1112 Tasting Notes
We had a cookie swap at work, so I had to choose a tea that went well with myriad flavors of cookies! I wanted something strong and flavorful, but not a superstar (the cookies were the star of the show!). I chose this workhorse of a tea. It fit the bill perfectly. I will always have it on hand for those occasions that you simply want a good cup of tea.
Mmmmmm. This tea was so delicious last night – even my husband commented how wonderful it tasted. We both noticed a hint of smoke – that could just be the vanilla bean – but it was very nice.
We are getting tons of snow here in Collingswood NJ! I thought an afternoon cup of Chai would be nice and warming. I think Adagio’s version is quite lovely. Not overwhelming in spice, and the tea itself is of a good quality. That being said, it’s the only loose leaf Chai I’ve ever tried! What is your favorite loose leaf Chai? I’m running low and would love to try something different to compare.
Preparation
Last night I had my last study session for my final (Educational Psychology). A feeling of calm energy and comfort was paramount, so I made a big mug of Chocolate tea for my study time. The mild caffeine and creamy chocolate flavor hit just the spot :)
Preparation
I shaved 30 seconds off of my previous brewing time, and oooh! the tea came to life! I like it much better now :) It’s strong but not bitter and I even tasted some almost fruity notes. Sadly, I also managed to break another of my favorite mugs after drinking this (I had 4, now I have ONE!). I am a devastating combination of a lover of pretty, delicate things and a butterfingers.
Preparation
I like to think a broken cup is good luck (we get to put our own spin on it right?). Out with the old, in with the new, something is a-changin’ for the better. New energy coming your way, an opportunity to appreciate what is not broken in your life right at this moment, and possible insights as to whether what is broken in your life is worth mending, or not worth keeping anymore if it is no longer serving your highest good. Ok…too many deep thoughts first thing in the morning and I haven’t even finished my first cup of black tea yet!!! :)
I like the sound of that :) Thank you!!!!
Since reading that the lyrics in Leonard Cohen’s Suzanne referred to Constant Comment tea (And she feeds you tea and oranges/That come all the way from China), I’ve had a swoony romantic weakness for Orange Spice teas. This one is my current favorite. A clear true orange taste, a creaminess, and a complex spice (must be the pepper!).
Preparation
Thumbs up on Leonard Cohen. I’m so glad I’ve learned to love his music in recent years. And a bit sad that I didn’t sooner. Maybe I just had to have a certain age, idk. I’ll go listen to that song now. :)
I was lucky enough to see him this May! I wanted tickets soooo badly but they were too expensive. The day of the show, my friend called me and said that our friend’s boss couldn’t make the show, and she had his two tickets, and would I like to go for free?! It was MAGIC! The show was incredible – it surpassed my expectations, and that’s saying something!!
I saw him in Copenhagen in autumn last year. I’d just bought the cheapest ticket, but I knew that it was likely my only chance ever to see him live, so I travelled to Copenhagen (and I’m afraid of travelling! Even such a short distance, 3 hours or so by train) for a seat on the third row from the back or something like that. It was SO worth a weekend of occassional minor panic attacks. So fantastic. Nothing in the world can top Hallelujah performed live. Even listening to it now from a record, it’s not the same anymore. That made a huge impression on me and it nearly made me cry while he was singing it. It wasn’t until the concert was over and I was walking back to the hotel that I realised that OMG he’s just a little old man! He’s (a couple of years) older than my grandfather! Where did all that life come from??? O.o
It was fantastic.
Yes, I was on the verge of tears (when I wasn’t cracking up with laughter!!! He’s funny too!!!!). You described the feelings of the concert really well :) There is a crack in everything/That’s how the light gets in :) :) :)
One of the first teas I ever remember drinking was Constant Comment. I still have to confess it’s a guilty pleasure, and I do definitely try to find something a bit better but still the same idea whenever I have the chance. Definitely going to give this a try. :)
JacquelineM, he probably didn’t change his set list much. Did you get the long winded joke about the meaning of life at the end of Tower of Love? Da doo dum dum dum da doo dum dum. LOL! I thought he was going to deliver something really profound! :D I love that he let his backup girls sing a couple of songs on their own too. If It Be Your Will has also never been the same since.
If you order from Premium Steap, also try the Organic Black with Coconut – it’s one of my favorites and I’ve never had anything quite like it!
Angrboda – yes! Did you get backup singer cartwheels too? :) Did you see the Leonard Cohen tribute film I’m Your Man? I loved how Antony did If It Be Your Will.
@JacquelineM: Ooh! I just read about it and it definitely sounds like something I’d like. Am Thai and have a biological need for coconut. Also curry, but curry tea would be worrying. ;) It’s on my shopping list now, thanks for the rec!
JacquelineM, yes, we did! I didn’t know about that film, I’ll definitely have to see if I can get my hands on it. If I’m lucky my local library has it. A couple of years ago a bunch of danish artists did an album with some of his songs translated into danish and re-interpreted. I did a comparison of Everybody Knows (which got some decent air time on the radio) in both languages and they’ve actually managed to stay pretty close to the original material. I was reminded about it just now that we’re talking about him. I’ll have to get my hands on that too sometime.
Have either of you heard Concrete Blonde’s cover of “Everybody Knows”? It’s much different from the original, but it’s still really great. :)
Angrboda-that’s really cool about the danish versions :) I think they released the sountrack from I’m Your Man too – maybe that’s easier to get ahold of. Antony, Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright, Jarvis Cocker… :) :) :)
Janni – I don’t think I have heard it, but I found it on youtube :) I will listen to it today! Thanks!!! I have many fond memories of going out clubbing and dancing to Bloodletting :)
Delicious. So many subtle flavors. My mistake was having a butter cookie with it after the first few sips – it drowned out all of the delicacy. Next time I’ll sit with just the cup of tea. I imagine this would make a nice iced tea too.
Preparation
This tea (from my local Starbucks) is somehow over brewed yet tasteless! I am experiencing strong notes of cardboard cup and a distinct aroma of wooden stirring stick. Ugh. My New Year’s Resolution is to go out and buy an electric tea kettle for work (if I don’t get one as my pollyanna gift – I put it on my list!) so I don’t have to put up with this sort of thing!!!!!!!
Preparation
Did we drink from the same cup? Must not have, since i tried this awhile ago…but I had much the same experience. Maybe it’s not overbrewed—-that’s just how this tea tastes? :P
The worst part is paying almost 2 dollars for this! I can make my own top notch tea for about 30 cents a cup!
I try not to think about that part whenever I have a particularly disappointing cup of tea that I bought somewhere. D:
that was very funny..but i hope i like this tea more then you do..
