Caramel Vanilla Assam

Sipdown, 190. This is my other surprise sample from my last Butiki order. I ordered before this was released, so I didn’t even have a chance to request a sample, though I would have! So it was nice to get it.

This is really quite delicious. Very vanilla-y, like soft vanilla caramels when they are still pale; not too much caramelization, so it’s very creamy. Almost like dulce de leche, actually. Plus I always appreciate it when the base tea is very high quality, and having just tried this one in its pure form, I can definitely say that is the case. I could see picking some up in a future order. Also, I’d love to see this base used in more blends.

Another Butiki blend I’m working at sipping down in favour of stocking other blends. I typically adore this blend when I have it, but I crave it so infrequently that its not worth the tin space it takes up as it’s only getting older at this point.

So today’s cup had milk and rock sugar added to it – and I think it actually affected the flavour fairly significantly – and not necessarily in a beneficial way. Caramel? Check! Vanilla? Check! Unwanted notes of raisin that I’ve never got before from this cup? Check…

Yeah, I have this huge thing about disliking raisins which is why I was hesitant to order this blend in the first place (Stacy mentions raisin notes being present) and thankfully I’ve typically never experienced that. But, not this time. I finally found those pesky raisin notes! Ew. So next time, no rock sugar? I’m thinking so.

Also, I’m nudging down my rating: not because of the raisin notes but because of the fact this has kinda lost its sparkle and is almost starting to feel like a chore when I go to make it? Sorry Butiki…

I’ve been avoiding talking about this tea something fierce because I am definitely the odd one out here. To me, the dry leaf smells similar to David’s Buttered Rum, which is another popular one. Well, I have news for you. Buttered Rum smells like powdered cheese to me, and so does this. Both have vanilla so I’m wondering if the flavouring in both have any similarities? This tea does not smell like caramel or vanilla to me at all!

As for the taste, I’m picking up on a hint of caramel, but no vanilla, which again, makes me think that the vanilla in these two particular blends is the culprit. Luckily I don’t actually taste a powdered cheese note, whereas I do with the Buttered Rum. The Assam base is not as robust as I expected, but maybe I should start adding a little more leaf.

The base is still good though. My taste buds just aren’t grooving with the flavouring. Adding half and half doesn’t help with bringing out any creamy vanilla or caramel flavours, either.

I can’t believe I’d ever say this because a caramel vanilla Assam sounds like a dream come true for me (vanilla, a favourite flavour of mine, plus Assam, one of my favourite bases. Are you kidding?!) but I actually prefer straight Assams.

True story!

Excuse me while I roll around on the carpet hooting how good this tea is.

YUM! Giant Leaves! Super creamy! Sweet caramel! Delicious black tea base! Tasty creamy resteep!

HOOOT

Full review on my blog, The Oolong Owl http://oolongowl.com/2013/09/11/caramel-vanilla-assam-from-butiki-teas-tea-review/
Sorry, no fancy pictures today. I’m tired out from canning pears. Delicious tea and rum infused pears.

Oh, Stacy! How do you do this! You are amazing! I just got my 1 oz. bag in the mail today, and really wanted to try this, but didn’t think I should because it was kinda late for more caffeine. Of course, TastyBrew and whatshesaid persuaded me to try some anyway! Hey you two, it’s your fault if I’m up all night! J/k. ;)

The dry leaf smells delicious. Like caramel. I steeped it up, and at first, I thought it wasn’t what I expected. This is because when I think of caramel and vanilla teas, I think sugary. Then I thought, why would I think that? This is Stacy we are talking about! Just like my other favorite tea from her (maple pecan oolong), this tastes so natural, like the leaves naturally taste like caramel and vanilla. I also get a raisin note, probably from the base tea. I also get a little vegetal note…not sure where that is coming from, but I don’t mind it. I added a little sugar, but I think milk would ruin it. Now, that’s a first for me, because I really like milk in my black teas, and if I’m forgoing it for the sake of the tea, that’s something!!

Had to do a resteep because the first cup just wasn’t enough!! I really am going to be up all night!

Sipdown
This has been my favourite flavoured black tea to date. I will miss the smoothness. It was a delicious tea (especially when it was fresh).

I did add this into my Butiki order on the weekend, but this cup today came in the mail from Cavovorax :)

I was in the field today for my 8am lab. It was a chilly morning and after 3 hours of standing outside, mostly stationary, identifying plants and grasses, it was so nice to get back on campus and have this hot tea waiting in my Timolino.

I had tried this one quickly before and it was good, because all Butiki teas are, but not quite what I was thinking it would be. This time around, similar to Ruby Pie, it seems to be working out much better. The base is so lovely and comforting, and the somewhat subtle caramel and vanilla seem to pair perfectly. This is much better than the few caramel or vanilla teas I’ve tried thus far. I may play around with this one a bit more.

This tea is delicious but I just don’t reach for it as often as I should. I have had this since December and I think this is the first cup I have made. It is gooey caramel, fresh vanilla, and malty Assam and it is awesome but for some reason, it always gets forgotten.

I was blissfully searching through my tea cabinet when I came across this yesterday. The pouch was almost empty, so I went ahead and made an extra strong cup. I had it with milk, no sugar, and it was perfectly sweet and caramelly.

I thought to myself, good thing its from a tea company that I know has been around a while so I can order more soon….and then I read one of Sil’s tasting notes about how Butiki is going to be closing permanently. Cue: record scratch breaking me out of my reverie.

I have been off of here for a while but that is truly sad news. :( I love Butiki teas, but I most especially love this, my perfect vanilla black tea. And I am lucky at least that this isn’t gone yet – time to order it rather than despair at a missed opportunity.

Like I said, a gorgeous vanilla black – and one I’m not ready to say goodbye to yet.

I am on a Butiki kick right now. I’ve tried most of what I ordered recently, but I have been withholding reviews on some of them until I feel like I get the tea right. I’ve discovered (thanks Steepster!) that some of the blends really need to have ingredients shaken or stirred (tea martini anyone?) in the bag to get the true flavor to come through once steeped. I am guessing bits just settle in shipping or something. Just thought I’d toss that out there in case it helps anyone like it did for me. Now on to a review of Caramel Vanilla Assam.

Dry: Long luscious dark and twisted Assam leaves with flower petal bits. Smells very rich, almost buttery, with clear caramel notes wafting from the infuser. This has a very strong dry fragrance and I was worried the brewed tea would taste artificial.

Steeped: I shouldn’t have worried. This brews into a red-brown clear liquor and the brewed aroma is heavenly. Vanilla beans meet oozing caramel with a rich black base. It smells exactly like its namesake.

Taste: This tea can easily be a morning staple for me. With an almost thick mouthfeel, this tea delivers creamy vanilla and rich caramel blended with that famous Premium Taiwanese Assam base. I have struggled to find something vanilla that I truly loved and something caramel that I was a fan of (particularly after my bazillion attempts with David’s Salted Caramel), but I can safely say that this one is both amazing and delicious and will be a re-order for sure. I am having a very good tea week so far!