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Scheherazade drank Mulled Cider by Bird & Blend Tea Co.

2238 tasting notes

I was looking forward to a warming cup of this today, but it’s not quite as I remember it being the first time I tried it. It’s apple and spice, yes, but there’s an underlying soapiness that’s really distracting, to the point where it’s spoiling my enjoyment of the cup.

I’m going to put this out there – I don’t wash my work mug with soap of any kind. It gets a rinse under the tap, and the occasional wipe with a paper towel, but that’s the extent of it. That’s not to say it’s not clean, just that I don’t trust any of the cleaning implements in the office kitchen anywhere near my cup. That’s how I know it’s not contaminated with soap from a lack of proper rinsing, so the soapiness must somehow be coming from the tea. I used a little more leaf this time than last, but that’s the only difference. Mostly, I was trying to boost the flavour level since it turned out a little weak and watery last time.

I don’t know what’s making it soapy, but it’s making me sad.

Preparation

Boiling 3 min, 0 sec

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Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.