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I opened this tonight. Made it over ice. Earlier in the day, I bought a pretty gray and white container with a wooden lid just for it. It’s 2/3 full now and should last me a very long time. I ended up buying seven ounces since I might never get another chance. And yet, I want to place another order to get some of the melon oolong to hoard, too.

EDIT: I ended up making 3 glasses over the weekend and it barely made a dent.

Finishing this sample as I settle in at home. I’m feeling glued to the couch, so I need a boost. This one will be missed. I’m probably going to end up making an order with Zest Tea. I could never handle this as a daily work tea, but on the weekends when I’m a human slug, it sure is handy.

Sipdowns in 2019: 7

Received this sample courtesy of Yaupon Brothers. I had been putting this one off as well because of some of my previous encounters with yaupon.

But I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It’s a lot smoother than I expected. I’m getting springlike notes of green grass and crushed leaves. But there’s also a fermented note and hint of bitterness after 4 minutes. This is almost like a plain green tea, or a mild yerba mate. Maybe I was wrong about yaupon after all. It might taste a little murkier than an oolong or green, but it’s still a nice cup.

Sipdowns In 2019: 6

This came in my January Sips by box. I think it’s my third by Fava Teas? I’ve liked them all so far.

First of all, this tea smells so wonderful. Such a festive and spiced citrus aroma! There are so many goodies mixed in. Big pieces of dried orange, pretty pink peppercorns, whole cloves and cardamom pods, and a generous amount of cinnamon chips.

It brews up to a dark reddish brown and smells sweet like Christmas. Upon first sip, I notice an unexpected creamy vanilla note. Oooh. The vanilla is followed by bright, sunny orange, then spices. The spices all sort of blend together, with cinnamon being the most noticeable. The clove and cardamom are there, but in the background. I didn’t see it in my sample, but I swear I also taste star anise. Or maybe allspice?

Basically, this tastes like a holiday dessert and I am here for it. Glad I got to try this.

EDIT: Cooled, this tastes like a spiced Creamcicle.

Sipdowns in 2019: 5

Ok, this is one from Sips by that I have been avoiding. I have a vague memory of trying plain mountain tea before and not liking it.

The tea itself is beautiful to look at. Fuzzy green budded stems mixed with whole yellow flowers. Petals and chamomiles stems. Lovely. Though the aroma doesn’t really appeal to me. I smell the chamomile, but it’s mostly covered by an odd minty herbal scent. And something that reminds me of apples that are starting to ferment.

I used 2 tablespoons and steeped them for 7 minutes, as the packet advised 5-10. It comes out to a medium yellowy green. There is a new sort of pungency to it that makes me a little nervous. Although, it doesn’t translate to the flavor. This mostly tastes like a disappointing chamomile. It doesn’t give me that clean, soothing feeling that pure chamomile does. There are apple notes and they’re ok, but this just isn’t what I want it to be.

Double sipdown! I used the last of Harney & Sons’ Golden Monkey and RMS Titanic Blend. It worked out to be perfectly half and half. The resulting tea is well balanced and smooth. Hearty and malty with savory notes of bread. And of course the Golden Monkey lends notes of natural cocoa. That Fujian cocoa taste that I crave. This is another Random Steepings that I would love to revisit.

Sipdowns in 2019: 4

Daily work tea. Got about two teaspoons of this left, then it’s on to other things. My curiosity has been satisfied. Also, I somehow managed to oversweeten this? Even though I used the same amount of sweetener I always use? Maybe it’s time to cut back. Hmm.

EDIT: Oh god, it’s because I didn’t stir it. What is wrong with me this morning?

EDIT 2: Also, I meant to mention that it’s a New Year’s goal of mine to have one Sipdown per week to keep the stash under control. So far, it’s Wednesday and I have been unsuccessful.

Sipdowns in 2019: 2

Been using my Fortnum & Mason sampler at least once a week so I can move on to other teas. Today I picked two bags of Darjeeling and one bag of Ceylon Orange Pekoe.

Went with a short steep time and as usual, it still came out dark and full-bodied. The two teas go well together. Fresher, wilder notes from the darjeeling, but hearty and malty notes from the ceylon. Just a touch of bitterness. Hmm. Maybe I’ll make this one twice this week.

Really counting on the caffeine today…

Daily work tea for what will probably be a busy Monday. Mmm, this chai is just the right combination of spicy and comforting. I added a splash of 2%, as I had considered last time. It doesn’t change much, just adds a touch of richness.

I bought 2 pouches and we have already gotten through most of one. It’s become an instant household favorite.

Daily work tea. Yessss, a real black tea. So toasty and chocolatey. Zero bitterness. Sad my sample has almost run out.