Plum Compote & Cashew Cake

This tea gets points for not only taste but also for performance. Really, it’s a “super tea” in the way that you can re-steep it (I’m on my 4th re-steep now and I’m confident that I will get a 5th out of it) and it manages to hang onto every drop of flavour wthout fail. Call me “super impressed!” Haha
The taste is good on every steep but the first steep was my least fave, only because it’s so strong and I prefer a lighter tasting brew but for most people, this is hardly a draw-back. Fruity, nutty, cakey, what more could you want?!
Stacy really was a master with her teas!

The other tea I drank yesterday – I only had time for two. This one I remember less clearly. Black, I definitely got a tangy plum compote note, with little astringency, which I was pleased about because I generally really like Butiki’s plum flavouring and I was hoping it would be the strongest note. The cashew cake was a little present, but only towards the back of the sip if I really concentrated. I added half a sugar, which brought out the plum flavouring more, and it probably the way I’d like to drink it best. In the name of trying everything, though, I added milk (admittedly too much), which muted the tea and plum notes and brought the cashew to the fore. I really like cashews for eating, they’re probably my favourite nut, but in tea it just doesn’t come across as a strong enough flavour to lead a blend. The cakiness is noticeable with milk, which I didn’t get before, but there’s just not enough of the plum flavour to cut through it and make it interesting. I might try it next time with less milk, because I did mess up the amount I added, but I really enjoyed it black and with just a little sugar, so I’m probably more likely to drink it that way instead. It was a very tasty tea, though.

This is one of my favorites from Butiki’s close-out extravaganza. The first taste is tart plum, followed by a sweet, cakey flavor—I rarely pick up on baked-good notes in tea, but I do with this one. There’s a nice brisk base to round things out, and, weirdly, the whole effect kind of reminds me of bread. I’m glad I picked up two packs of this one, and glad I still have one left to savor.

I bought a half ounce of this one from Butiki but I also received a little from TheLastDodo’s sale – thank you! I tried this a while ago with one flat teaspoon for 2 1/2 minutes but it didn’t seem to turn out flavorful enough for me. This time I went with a heaping teaspoon for three minutes, and even waiting a few minutes after boiling, the flavor was much more present. It’s a very tangy plum! But I think the flavor is aided by the black tea base. The base usually tastes like tomato to me, but it might be adding that extra tangy plum flavor this time. With the nutty undertones, this tea is pretty darn good. The second steep loses a bit of flavor, which is a shame, but the first cup is great. Another blend of Butiki magic (though I must say, not as genius as the Plum Brandy Cheesecake blend.) Note to self: steep it like the first steep next time.
Steep #1 // heaping tsp // 7 minutes after boiling // 3 minute steep
Steep #2 // just boiled // 4 min

My cup while watching anime, and playing a certain farming game. The leaves smell like cashew, but I get more plum in the brew. There is a sweet, cake-like flavour. Don’t think I’ve had any cashew cake, but I want one now. Overall, very good.

This was very tasty. I could taste the cashew for sure, as well as a sweetness that must have been the cakey taste. It was fruity, but I can never taste specifically plum in plum flavored teas. I think I will try this with a little sugar tomorrow to see if I can bring out more of the fruity, cakey flavors.

I’ve had this a few times now, but I don’t remember the powder sugar being so pronounced.. or there at all. I think it was mostly plum before- now it’s all in with the cashew cake and tangy-sweet syrup. Magic. The kind that’s probably connected to cooler drinking temperature, shorter steep time, etc. Also, paying attention to what I’m drinking.. I don’t know.

This is going to help me not eat the last of the cheesecake in the fridge. Yes it is. The last of the cheesecake was the perfect accompaniment for this tea.

I’m sort of stuck by my window today, waiting for Fedex to arrive. It’s a big delivery, and I’m pretty sure they won’t just leave it if I don’t open the door as soon as their truck stops in front of my house…. Soooo, I have not showered, or had much of life today, but, since it’s really not that big of a deal and a total ‘first world problem’, I’m not letting myself feel annoyed by it at all. Who needs showers anyway?
So, onto the tea…
With a tea like this, there is no need for a treat to go along with it; the treat is entirely in my cup. This is one of those ‘Willy Wonka’ type creations, where you swear you are getting a full bite of something scrumptious, but it’s just a liquid, running smoothly down your throat. How does Stacy do this!? :D
It’s nutty and jammy and powder sugar dusted and just plain yummy… and I didn’t have to add a single thing to this cup.
This tea is wayyy better than shampooing my hair. ;)

I have been chipping away at this tea for a couple of days now. I got this as a sample and as part of my mystery box. I like the creamy, malty cake batter and the nutty cashew notes. But, it’s not something I would miss.
I think I will be adding this to my stash sale thread post. I know it will find a good home!

Sweet, tart plum flavor at the forefront; creamy cake batter and a hint of nuttiness at the end. I find myself wanting more cake and cashew. The predominant flavor seems to be plum, and the Kenyan base tea serves to enhance that flavor. As it cools it becomes a little more creamy and nutty. It’s good, but not really hitting the spot for me tonight. I’ll try adding a splash of cream next time!

Plum Brandy Cheesecake > Plum Compote & Cashew Cake