When I received the kind gift of Anna time for tea shopping before leaving the US plus a ride to my favourite mall in Santa Clara, I obviously went straight to Lupicia. The very nice person working the store was helpful and patient with my many demands and inquiries and I found almost everything I wanted.
One thing I was looking for was a gift for my friend T – some tasty, more cookie-like alternative to that vile Bailey [sic!] tea from A.C. Perch we’ve shared samples of. What could be better than a tea named Cookie?
So I asked the salesperson if they did samples – they never have in any other Lupicia store, but it’s always worth a shot. They said yes, though, and not until far later in my tinsniffing adventures, did I realize they meant they’d brew up the samples for me. Thankfully, I’d only asked for two – Yume and Cookie. I’d asked for the latter solely because I wanted to be able to relate to my friend’s tea experience without asking for a sample from her – it wasn’t like I needed another black tea in my collection, considering how many 90+-rated blacks I’ve already found this year.
Yume was way too rosey for me.
And then Cookie.
Seriously, I had to get another tin for myself.
This must be compared to Wedding Impérial by Mariage Frères, which is among my most beloved teas ever, but it’s a lighter, far more playful approach to the same flavour spectrum. In the tin, it’s tempting, but not overwhelmingly so. The brewed tea, however, has a distinct note of buttery popcorn in the nose, which is absolutely irresistible, and brings something completely new to the table (cup). It’s also lighter than Wedding Impérial, both in terms of colour and texture, so it feels more like an everyday tea. I never really use additives, but I’m dying to try this with some sugar.
Flavour wise, it’s just perfect – a lighter version of my favourite tea, with added complexity and some surprises. Exactly the kind of tea I always look for.
I’m so happy I found this.
[From my Lupicia spree at Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, October 2013.]
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On my shopping list now! The only two lupicia teas I have on there are because of your reviews! ;)
Oh, but this is one of the samples I’m sending you, because you have to compare this to Wedding Impérial. Which is the other – I’ll send that, too! (They don’t ship to Canada, if I remember correctly… unlike ME.)
Oh man…this has been on. My list but now I really want it!
Gah… I wish we had Lupicia up here.
It’s on my list now too, so Sil lett me know if you go for it!
Cavo – oh I will…I’ve started making lists for Black Friday, thorough I may sneak a lupicia order in before the end of the month since sharon cut cut everyone off of orders until January, starting November lol
Haha, I love when I make tea orders happen. I want to try that brioche thing everyone is talking about, so let me know if anyone wants to long distance-trade.
Anna – I’m always down for a long distance trade. I actually love them since you get to try different things! I likely won’t be organized from vacation until next weekend (we get back late Saturday and I’ve got work to clean up) but I am happy to plan and plot :)
On my shopping list now! The only two lupicia teas I have on there are because of your reviews! ;)
Oh, but this is one of the samples I’m sending you, because you have to compare this to Wedding Impérial. Which is the other – I’ll send that, too! (They don’t ship to Canada, if I remember correctly… unlike ME.)
Oh man…this has been on. My list but now I really want it!
Gah… I wish we had Lupicia up here.
It’s on my list now too, so Sil lett me know if you go for it!
Cavo – oh I will…I’ve started making lists for Black Friday, thorough I may sneak a lupicia order in before the end of the month since sharon cut cut everyone off of orders until January, starting November lol
Haha, I love when I make tea orders happen. I want to try that brioche thing everyone is talking about, so let me know if anyone wants to long distance-trade.
Anna – I’m always down for a long distance trade. I actually love them since you get to try different things! I likely won’t be organized from vacation until next weekend (we get back late Saturday and I’ve got work to clean up) but I am happy to plan and plot :)