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Hidden Gems TTB #8

Although I’ve tried quite a few English Breakfast teas, this is only my second Irish Breakfast blend. The first one was from Great British Tea Store and it had a delicious caramel flavor that I couldn’t get enough of. This one is nice…robust and malty and takes milk well…but not outstanding.

Hidden Gems TTB #7

Ooo, this is lovely! I didn’t realize it was a green tea and probably over-steeped it, but it came out delicious anyway. I would never have thought of putting apricot flavor and chai spices together, but it works so well…warm and sweet with just a little bit of spicy kick. This got my day off to a great start!

Hidden Gems TTB #6

This is such a unique tea! From the name, I would expect something smooth and sweet and buttery…and it is! But it’s also unexpected spicy and slightly savory thanks to the cumin and peppercorns. It’s an odd combination of flavors, but somehow they all work together quite well and I ended up really enjoying my cup. I don’t think this is something I’d reach for often, but I’m glad for the opportunity to try it out!

I completely missed out on the legendary Foxy Roxy tea, so I was so excited when Stacy came out with another banana bread-type blend. Now that I’ve tried it, I’m kicking myself for not ordering more! This stuff is magical…smooth, silky oolong supporting an incredibly natural banana flavor with hints of walnuts and a nice sweet aftertaste from the butterscotch. A cup of this could easily replace dessert for me…but I’ll be saving it for special occasions because I want to make this last as long as possible!

Mmm, I am so glad I ordered an extra ounce of this one in Stacy’s 50% off sale! The plum flavor is strong and sweet with a bit of cashew nuttiness adding depth and richness. I don’t really pick up on the cake flavor, but I don’t mind a bit because the combination is SO delicious! I’m sure going to miss Butiki…

Hidden Gems TTB #5

I think I may need to stop trying chocolate teas. I already have one that I LOVE (David’s Chocolate Rocket…thanks carol who!) and none of the others I’ve tried quite measure up. This one wasn’t terrible, but I found the flavor a bit weak and watery. Maybe it would be better with milk?

Hidden Gems TTB #4

Thank you to Kayla for including a sample of this one for me! I have The Naughty Vicar from The London Tea Room and love it, so I was eager to try more of their tea. This one is a nice, basic English Breakfast blend. There’s nothing unique or outstanding about it, but it is strong and smooth and malty and tasty with or without milk. It’s also very reasonably priced! I would consider purchasing this one when I run out of my current breakfast tea.

Hidden Gems TTB #3

I tend to stay away from red rooibos, because it often has a woody flavor that I don’t enjoy. But this one smelled so delicious, I just had to give it a try! And I’m glad I did. This stuff is non-alcoholic almond amaretto: rich and sweet with a strong (but not too overpowering) almond flavor. Thank you to Analina for sharing all of these wonderful Cornelia Bean teas…I’ve discovered lots of true hidden gems thanks to you!

Hidden Gems TTB #2

The evil hibiscus strikes again! This tea smells like blueberry muffin and has a nice blueberry flavor in the beginning of the sip. But towards the end, the hibiscus takes over completely and you are left with mouth-puckering tart aftertaste. Still glad for the opportunity to try a new tea company, though!

Hidden Gems TTB #1

There are so many amazing-looking teas in this box, but I’m limiting myself to herbal tisanes at this time of night. This one is super delicious! Not a generic citrus flavor, but a very distinctive juicy grapefruit taste with just the right amount of tartness. I’m enjoying it hot tonight, but I’m guessing it would be a wonderfully refreshing iced tea in the summer.