Lipton

Meh. It’s boring, it’s bland, it’s everyday. It’s fine, doesn’t really stand out or anything, but when it comes down to it, it’s rather boring and quite bitter. I have a box and I won’t bin it, but I will also not buy this tea again.

How i got it: Found some old teabags at my parent’s house

Experience: I’m not really a fan of vanilla, but i do like this combination. The resulting aroma is very enjoyable, and the flavor is almost as good. The touches of vanilla and caramel are very pronounced and clear, leaving the tea behind, but still perceptible if one makes an effort to find it. I’d say good enough.

Would i buy it?: I’m in doubt with this one. Maybe if i am in a mood for sweets and i don’t have other option at the moment, it could be.

Grouchy today.

I figured that I needed a low-maintenance, vanilla flavored, non-caffeinated tea to soothe my nerves, so this was the winner. It’s not fabulous, but it’s something to drink and it has no calories, so it’s saving me from eating my feelings. It’s got a tart edge to it, rounded out by the vanilla, and it’s fruity without being overbearing.

I have been offered full-time employment!!!! The search is finally over! Praise be!!

This tea walks the border between too tart and tolerably tart for me. It’s a hibiscus base, and hibiscus plus blackberry is kind of asking for trouble. But the vanilla does its job and takes the edge off of the bitterness and gives the cup a mildly sweet and melodious note.

Not my favorite, but not awful. The vanilla is the saving grace (and, frankly, the whole reason why I made the purchase…)

Not the best tea I’ve ever drank, but honestly, one of the best at the grocery store. It does influence my rating and enjoyment of this tea that my mom and dad only use Lipton in their sweet tea recipe and even after moving out of their house, the taste of decaf Lipton or plain Lipton black tea brings back memories.

What I often get when I order green tea in American or South African restaurants. Absolute garbage and a discredit to Western civilization.

My go-to brand for everyday tea drinking. It really depends on how you prepare it. Some like to steep it for five minutes straight. Others will only do it for two. Some add sugar, some add sweetener. Personally, I let it steep long enough to be almost bitter and don’t sweeten it at all. You really have to play to get comfortable and find your ideal point with this tea. You’ll have fun while drinking this tea.

My friend gave me a few of these sachets, so I tossed them in the fridge in some water to cold brew overnight.

The result was a very red, very fruity (definitely some hibiscus), decent iced tea.

Not bad, considering it’s Lipton!

How i got it: Bought it

Experience: My everyday black tea, but i have to say, it’s a bit tricky. Under the right conditions, it can turn out pretty good, with a very balanced, well defined and rich flavor. On the other hand, it has the potential to be disappointing, leaving you with kind of a watery taste. In the end, i would stick with the ‘good’ rating.

Would i buy it again?: It has stayed as my evening tea for long, so the answer will be’ yes’ until i find something better for the same price.

How i got it: My workplace’s current tea of choice

Experience: This is one tea i drink when i want something a bit stronger than the usual black. Clear, intense, and the typical malty taste of Ceylon teas. Slightly bitter in the end (maybe due to oversteeping, though i only brew it for a bit more than 2 min.). Quite aromatic. Very good.

Would i buy it?: I’d say yes. Actually, i’m thinking about changing the default Lipton Yellow Label for this one, although i’m not sure if i will like strong tea every night

Typical of these Lipton Pyramid teas, this one is fantastic as an iced tea. The peach and mango are already amazing together, and chilled, this is just the perfect summer evening tea.

Yum yum, summer fruit tea! Normally, I avoid super fruity blends, but I just impulsively decided to try this one today. I’m glad I did! This tea is a perfect example of responsibly used hibiscus. Which is to say, hibiscus is listed in the ingredients, but I didn’t taste it. Thank goodness, because the hibiscus was what made me hesitate initially.

White tea and peach are a match made in heaven, in my opinion. They both have a mildly sweet and floral flavor, which is perfect for July. The mango presents itself during the sip, and the peach echoes in the aftertaste, but neither dominates over the other.

Well done, Lipton.