, the monk buried the rooster and from that spot, the Bai Ji Guan tea bush grew. Today, Bai Ji Guan tea bush is one of the five famous Wu Yi's tea bushes. Among all the Wu Yi teas, Bai Ji Guan is the rarest. This is because it requires great skill and effort to produce this magnificent tea and there are not many tea masters that can do it properly today, to begin with. One error and the tea leaves could turn dark-brown like other Wu Yi teas. And from these handfuls of skilled tea masters, only a few of them are willing to process Bai Ji Guan tea. Its wonderful complex taste and rarity makes it one of the most treasured Oolong in the world.

Review: The dry leaves of this tea smell like flakes of dark chocolate. The smell alone reinforces my belief that oolong is the most diverse tea on earth; from flowers to apples to chocolate to maple, this tea can taste and smell like just about anything.

I wish I could say that I believe 50g of this is worth $24.80, but I do not. This is the first oolong from TeaSpring that I've felt has not been worth the high price; in fact, I think most oolongs are steals considering the purity of flavor and aroma; however, this one is just "eh". I might pay half the price for 50g, but not $24+. There is not enough definition; if the tea itself is rare, it may warrant the price, but overall I am not impressed. I think there are many other oolongs out there with more flavor, more character, and just as much complexity.

The flavor in this tea is pleasant, though: woody, and sweet. There is 0 astringency. It's very mellow and smooth. As the description explains, few people can create this soft, yellowy consistency of the dry leaves; so the price is high for a reason. However, flavorwise, I just am not sure it's entirely worthwhile--at least not for me. Good tea, great flavor, but I can think of other oolongs I'd rather enjoy and would be more comfortable paying this much for.

The Good: good flavor, rare; interesting consistency of dry leaves
The Bad: none, but price tag is too high compared to flavor/character
More Information/Buy: Tea Spring Bai Ji Guan

Serendipitea White Raspberry

2009-11-14T10:02:00.001-05:00

Description (from Serendipitea.com): Rare in nature, White Raspberries have a delicate sweetness & pleasant, lilting aroma. Having similar characteristics, this White Peony & Raspberry fruit blend is a tribute to Mother Nature & her generosity.

Review: I am going to come right out and say that I don't think this tea is anything particularly amazing. However, I think it would be incredible iced; though it is simply standard flavored white tea when hot. I fail to be impressed by the raspberry flavor or the white tea -- there is nothing wrong with the quality, it does not have a bad flavor; I just don't find it outrageously delicious.

I would suggest this iced, but I would not pay much for it. I think it'd be a great summer treat; maybe even mixed with some liquor; but as a hot tea, it is just bleh.

The Good: good iced, but nothing special hot
The Bad: none
More Information/Buy: Serendipitea White Raspberry

Rishi Shan Lin Xi Gao Shan Cha

2009-11-12T10:00:00.001-05:00

Description (from rishi-tea .com): View description here.

Review: This bothers me less than the other oolong Rishi sent me, which I didn't post a review for because it sold out before I managed to get time to taste it. As I've mentioned many times, despite my love for oolong, I struggle with overly soft green oolongs. This one smells overly soft, but the smell is not continued through to the taste; it's light and refreshing, with a bit of a vegetal zip to it.

It definitely has a grassy flavor, combined with light, floral undertones. This tea is fairly fresh-tasting -- Rishi sends some of their oolong double-sealed, and this is one; it's probably a good idea in terms of keeping the taste up to where it should be. I don't think this is a totally killer, amazing, earth-shaking oolong, but it's ok. It's worth a try, it's a decent green oolong that has all of the correct properties and none of the undesirable ones.

The Good: decent flavor, grassy, fresh
The Bad: none
More Info/To Purchase: Rishi Tea Shan Lin Gao Shan Cha

Naivetea Rose Violet Calendula Oolong

2009-11-10T09:51:00.000-05:00

Description (from naivetea.com): troll down a pebbly path in a secret garden and enjoy the alluring blossoms. We infused high altitude Alishan oolong with natural rose, violet, calendula, and a bit of jasmine according to production process of traditional infused tea. This tea is a bouquet of refined fragrances; each distinct, yet complimentary to form a melody of scents. Intense floral aroma with hints of oolong. Light and smooth body with a harmonious fusion of flowers and tea leaves. Elegant finish with a natural sweet after taste.

Review: Of the teas I have received thus far from Naivetea, this is probably the least pleasing one. For starters, I am not sure I received enough of the sample to really enjoy full-flavor; either that, or the flavor itself is mild—and not the added flavor, but also the tea. It’s extremely mild; and while that is ok sometimes, I can honestly say this tea doesn’t taste much like anything at all. VERY subtle violet and rose flavors, but not nearly enough to be a memorable tea—for all of Naiveteas’s delicious tea, I’d pick any other one before this—there is simply not enough flavor.

The Good: decent flavor
The Bad: not strong enough; not pronounced; oolong is just OK -- not as good as their other varieties
More Info/To Purchase: Naivetea Rose Violet Calendula Oolong

Culinary Teas Baroness Grey Tea

2009-11-07T09:46:00.000-05:00

Description (from culinaryteas .com): Our Baroness Grey tea has excellent Earl Grey notes accented with piquant lemon. Lively and full flavored lemon peel, rose and cornflower petals add citrus and floral notes.

Review: I don’t think I’ve ever tasted this before—though I have seen similar blends. This is VERY lemony and I love it, though I wish the tea itself were stronger—when I first steeped this, I thought I had put too much in the bag; however, it is still very mild in tea flavor, though the lemon is extremely zesty and delicious. It actually tastes more like lemon than anything else, which is fine by me—there is the bergamot flavor, combined with lemon, and smooth, sweet black tea, and I love it. This is one of the best earl grey blends I’ve had in awhile.

I don’t taste many flowers or anything, but the description is correct—there are certainly very slight floral notes. Overall I wish the tea itself were a bit stronger—it is not very brisk or awakening, but the flavor is fantastic and this tea is perfect for any earl grey lover.

The Good: awesome lemon flavor, very refreshing
The Bad: could be a bit more brisk; black tea base could have more flavor
More Information/Buy: Culinary Teas Baroness Grey Tea

Serendipitea Pagan Alms

2009-11-05T09:40:00.001-05:00

Description (from Serendipitea.com):Decadent. Both rich & clean, a combination of delightful balance....who can resist an offering of chocolate?

Review: I love Serendipitea’s combinations. The problem with this one is that you have to stir it up (like some of Adagio’s) because the large chunks separate from the small ones. However, the taste is delicious, albeit slight—if you don’t get enough of the smaller bits, you have VERY mildly flavored tea; if you get more of the rooibos it brews a deeper red color with some more flavor.

This looks like it has some kind of apple bits, and has a bit of an apple or strawberry flavor—the chocolate and vanilla flavors also come through, blended with rooibos. I don’t think it’s the best rooibos blend I’ve ever tasted – too mild – I’d much rather drink Mighty Leaf’s Coco Chai Rooibos, which has more vibrant flavors (though, coconut is not in this tea)—but overall this is delicate, sweet and mild.

The Good: pleasant, nice flavor
The Bad: not as vibrant as I would like, considering the flavors involved
More Information/Buy: Serendipitea Snow White

Double Feature: Rishi Glass Tea Pitcher Basket w/ Adagio Huang Jin Bolero

2009-11-03T09:29:00.001-05:00

Description (from rishi-tea .com): Our combined glass pitcher with infuser basket is perfect for preparing both teas and herbals. Place the brew basket inside the pitcher and spoon loose tea into the brew basket. Pour hot water over the tea, place the cover on the brew basket, steep, and decant into your drinking cups.

Tea Description (from adagio.com): Huang Jin Gui is an Anxi oolong whose name means "Golden Flower." A lightly roasted oolong our "Bolero" reveals an intensity with hints of honey and flowers you will find enticing and seductive.

Review: This is an adorable little glass pitcher. Unfortunately the last teaware item that Rishi set me managed to break en route to me—so this is its replacement, paired with one of Adagio’s new oolongs. This is an Anxi oolong, lightly roasted. My affinity for green oolong waxes and wanes, and while I used to love the light, sweet, ultra-silky green oolongs, these days they completely gross me out.

Thankfully this is not too sweet, nor is it too smooth. The dreaded teeth floating feeling does not come to fruition with this tea. This, much like the previously reviewed Dancong Aria, could be criticized for being too weak, but again, I dispute that. This has a subtle grassy flavor, with only very mild sweetness. It’s mellow overall, with all flavors subtle. It has a nice, round floral flavor, and an ever-so-slight honey flavor. I am severely impressed by this tea—considering my love-hate relationship with green oolongs, this is a real winner. I love the flavor, it’s not too strong, not too sweet. The complexity of more expensive, higher grade oolong is not there, but for an affordable, smooth and straightforward oolong, this is fantastic.

As for the pitcher: very easy to clean. Clean pours, without making a mess, dripping, etc. I love that this pitcher comes with a top—when steeping oolong, a top always helps. Plenty of space, wonderfully ergonomic, I am a huge fan, and it will be a permanent fixture on my desk.

The Good: great little pitcher, ease of use is a huge plus, tea is delicious, simple and straightforward
The Bad: none and none
More Info/To Purchase: Rishi Glass Tea Pitcher with Infuser Basket | Adagio Huang Jin Bolero