75 Tasting Notes
Picked up a packet of Good Earth Earl Grey from a store’s tea basket, and I don’t think I’ll try this one again. While I love Earl Grey, this particular blend is quite citrusy and is overtaken by the bergamot. I always drink my Earl with milk, which usually smoothes out overzealous peppery tastes. This still felt astringent and strong, even for a normal steep. I would suggest a light steep to determine taste, with an additional steep if you like some face-puckering Earl Grey taste. Then again, Good Earth is noted for having very bold flavours, no?
Preparation
I have a serious cold, and decided to try Lupicia’s “After 5” mint green tea with honey. It cleared my head a little, but it’s surprisingly mild. I’ve used Penzey’s Spices to make mint tea – their dried Spearmint with honey and lemon is amazing. Of course, Lupicia is giving me mint GREEN tea, so the subtle nature of the tea is understandable. Considering the complexity of so many of Lupicia’s teas, I don’t think I’ll be ordering this when I’m in the mood for mint or green tea.
My first taste of this tea was in the middle of winter, where I longed for something akin to comfort food. It was rich, creamy, and yummy. A few teacups later, I am finding myself skipping this tea for more solid milk teas. It’s still a good basic tea, but my love has waned a bit.
I received from Mad Tea Party Blend teabags for my birthday, and tried my first cup today (with milk). A lovely, fruity cup of tea that is interesting with an attempt at complexity, but the flavour feels a bit confused. The apricot is front and center, but there seems to be some notes jostling for attention. It’s almost cloying in its fragrance. Still, a delightful, happy cup of tea for a nice afternoon treat.
Hawaiian Islands Tea impresses me again with this smooth, creamy black tea with a yummy vanilla flavor that’s not too overpowering. I added milk to my cup, which goes very well, in my opinion, with vanilla/black teas. Next time I think I’ll try it without milk to get an even better taste of the flavour of this tea.
Fabulous comfort tea!
Preparation
I’m not a fan of rooibos, but while at Teavana in the mall I’ll taste anything. This is a wonderfully fruity, light tea where the rooibos doesn’t seem to alter the berry personality of the tea. I bought 2 ounces to take home for iced tea. A wonderful perfume that’s not too cloying in its sweetness. I plan to mix this with other black and fruit teas to create iced tea blends this summer. :)
Hot days in Boston recently; iced tea season is back in full force! My first pitchers of iced tea this year have been made with Mango Maui, which is light and refreshing for a black tea. I LOVE it. I’m often torn between black tea and fruity flavours, and I love when both meet in a perfectly balanced tea. I’m generally impressed with all of the teas I’ve tried from Hawaiian Islands Tea Company, but Mango Maui has been a constant staple in my cupboard.
And like I said last year, it’s HAPPY. :)
While in Montreal last week, I was served this tea at a restaurant and immediately wanted to buy more! SSens tea comes in mainly herbal lines, but this Earl Grey has a lovely perfume without the astringency of so many other Earls. On the way home I found it at an IGA and bought two boxes. I’m drinking it sweetened with agave, and with milk. It’s a lovely, smooth Earl Grey.
Preparation
I love this tea! Definitely a must-try for any milk tea drinker.
My recent Lupicia order included a letter from Angie at Lupicia’s Customer Service department and a sample of Assam Calcutta Auction. Based on my order (smooth black and milk teas), this tea fits in perfectly with my tastes. Smooth, sweet, malty, and enhanced by milk, this tea is a lovely milk or chai. I continue to be impressed by Lupicia’s attentiveness to their customers, and recommend signing up for their newsletter, which has introduced me to new flavours of tea.
