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Another sample from lolainred! I’ve heard her talk about this company, so I was glad for a chance to try one of their teas. Unfortunately, I made it in a hurry and I’m afraid I over-steeped it. My cup came out quite grassy and vegetal with a bitter tang to the aftertaste. Not going to rate this one, since I didn’t really give it a fair trial.

I tried this one at work today and I really wasn’t a fan. The smell and taste reminded me of seaweed (not that I’ve ever eaten seaweed, but there was a salty tang to it that made me think of the ocean.) There was also a good bit of astringency that left my mouth feeling puckery after I finished the cup. Overall, this was drinkable, but not something I’d reach for again.

Not sure why this one has had such low ratings from others. I find it to be absolutely delicious and the perfect holiday tea! The black/oolong base is perfectly balanced: deep and rich but with a nice silky mouth feel and the flavor is spot-on chestnut. I find myself reaching for this one on those days when I’m not in the mood for a straight black tea but I also don’t want the sweet/heavy flavor of the many dessert teas I have in my collection. I gave my roommate 2oz of this one for Christmas and she has already finished it and gone back for another 4oz bag!

I’ve been wanting to try this one for ages and I’m so glad I was finally able to get my hands on it. This may be my new favorite dessert tea! The black base is smooth and blends perfectly with the warm flavor of a sweet, nutty pastry. I love it plain but it also makes an AMAZING tea latte!

A big thank you to lolainred for sending me a sample of this one! I’ve loved every black tea I’ve tried from Whispering Pines and this one was no exception. It has a heady scent and rich, full-bodied flavor. Deep bittersweet chocolate is the main note, but I’m also picking up on some baked bread and malt…so delicious! And I’d be willing to bet this is one of those teas that I can keep on steeping all day long. (So I will…)

I own the re-blend of this tea (Spiced Nog) but the original had already sold out by the time I discovered Butiki. Thank you to lolainred for sharing a sample of this one! The green base tea is the perfect smooth, creamy accompaniment for the delicious eggnog flavor. This is the perfect way to enjoy a cup of eggnog without the calories!

Thank you to lolainred for the introduction to a new-to-me tea company! This tea was quite lovely: a warm blend of spices well-balanced with sweet citrus and a hint of chocolate lingering in the background. It was the perfect afternoon pick-me-up today!

I finally got to try the legendary Foxy Roxy today, thanks to lolainred. Nobody does banana tea like Stacy! This one isn’t quite as amazing as Banana Walnut Butterscotch, in my opinion, but it’s close! It tastes like a slice of banana bread fresh from the oven…rich banana flavor with a hint of nuttiness and just a little bit of sweetness. So yummy!

Another amazing fruit/nut tea from Stacy…she does this type of flavor combo SO well! The raspberry is definitely the predominant flavor in this one, but I’m also picking up on the hazelnut. I don’t really notice the butterscotch; maybe that would come out more if I added sugar? Anyway, it’s a delicious tea and I’m so glad I was able to get my hands on an ounce of it. I’ll enjoy every last cup! Thanks, QueenofTarts!

This tea does NOT taste like strawberry champagne…it tastes like a strawberry jelly-filled doughnut! The strawberry flavor is quite sweet and slightly artificial and there is a distinct pastry note to the aftertaste. It’s not at all what I was expecting, but it’s actually pretty good! Not sure this is something I would buy, but I’ll happily drink the 3 sachets I have left. Thank you to The Cookie Lady for the awesome swap package…I’ve been sampling the teas she sent me all week and I still have several left to try!