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Cameron B. drank Vanilla Orange Jasmine Tea by Simpson & Vail

4332 tasting notes

“An Ode to Tea” Alphabet Challenge – V

This was part of my S&V order late last year, but I haven’t gotten around to trying it yet. Today’s the day!

I admit, I’m not expecting much after seeing the other notes for this tea. But it’s honestly not bad. I do taste bubblegum, as tea-sipper mentioned, but I have that issue often with Dammann’s orange teas as well. I don’t really get vanilla, and only a little orange. Mostly it’s a strong jasmine green tea with some bubblegum.

Not exactly good, but not awful either. I’ve been spoiled by Teavivre’s lush jasmine teas, so this pales quite a bit in comparison. That being said, the jasmine is okay, it doesn’t taste like perfume or anything. But I am happy that I only have one ounce to sip through!

Flavors: Bubblegum, Candy, Floral, Jasmine, Orange, Sweet

Preparation

175 °F / 79 °C 2 min, 0 sec 2 tsp 12 OZ / 354 ML

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11 likes

3 comments

tea-sipper
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I’m glad you didn’t hate this anyway! I probably lowered expectations with my tasting note. And yeah, it’s hard not to think of Teavivre jasmine teas when I drink any jasmine tea now.

Cameron B.
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I really need to order some of their pearls but every time I look at them, I can’t decide which one to get! XD

tea-sipper
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My opinion, the superfine pearls are hardly different from the premium. Both are very great.

People who liked this

Comments

tea-sipper
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I’m glad you didn’t hate this anyway! I probably lowered expectations with my tasting note. And yeah, it’s hard not to think of Teavivre jasmine teas when I drink any jasmine tea now.

Cameron B.
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I really need to order some of their pearls but every time I look at them, I can’t decide which one to get! XD

tea-sipper
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My opinion, the superfine pearls are hardly different from the premium. Both are very great.

Profile

Bio

Hi, I’m Cameron!

I’m a 30-something software engineer currently living in Austin, Texas with my husband and our two pugs, Gobo and Ume. I tend to cycle between my different hobbies, and they include piano, knitting, video games, board games, miniature painting, planners, bento, Korean skincare, and – of course – TEA! But really, what I’m best at is “collecting” hobby-related things… ;)

~ 2025 SIPDOWN CHALLENGE! ~
- March sipdowns: 4
- Total 2025 sipdowns: 43

I prefer my tea lukewarm or at room temperature and without milk or sugar. I steep Western style, and fluctuate between using big mugs or small teapots depending on the season.

I am always up for a swap! Just let me know if you’d like to try something in my cupboard.

Tea Preferences:
I enjoy both flavored and unflavored teas in many forms. These days, I drink mostly flavored teas, and I tend to gravitate most toward black, green, oolong, and herbal varieties. I do have a special fondness for straight Japanese green teas, however.

I do not sweeten my teas, and pre-sweetened teas are usually too sweet for me. I also do not enjoy stevia (or monkfruit, etc.).

I tend to reach for fruitier flavors rather than desserty ones these days, but I do have favorites from both categories. Willing to try anything once! There are a few ingredients/flavors that aren’t generally my jam, such as coconut, rose, lavender, and chocolate flavoring. But I also have teas that I love with some of those things, too! :)

Favorite Companies:
3 Leaf
Bird & Blend
Dammann Frères
Harney & Sons
Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms
Lupicia
Old Barrel Tea Co
Simpson & Vail
Taiwan Tea Crafts
TeaVivre

Tea Rating Scale:
90-100: Outstanding! Permanent cupboard resident
80-89: Great – a possible staple
70-79: Good, but I wouldn’t buy it
60-69: It’s decent
50-59: Meh… I may or may not have finished the cup
40-49: Ick. Couldn’t finish it.
00-39: Repulsive, I spat it out

I will sometimes refrain from rating a tea if I feel I’m too biased due to my personal dislikes, or if I suspect the sample has been compromised by age or scent contamination.

Cupboard Spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZEuKf1-ppR-VXajO4vV39zU1N3zjFJteEPAynqD2yl0/edit?usp=sharing