158 Tasting Notes
This is so great. I’ve had mine for a little over a month now and I use it multiple times a day. I now drink MUCH more tea thanks to the convenience of this appliance. Definitely worth the money.
At first I was a bit irked by the short cord but then I read that it’s a safety precaution so children don’t pull it by the cord off of the counter while water is boiling and harm themselves. So that’s actually a great idea.
The holes do let very small leaves through but you can easily solve this problem by placing this in your cup while you pour your tea – http://www.amazon.com/FORLIFE-Extra-fine-Infuser-Porcelain-Dish/dp/B001JP1KPO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312356616&sr=8-1 – I searched high and low to find the infuser with the smallest holes out there – and THIS is it folks, I’ve ordered several of these for myself, friends and family.
Best tea maker out there!
God this is good. I really like it as it nears room temperature. I inhale deeply with every gulp. I’ve almost reached the end of my first bag. D:
I’m going to hide the next two when they arrive. I am not sharing. MINE. MY SWEET HONEYBUSH!
Preparation
This was interesting. The dry leaves smelled like Jack Daniels and Cherry Coke, once wet immediately reminded me of Cherry Carmex, Neccos and Pine Sol. Steeps to a dark raspberry colored liquor. I had to add quite a bit of sweetener, as this was very prominently hibiscus and very tart. Tastes like hibiscus, cherry, alcohol and a bit of raspberry. I don’t think I like it hot, as I normally don’t like hot fruity teas. This is like hot fruit juice with alcohol. I’ll let it cool and try it iced.
Edit.
Tried this iced. It tasted like cherry lime Kool-aid..plus a funny taste I can’t place. Just wasn’t digging it.
Preparation
This was just not my cup of tea. But I’ve also never really been a fan of amaretto. I just can’t get over how much this reminds me of cherry Halls cough drops, I tried, but with every sip it just tastes to me like liquid cherry Halls cough drops. I swear I can even taste the menthol. And I’ve always had a strong disliking of those, too. I love the scent and taste of almonds, apricots and peaches. But this was the first tea I’ve ever tried that I just couldn’t drink. :/
I’m going to refrain from giving a numerical rating because I’m not saying the quality of the tea is bad, it just does not agree with me!
Preparation
Just received my sample pack from Tea Forte’s Herbal Retreat collection http://www.teaforte.com/store/tea-gifts/herbal-retreat/
It’s a hot, sticky day in the midwest today, so naturally I chose the Mojito Marmalade. The first thing I notice is how convenient these single steep packets are. I just rip open the pre-portioned packet that’s just enough for 12 ounces of tea and pour it into my infusing basket.
The dry leaves smell gorgeous and make my mouth water! Bright, sweet orange marmalade and cooling spearmint. I just keep inhaling! This is like aromatherapy. I boiled 12 ounces of water and steeped for the recommended 5 minutes.
Steeps to a rich golden brown liquor. The honeybush and rooibos lend a soothing, smooth natural sweetness and set up a great base for the flavors. Satisfying mouthfeel. I next notice the perfect amount of mint! Just enough to make you take a deep breath and go, “Ahhhh.” Very relaxing. The orange marmalade is toned down very much in comparison to the smell of the dry leaves but it carries over very nicely and the flavors mix together very well. Perfect balance of citrus and mint. I iced the remaining of my tea once it cooled, added a touch sweetener and wow! I really like this! I will definitely be purchasing more of this to enjoy iced on the rest of these hot summer days. Thanks, Tea Forte!
Preparation
Drinking this in bed while I listen to Ok Computer and ponder about extraterrestrials. I was watching Ancient Aliens earlier. I love that show.
I steeped it at the recommended 212 degrees tonight, for 10 minutes. I’d previously been steeping 52 Tea’s honeybush blends at 195 degrees in hopes of preserving the dessert flavors as best as possible. But it seems that they held up very well. I’m not too sure which temperature I think is better…hmm. I will have to experiment more.
Poured it hot over a spoon of german rock sugar crystals. They are pricey but they really are the perfect choice when you don’t want any added flavor from a sweetener, just enhancement of the tea’s flavors.
Ahhh. 52 Teas makes me a happy girl.
Preparation
The bf and I are enjoying this hot with a touch of cream, brown sugar and a sprinkle of caramel creamer. The caramel mixes really well with the flavors. Then we added a spoon of honey and it tastes like banana bread fresh out the oven dripping in butter and honey. Yummm. We could drink this every day. My mom even tried this yesterday and LOVED it… and she only drinks black coffee. (Permanent! Everyone lovesss it!)
Preparation
Whoops why am I still awake.
After trying 52 Teas’s blends I have to downgrade this.. Frank if you made a vanilla/caramely caffeine free tea I know it’d top Vanilla Comoro for SURE.
I want to find an amazing caffeine free vanilla caramel dessert tea that would knock my socks off. I would stock up in bulk and drink it every day.
Damn! I still need to get me one of those. If only to just stare at it it.
You know I’m OCD with my steeping parameters when even the customization ability of this isn’t good enough for me lol.
haha. yeah, I’m pretty OCD myself but it’s quite the great little machine.
Yeah I’d definitely want a lower min temp, lower min water volume, the ability to completely customize the time (not just in 30 sec increments) and the ability to completely customize the temp (not just in 5 degree increments).
Oh you’re totally just bragging by linking to THIS review ;P I’ve been intrigued by this since I first heard about it, glad to hear good things. My friend’s got a Zarafina one that worked really well for him, but apparently they don’t make that anymore.
The customization features and and water capacity on the Breville beats the Zarafina. It’s nice to look at, too. It’s totally worth it. It’s not perfect, but it’s the closest thing yet.
Thanks for posting the finest strainer you found. I ordered one with anticipation to use with my Breville that I just got today!! Can’t wait to get home and try it!!