985 Tasting Notes
I was looking for a strong breakfast tea this morning…. Man, this one will put hairs on your chest for sure! I probably over steeped, and did not even consider adding milk before I dumped it (which is a shame, because I needed the tea for morning clarity to think of the milk first….). This is for the Irish Breakfast lovers on a day they want something stronger! And perhaps it is a good thing this one is not a love, as SpecialTeas is no more.
Thank you to Batrachoid for the sample and reminding me that I am pretty soft when it comes to tea! I like mine smooth enough to forgo the milk. I might just resteep this, for the sake of scientific experimentation, and I will remember the milk!
Preparation
My first milk oolong. Thank you to Queen of Tarts for passing this along. I know this is not the best example of milk oolong, but I figured it was a good place to start in order to see if this type of tea has its place in my cupboard.
The leaves are huge…..and very green compared to most oolongs I have tried. I am drinking this one sans additions! I do get a bit of a green taste…I am guessing that is the vegetal taste people talk about when referring to a greenish oolong. Also, I see why it is called “milk” oolong; I definitely taste a milky creaminess even though the color of the liquid is lightly yellow-green and clear. This one is not something I would buy, but I will drink it. I can’t wait to try a few other milk oolongs! The second steep was about the same.
Preparation
Best oolong ever (for flavored!) I can totally see myself drinking this often especially in the summer months. It is fruity and refreshing. Must try it iced at some point. Thank you Dinosara for an awesome HoppiTEA Swap treat!
The fruit flavors are paired with a darker oolong base. You don’t really get any vegetal flavors with this one (as I am assuming that is what they are called with a greener oolong…yes, the oolong noob that I am.) I can definitely tast the mango and something other berry…kind of between a raspberry and a cranberry. Love it!
Preparation
I have had this for about a week, but finally opened it today. I saw the recent tasting notes of ashmanra and JacquelineM and could not put it off any longer…..
This is wonderfully smooth….lightly smokey with cocoa notes and a rich taste. Definitely a wonderful tea, and well worth the price. Harney has a way with tea!
Second steep is as good as the first..steeped for 5 minutes. Shall we go for three?
Preparation
Have you tried longer steep times with this? I’ve read that mao feng can develop very good flavors up to seven minutes.
I will have to try that! One of the things I really noticed with this tea, is there is absolutely no hint of bitterness. It makes sense that longer steeps would work.
Third steep at 8 minutes was great, too!
I can’t wait to try a long steep on this one! This should be interesting, and I am in the mood for a really good tea experience after this morning’s disappointing Hao Ya A from Southern Season. Going to boil water now!
This one is raspberry and coconut with a darkish black base. It resteeps well, and really makes a great dessert tea. I am not sure it is one I could drink frequently, but it is definitely a treat! Thank you to ladykittykat for an awesome swap!
I am onto my third? sample of David’s Tea. All I have to say is that I am jealous of my Canadian tea drinker friends. I think David’s has great quality from all that I have had a chance to try thus far. And for some of you, you can visit the shop! I am still trying to get to a shop that does not start with ‘T’. I have a feeling, that if I were able to shop for tea in person, I would be drowning in tea, rather than just swimming in it!
Preparation
It wasn’t until I started swapping that I realized how lucky I am to be able to visit a DavidsTea any time I please. I’ve tried quite a few other companies by now, but DavidsTea still remains the best, IMHO.
And yay swaps! Let me know if there’s anything else you want to try! .
No worries…there are always those of us in the Great White North who will help a fellow David’s Tea lover out. I didn’t realize how lucky I was to have two in my neighbourhood until I learned that you need $50 to make free shipping. Of course, that’s all too easy to do but I LOVE to smell their teas!
I just received a package from DavidsTea today. It’s really quick! The $50/free shipping applies to the USA, too. :)
QuiltGuppy- I knew that about David’s, but sometimes it is hard to jump in for $50 if you don’t know what you are getting. That is why I so appreciate those that have swapped David’s samples with me…. I will order at some point for sure, now that I know it is worth it!
Believe me, I know nothing is more disappointing than ordering a bag of tea that I don’t like. (I wish they had samples.) However, it also gives ammunition for swapping. I have several of the teas from there, too, so if there’s something you want to try, I may have it!
Yes….Happiness and relaxation in a cup. This truly is a restorative to me, and will be close to my heart like my Rose Congou. Luckily, Teas Etc. finally returned my email with good news….it is back in stock!
There is a perfect balance of floral and bergamot notes along with green and black tea base. I did slightly sweeten mine, but truly a wonderful tea! Thank you JacquelineM for sending me a generous sample! I am noticing that our tastes seem to run very similar!
I have started to make this iced….. 4 slightly heaping tsp. in my 45 oz. teapot, boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and allow to cool. Serve over ice.
Very refreshing! Needs no additions. It has a sweet, minty, citrusy taste. Just ordered more!
Preparation
My breakfast cup…..brewed strong (2 tsp in 1 1/2 cups water) with sweetener and milk. Honestly, it tasted better than my coffee this morning…..
One day, I will kick that coffee habit. I am down to one cup in the morning. I think I could probably do without it now, but the DH needs coffee in the am, so I drink some, too.
I received a sample of this in a swap with silvermage2000. Thank you so much for sending this one…..It is always so much fun to try one of 52 teas blends that I missed.
The blueberry is great. I found this one to be slightly less creamy and buttery than Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish, but now I must beg Frank for another blueberry tea! Please, Frank!
Preparation
I went a little crazy in my last Harney order and just added a tin of this in (along with the Keemun Mao Feng, both without even sampling first!)….
Boy am I glad I did, this is toasty, malty, has dark cocoa notes with a hint of sweetness at the end, all rolled up in a snail-shaped golden leaf! The liquor is thick giving a full mouth feel and very satisfying. Definiely a favorite!
Preparation
Yippee! I have this in my cart right now. I plan to order within the next few days.
I had this one back and forth as a sample, and then a tin, and then a sample….since I was splurging on the Keemun Mao Feng, and my Adagio English breakfast is down to about 4 cups left, I threw caution to the wind! So glad I did!
I want some just because it looks like snails! Squee! Might have to convince De that she wants to try this one.
I ordered Keemun Mao Feng last time and I like it, and it is a real favorite of guesets. I have high hopes for this one, too!
I tried the one from Harney and Sons and it was pretty good. It wasn’t too terribly strong, but was in the vein of Irish Breakfast as you say. I think maybe the particles were not as small? But I agree, strong assams make my tummy rumble and I like a tea that is good straight, even if I do add milk and sugar in the mornings!