Hot Lips (Organic)

I really enjoy this tea, but the cinnamon can be a little strong. I recommend a brew of 3 minutes. It doesn’t taste like green tea at all…

Hmmm…I like it but it’s not all there for me. It’s not super cinnamony but also not cinnamony enough. I feel like the flavor in general fell short and even with some sugar, it was just okay. it smells like cinnamon candy but doesn’t follow through in taste.

I think spicy teas are not for me. Smells delicious – like cinnamon candy hearts. Tastes like it initially as well, but then burns my throat in a most unpleasantly way with every sip. I like the spice, like the cinnamon, but not the hot pepper kick at the end. Tried a first and second steep, a longer and a shorter one, but this one’s not for me.

I bought Hot Lips purely because of the dry leaf smell. I love cinnamon and most spices. I fully admit that at 7 min, I totally oversteeped this one during the first infusion (I’ve been spoiled by herbals which are hard to ruin). The tea had a real kick to it that hit me in the back of the throat. It was still drinkable, and I got a good taste of the cinnamon and chili, though not as much chili as with Fired up Fennel, where I couldn’t handle it.

I was careful to stop the second infusion at 4 min. It was much milder. I barely get a taste of cinnamon at all. I’m not sure if this is because of the shorter steep, or because it’s the second time around. I’ll have to try this one again, but reverse the steeping times.

It’s ok, but not one I’ll feel compelled to restock.

Stacey: It’s hard to write something that we haven’t already said. Honestly, it’s just nice to have a green tea; I was beginning to forget what they tasted like. Hot Lips is a pretty solid tea; I like the little bit of heat if gives you at the end. I probably wouldn’t have it every day because it does have a lot of cinnamon but if I’m in the mood for a kick won’t be afraid to give it another go. I give it 7/10.

Brooke: The very day we bought the 24 Days of Tea box set, I had Mango Diablo, and THAT was a hot tea, phew. I don’t know if I steeped the mango tea for too long but wow, it smacked my mouth at each sip. With Hot Lips, you taste the green tea part first and then zing- a nice little kick. I’d steep this tea for longer next time to get a bit more of the spicy because what I got, I liked. If you’re a green tea fan and you want to switch it up a bit, this tea is for you. 7.5/10.
See the rest of our review here: http://teaconnoisseurs.wordpress.com/2012/12/09/

My favorite winter green tea!

I am have to admit that I am more than a little obsessed with this tea. I am very fond of green teas in general but I have somewhat of an addiction to cinnamon. So combining green tea, cinnamon and kick of heat makes for an ultimate tea! Personally I found that I need to steep this one for 10 minutes – yes I know that sounds nuts but its a MUST otherwise you don’t get nearly enough of a cinnamon punch. With this said, the cinnamon is more of candied variety … hence the name Hot Lips.

i loved this tea.
I am a coffee drinker by nature, but lately i’ve been trying to get into loose leaf teas. they always sound and smell so amazing, but i am usually let down because i am used to bolder tastes. (i think i need to try mate and pu’erh).
This tea, however, did not disappoint. I brewed it in my Libre mug, so the tea sat and continued steeping as i drank, releasing more and more of the spiciness, which i loved. This tea is a keeper and one i would go back for, which is not a frequent occurrence as i delve into my tea tasting adventures!

Painfully spicy! The cinnamon and peppercorn are overwhelming, and altogether gross!