80

I picked this up a couple weeks ago at Kusmi and have yet to try it. I grabbed the bag when I got home but my roommate told me it was not Christmas yet and so I should have a different tea. However, after the sample I sent JustJames got such a nice review I gave in and decided to try some.

This is the first tea with a prominent orange presence that I don’t mind at all. I think that is because unlike many other orange teas, this has other flavors going on that help to provide depth to the tea rather than it being one strong orange note. The spices tone down the orange while the vanilla adds some sweetness. I am even getting a bit of cake-yness in the mouth feel that is quiet enjoyable.

All in all, this is definitely a nice cup of tea and I can certainly see how this might be reminiscent of Christmas. The smells are what I would imagine (being Jewish I don’t have much experience in the matter) the combination of a Christmas tree and Christmas cooking would smell like – very warm and cozy.

Preparation
195 °F / 90 °C 3 min, 30 sec
JustJames

i can’t believe you sent me some of that lovely stuff before you tried it! i’ve done it on occasion…. but that’s different. =0)

VariaTEA

Something about the teas you rated highly. the teas in your cupboard, and the flavors in the Christmas tea made me think you would be a fan. I am glad it worked out. And sending a sample was certainly easy given I had to buy 75 g of it so I had enough to share.

JustJames

=0) i am hugely grateful….. i find myself chasing after kusmi here, lol.

VariaTEA

Kusmi is literally a two minute walk from my house. If you are ever desperate, I can always go pick up teas for you. However, I do believe you can order online.

JustJames

i think i can get it at a place not too far from here called ottavio’s bakery….. unbridled temptation. but i can’t justify it yet, lol.

VariaTEA

haha well the offer stands if you ever change your mind.

JustJames

thank you kindly! ;-)

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Comments

JustJames

i can’t believe you sent me some of that lovely stuff before you tried it! i’ve done it on occasion…. but that’s different. =0)

VariaTEA

Something about the teas you rated highly. the teas in your cupboard, and the flavors in the Christmas tea made me think you would be a fan. I am glad it worked out. And sending a sample was certainly easy given I had to buy 75 g of it so I had enough to share.

JustJames

=0) i am hugely grateful….. i find myself chasing after kusmi here, lol.

VariaTEA

Kusmi is literally a two minute walk from my house. If you are ever desperate, I can always go pick up teas for you. However, I do believe you can order online.

JustJames

i think i can get it at a place not too far from here called ottavio’s bakery….. unbridled temptation. but i can’t justify it yet, lol.

VariaTEA

haha well the offer stands if you ever change your mind.

JustJames

thank you kindly! ;-)

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Profile

Bio

My cupboard has grown exponentially since joining this site and I have a lot to share. Feel free to snoop through my cupboard and message me if anything interests you – I am always happy to swap!

For me, flavored teas are definitely my sweet spot. I will most often reach for black teas and rooibos or honeybush blends but I do keep some flavored whites and greens around for when the mood strikes. I have a few herbals/tisanes but most of the time I find myself disappointed by them as they often smell deliciously sweet and then end up tasting tart/sour. I have a little bit of an aversion to pu’erh and oolong teas. I am also wary of florals, earl greys, and chai teas. I do not like overpowering citrus flavors nor do I usually like hibiscus, licorice or chamomile. I love dessert teas – caramel, vanilla, toffee, cookie, cream, and other sweet flavors make me smile. Fruits like strawberry, peach, mango, and pineapples will often catch my attention as well.

I have also realized that although I really enjoy adding frothed milk to some of my teas, if I do not like the tea with zero additives (just in plain water without milk or sugar), I probably won’t drink it. The one exception is flavored matchas which I will happily drink in cold milk if I do not like it mixed with hot water. My theory is if the tea can’t stand on its own then it is not for me and I will more than likely try to swap it out for something else.

Tea Ratings Guide (as of December 10, 2017)
90-100 Teas I NEED on hand at all times
80-89 Teas I want to keep around for a cup every now and then
70-79 Teas I am glad I have around and can experiment with but probably don’t need more than what’s in my cupboard
60-69 Teas I would not turn down a cup of from a friend but that would probably be enough
50-59 Teas I can see why someone would enjoy but are not for me
Under 50 Teas I really did not like and most likely got dumped

Location

Waterdown, Ontario

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