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Devon Bartholomew Advent Day 15

Purple is my favorite color, so I’ve ordered a number of purple teas from different companies over the years. I was excited to see this one in the advent calendar! The leaves were a deep brown color and were tightly twisted and curly, looking more like a black tea. But it steeped up to a pale honey color and sips more like an oolong…super smooth with a nice buttery mouthfeel. The flavor is also oolong-esque: a nice balance of vegetal and mineral. Not my personal favorite profile, but it was definitely fun to try!

Devon Bartholomew Advent Day 14

I haven’t had many white tea cakes, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one. I steeped it Western-style and got distracted, so steeped it longer than planned. But it’s still smooth and sweet without the slightest hint of bitterness or astringency! It’s definitely more full-bodied than other white teas I’ve tried with a rich, creamy mouthfeel. The flavor is quite sweet and cake-like with notes of vanilla. Really enjoying this one and hoping I can get another steep out of it!

Devon Bartholomew Advent Day 13

I’m really enjoying this stretch of straight black teas! Surprised I haven’t tried this one before; but if I did, I clearly never logged it in Steepster. This is much smoother than many of the Assams I’ve tried; I detect no bitterness or astringency even after a 4-mintue steep. However, it is intensely flavorful and malty and I think it would hold up well to milk. I feel like I’m detecting a bit of smokiness as well…not sure if that native to the tea or cross-contamination? Either way, I’m quite enjoying this cup!

Devon Bartholomew Advent Day 12

Ooo, another straight black tea! This one had lots of golden tips and a lovely bready aroma. The flavor is an interesting mix of malty and fruity…raisin bread is the closest comparison I can come up with. It’s a bit more delicate than the teas I typically lean toward; I like my black tea robust and full-bodied! But still a very enjoyable cuppa on a cold winter’s day.

Devon Bartholomew Advent Day 11

I was excited to see a black tea today! I don’t recall ever trying a Himalayan-grown tea before, so was curious to see what it was like. It brewed up to more of a blond color than the deeper reds and browns of the Chinese black teas I favor and the flavor is definitely softer and smoother than I was expecting…almost like an oolong? But the flavor is lovely! Dried fruit and malt with a buttery finish. I would absolutely drink this again!

Devon Bartholomew Advent Day 10

Labeled: iHerb Black Currant

I’m happy they didn’t decide to throw hibiscus into this blend to mimic the currant flavor! But to be honest, I’m not getting a ton of currant. During the sip, it’s mostly just a smooth unremarkable black tea and then there’s just a hint of that dark berry coming through at the end of the sip.

Devon Bartholomew Advent Day 9

Labeled: TeaTiff Karkade Herbal

I was not familiar with the term “Karkade” to refer to hibiscus, so this tea taught me something new! And I have to admit, I enjoyed this more than a typical tea with hibiscus. For some reason, it seemed a bit sweeter and less acidic than expected. Still not my favorite, but I finished my cup!

Devon Bartholomew Advent Day 8

A straight white tea was an interesting change of pace from the advent teas I received so far and the dry leaf on this one is lovely: looks like pure buds with lots of nice downy texture. The first sip was a bit too hay-like for me, but as it cooled I found myself enjoying it more and more! It’s surprisingly malty for a white tea with quite a bit of body and a slightly spicy finish that I haven’t experienced before. I kept wanting to go back for more and my cup was gone in no time. This is my favorite tea of the calendar so far and one I’d definitely consider repurchasing!

Devon Bartholomew Advent Day 7

Labeled: Russian Black Currant

I could smell the hibiscus as soon as I opened the little baggie. :( I brewed it up anyway and gave it the old college try, but yeah, this one is NOT for me. Whatever other notes might be present are absolutely buried in the tart, acidic hibiscus flavor. It is a very Christmassy color, though!

Devon Bartholomew Advent Day 6

Fun to see a winter/holiday themed tea in the advent calendar today! I was a big fan of Teavana’s White Chocolate Peppermint rooibos back in the day, so I was curious to see if this might be a dupe. Turns out this one has spearmint in it as well, so it’s VERY minty! I don’t really taste the vanilla, but I’m happy that I also don’t taste the rooibos base at all. As a cozy winter tea, I think I would have preferred a bit more creamy vanilla to smooth things out. But I do think this would make a super refreshing iced tea!