I received this as a sample with my new catalog from The Republic of Tea. For a long time, I cut caffeine out of my diet and now only drink it in tea so I have to admit that I was a little unsure about whether I should try this highly caffeinated version. In the end, my curiosity at the unique flavor won out so here I am with a cup.
When I first opened the packet, a puff of cinnamon powder literally escaped it and the smell was incredible. It really was just as you would expect from something called Cinnamon Toast. I tried it first unsweetened and it was both bitter and incredibly artificial tasting. It has that awful artificial sweetener aftertaste that I do not appreciate. With added honey, the taste of the artificial sweetener is hidden somewhat. I’m not sure how adding extra sweetener helps, but it usually does. I also added some cream to this which makes it a nice treat.
I can feel the effects of the caffeine about halfway in, but so far it’s not affected me much more than a strong cup of black tea. It’s the kind of woozy, head-spinning feeling I normally get, which isn’t exactly pleasant but it isn’t making me sick either. (I read a note or two that mentioned that the caffeine was too much, enough to make a person sick. Glad that’s not me. At least, not yet.) Caffeine doesn’t seem to affect me the same way it does most people. It doesn’t really wake me up or make me more feel more alert or more active. It just makes me feel sort of blah and unsteady. So while the taste of this one is okay with the added honey and cream, I don’t feel like having that feeling every time I drink it. It’s just not that spectacular. So this is a no-buy for me. I do appreciate the sample though! I love trying new flavors.
Flavors: Artificial, Bitter, Cinnamon, Sweet
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Shae, I have really enjoyed reading your Rating Scale. Would you mind if I used it on my profile, with proper attribution/credit to you, of course? I am finding that your descriptions are consistent with my ratings. But I haven’t actually put words to my numbers and you have. (If you would rather that I did not, I am absolutely fine with that too. Just say so.)
Please go right ahead! I would be happy for you to use it. It took me a while to get it the way I wanted it, and I had a lot of inspiration from others here, so I’m glad now that it can be useful to someone else. :)
Thank you so much, Shae! I very much appreciate it.
You are very welcome!
Shae, I have really enjoyed reading your Rating Scale. Would you mind if I used it on my profile, with proper attribution/credit to you, of course? I am finding that your descriptions are consistent with my ratings. But I haven’t actually put words to my numbers and you have. (If you would rather that I did not, I am absolutely fine with that too. Just say so.)
Please go right ahead! I would be happy for you to use it. It took me a while to get it the way I wanted it, and I had a lot of inspiration from others here, so I’m glad now that it can be useful to someone else. :)
Thank you so much, Shae! I very much appreciate it.
You are very welcome!