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Here’s Hoping TTB

This has to be one of the prettiest tea blends I’ve ever seen. Curled green tea leaves, twists of coconut, big chunks of freeze-dried strawberries and adorable little star-shaped sprinkles all jumbled up together…it looks like a party! And the scent was sweet strawberry-vanilla deliciousness. Unfortunately, the flavor didn’t quite live up. I definitely get vanilla and a hint of strawberry, but it’s quickly overwhelmed by the hibiscus tartness that ruins so many promising fruity teas. This is better than many strawberry blends I’ve tried, but still not everything I was hoping for.

Here’s Hoping TTB

One of the really fun things about traveling tea boxes is the chance to sample teas I would never normally purchase. Like this one! The name is intriguing and so is the base tea…I don’t think I’ve ever tried a green tea/rooibos blend before. It actually works better than I was expecting! The rooibos (combined with the rice) gives a convincing, woody “grilled” flavor that nicely balances the sweetness of the pineapple (which is unfortunately pretty artificial-tasting). This still isn’t something I would choose to purchase, but I’m glad I had the chance to try it out!

Here’s Hoping TTB

This had a strong orange scent when I opened the bag. Steeped, the orange faded and the chai spices and earthy black tea took center stage. It was okay, but not something I care to drink again.

Here’s Hoping TTB

The dry leaf of this tea is so pretty! Long, fuzzy pale green buds that give off a faint aroma of new-mown hay. The liquor steeps up to a clear light yellow-green color without much of a scent. The flavor is light and sweet and slightly fruity. This definitely seems to be a quality tea, but it’s also a reminder that white tea just isn’t my favorite. I prefer a more robust flavor.

Here’s Hoping TTB

Not a fan of this one. It smells and tastes mainly of rooibos with the barest hint of honeybush. No caramel at all! Drinkable, but doesn’t live up to the name whatsoever.

Here’s Hoping TTB

So nice! Smooth, creamy coconut goodness.

Here’s Hoping TTB

This is nice! I’m not really getting the chocolate, but it has an enjoyable creamy strawberry flavor. Not a standout, but I would certainly drink it again.

Here’s Hoping TTB

I had a cup of this with breakfast this morning. Unfortunately, I was running late for work, so I had to gulp it down and wasn’t able to notice much. Mostly apple flavor, not much fig, and quite astringent. I didn’t love it, but not going to rate since I didn’t really give it a fair trial.

Here’s Hoping TTB

Mmm, so good! After 3 minutes, the tea was a deep coffee brown and I was thinking I’d over-steeped and would need to add milk to offset the bitterness. But not so. This was a cup of smooth, full-bodied, malty deliciousness! I’ve been so impressed with most of the samples I’ve tried from Zen Tea. Definitely going to have to place an order one of these days!

Here’s Hoping TTB

I love me a good milk oolong, so I’m always down to try a new brand. This one isn’t for me, though…not “milky” enough. The flavor is more floral than creamy. Pleasant enough, but not what I’m looking for in a milk oolong.