986 Tasting Notes
TTB #23
Such a fun blend! It brews up to a warm golden color with a subtle sparkle from the glitter. The flavor is a nice balance of sweet plum and spicy ginger with a smooth finish. A pleasant warming tea for a cold January day!
Flavors: Ginger, Plum, Smooth
Preparation
TTB #22
I didn’t love this one, but I think it’s because I drank it hot. It’s basically an Earl Grey with jasmine and mint added and it wasn’t the greatest combination hot. But it looks like this was actually intended to be an iced tea and I could see how it would be quite refreshing iced!
Flavors: Bergamot, Floral, Jasmine, Mint
Preparation
TTB #21
I’m really sad about the hibiscus in this blend, because I’m enjoying the balance between the earthiness of the beetroot and the bright, zesty citrus. Unfortunately, that tart hibiscus aftertaste kind of ruins the experience for me.
Flavors: Earth, Hibiscus, Orange Zest, Tart
Preparation
TTB #20
Not sure if it’s the age of the sample or my steeping parameters or something else, but this tea tastes like a straight-up rooibos…not getting even a hint of creme brulee. :(
Flavors: Rooibos
Preparation
Same! I only ever tasted rooibos with this one.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience, but may I suggest that instead of boiling water, use a slightly lower temperature with Rooibos. I find that with a slightly lower temperature, less of what I call the rooibos ‘funk’ comes out. I enjoy rooibos but I don’t enjoy that weird, off taste that comes from rooibos and I find that it doesn’t find its way into my teacup when I use a slightly lower temperature.
Also, use a longer steep time. I usually recommend at least 8 minutes, and you can go longer without bitterness. (no tannins in rooibos!) This may result in a better flavor for you.
I second the reduced temp. My rooibos/honey bush experiences have been better with more like 200/190F water.
I generally go with 190 degrees F for green rooibos and 195 for the red. It may not seem like a big deal – just a few degrees less – but it really does make a difference. At least … to my palate it does!
Thanks for the tip! I will try that next time. :)
TTB #19
I really liked the other Verdant roasted oolong in the tea box, so I had to give this one a try as well. Unfortunately, this one’s not for me. The roasted flavor is much stronger, leaving a bitter, ashy aftertaste in my mouth. The resteep was a bit lighter in flavor and I enjoyed it more, but still not something I’d want to drink again.
Flavors: Ash, Bitter, Char, Roasted, Smoke
Preparation
TTB #18
I don’t think I’ve ever had a chai with fruit in it before. I don’t specifically get blackberry from this one, but there’s definitely a sweet, fruity note that adds an interesting twist to what’s otherwise a pretty traditional chai blend.
Flavors: Fruity, Spices, Sweet
Preparation
TTB #16
This was another unique flavor combination that I just had to sample! I kind of expected the rose flavor to take over everything, but there’s definitely a nice buttery shortbread note going on here. I’m so sad that AQTT has gone on hiatus, because Lauren’s blends are brilliant!
Flavors: Butter, Rose, Vanilla
Preparation
TTB #15
I love discovering new favorite teas in traveling tea boxes, but I also love the opportunity to sample blends that I never would have found or purchased on my own. Even if I don’t love everything I try, it’s super fun to experience new flavor combinations! On that note…I grew up eating fresh mulberries every summer off the mulberry tree in my best friend’s backyard, but I’m not sure I’ve ever tried a mulberry tea. I was also intrigued by the fact that this one was a genmaicha…not a combination I ever would have thought of. Unfortunately, I didn’t really get much mulberry flavor from this blend, but it was a nice sweet, nutty genmaicha!
Flavors: Sweet, Toasted Rice
Preparation
TTB #14
I’m not usually the biggest fan of roasted oolongs, but this one is nice! A good balance of the nutty roasted notes with the honeyed floral flavor of the tea itself. The finish is super smooth and not at all drying. This one may be staying with me!
Flavors: Butter, Fruity, Honey, Nutty, Roasted, Smooth
