Joy

Another one of my favorite teas during the holiday season. Literally holds up to its name it makes me feel at peace and joyful. Also great as a tea latte definitely recommend!

(this review is for the 2017 Joy blend in sachet form——it is fairly consistent each year but may vary slightly)

I can taste smooth, malty black tea that makes this a deliciously rich, thick brew. Jasmine flowers are the first thing I notice, followed by juicy peach/fruits. There is a slight bitterness, but it balances well with the floral/fruity notes.

When I saw that the 2017 blend was a blend of green, black, and oolong, I couldn’t help but wonder who the people at Teavana thought they were and how weird this would taste but it’s really amazing. Its mellowness pairs well with brighter tastes like peppermint or citrus and I really wish I could purchase the loose leaf version of this tea.

Absolutely LOVE this blend. Idk why they made it seasonal. Probably just to torture me. It’s a blend of three teas I like and the jasmine is mellow enough not to overtake the whole thing. I wish it was a regular tea so I didn’t have to crazily stock up once a year.

I’ve brought this with me to work, and have been drinking a cup of it in the mornings. Never more than a cup, though, as the combination of black and green tea can make me feel a little ill, if I drink too much of it, or if I brew it too strong.
Its never going to be a favorite, but it was given to me by someone who is fantastic, so I’m gonna drink it down.
Not long to go, actually! A cup a day facilitates a sipdown in good time.

Teavana, the Vichy Bux! Why is this a holiday tea? I don’t get it.

My first infusion was too weak and it tasted like a peach green tea. My second infusion was too strong and tasted like a bitter apricot black tea. I was not overly impressed with the base material but the flavor is very palatable and the aroma is great. I am grudgingly enjoying this, although I’ve given up trying to replicate the store samples.

I LOVE this tea. I enjoy it much more iced than I do hot though, which kinda goes against the fact that it’s a holiday tea, but I think it’s just better that way. Putting it on ice helps the flavors come out more and taste much more interesting. I’ve always been a fan of green, jasmine, and oolong teas but I never thought to combine them all into one, and it is DELICIOUS. I would definitely recommend it.

Ok, this stuff is just weird. I didn’t expect jasmine from an oolong black blend, nor did I from the smell. When I think Christmas, joyful teas (the ones I’ve had in England, anyway) they were all spiced, like a gingerbread or plum pudding or something along those lines. Warm, earthy, comforting, like you’re sitting in front of the fire sipping cozily once the gifts are wrapped and the kids in bed. Y’know?

This tea… this is just weird. Why I’d think jasmine… why would anyone? I dunno. Not my cup of tea. There’s nothing really special or even multifaceted to it… it’s a floral jasmine, and surprisingly light for a black (it looks like more black than oolong in the tin, but what do I know).

Oh joy! Joy Tea is back at Starbucks! This is one of my faves, so I went before work this morning to see if I could grab a whole box of it to take home. Apparently I am not the only one who loves this tea, as they were all sold out. So I got some made in-store – my craving was pretty strong today. The lovely barista girl gave me an extra tea bag on the side because they were all out of the take-home tea! How kind of her, it made me smile first thing in the morning.

The morning steep was a little on the bitter side because I had to walk to work with the teabag in there, and as it was pouring rain I did not feel inclined to stop on the way and take it out. However, my afternoon bonus tea was simply delicious. The tea smells slightly fruity, floral, and wonderful. I really like the balanced mix of black and jasmine green. A dusting of vanilla and cinnamon (?) helps the tea smooth out to a decadent finish. It’s the little things in the holiday season that make it super awesome (not to mention the beautiful lights being put up everywhere)!

Had this again. Started to notice the apricot. Decided against picking any up though, even if I could do so for free. I’m trying to reduce my stash, not flood it with teas that are “okay”.