Various Artists

A vending machine drink called “lemon tea based hot drink”

Haven’t expected much, but it counts as tea, does it, right?! I took a sip minute before midnight, so I actually had teas yesterday, right?! (It’s now 5.20 am, writing this while waiting for train home (20 minutes and then 35 mins by train and 20 on foot))

It was worse than expected. It was like highly overbrewed ctc tea with citric acid. There is no notes to note, it was just bad. But it was a tea.

Mixed up “Klarer Kopf” and St. SebasTea Ceylon High Grown black tea in ratio roughly 1:1. I need to calm down because of exam today (I failed that one in Tuesday (next year!), yesterday I have passed International transport one) from Theory of Graphs. Honestly I wasn’t really able to focus on studies yesterday, so I went with some fast study in the morning (exam was from 10 am). So black tea for caffeine, herbals for calming down. Fuck you panic attacks and remorses.

So, if I have passed this one, one will remain. And that one is planned next Tuesday. Algorithms and programming. Something from last year. I have to pass it finally this year to have it done. It is really stressful stuff, because it mostly depends on teachers mood. If he wants you to fail, he will make you fail. He is programmer as a job, did some very improtant and nice programms, but he can’t explain it to people who don’t want/can’t do it. And he have got Rhotacism. I am not laughing on him, but maybe he is solving his issues with it in a way he let students fail? Hopefully not, but who knows.

As of today exam, well… I don’t know. It was too theory like, I would rather enjoy practial stuff there. But wasn’t it so bad. We will see. (If worst, I will go in September to resit)

Guangdong Top Brand – Yellow Grass (translated with Google Translate app)
Ingredients (translated with Google Translate app): Xihuancao, Hedyotis diffussa, Tianjihuang, Poria, Hawthorn

From huge bags, foil wrapped. Still have no idea how it will be. No instructions like steeping time, so I did about 3 minutes – as long it had nice colour all in the glass mug.

Eh, uh… the smell wasn’t bad, it was like some light black tea with some herbal notes. Taste was very herbal, but somehow light notes of tea. Actual tea! Then some earthy notes, but no taste/aroma of something undrinkable. I took a sip, afraid it will have some bad aftertaste or something and it was actually pretty good.

Not a cuppa I would return to, but it was way better than expected and actually quite tasty.

Sheraton Hotel & Resorts – Java Breakfast TEA

I had to look what hotels are Sheraton brand. Looks quite high end, so certainly it’s not from our family.

It’s simple black tea, bit fruity notes and somehow sweet. Like Keemun? I don’t know. Another day, when describing tea is somehow hard for me.

But it is tasty and quite full bodied, for tea bag it is certainly nice.

Huge bags section strikes again

Top Quali’Thé (brand name) – Thé à la Mûre (name of tea)

Ingredients: Tea (88,5 %), aroma mûre (blackberry or mulberry, 10.5 %), actual fruits 0,8 %, maltodextrin

Let’s see. I had to find at first what “Mûre” actually is. As I wrote earlier, apparently, blackberry or mulberry. I do not know if I had mulberry before. So I hope it will be like blackberries. A sugar there? Oh, okay – what I can do.

I really do not think it is “Top Quali’Thé” when it is in a bag, sweetened, lots of aroma… Brews cloudy brown, cheap tea colour. Aroma is indeed quite strong, but maybe because of age not somehow annoying. Tea itself was quite tasty, certainly like blackberries, but no tartness and sourness I usually recall when somebody says blackberry. Some base tea was in taste as well pronounced, some sweet notes was there as well – but not annoyingly sweet.

I have expected much worse, but actually, it is cheap tea with blackberry flavour. So, not so bad.

Blackberry teas… are they even available?

Oh well,
I had yesterday a tea from Advent Calendar from Sonnentor with number 5. And today it is 10th December? Well, it is faster than I thought. During Thursday-Monday early morning I was on trip with my friend in Slovakia, so we bought some gifts and then left to Budapest for last shopping spree. But, we both weren’t very healthy, I was totally caught by flu. And with flu I have nose bleeding episodes, so it wasn’t great. Unfortunately, in the guest house we were staying there were no free kettle, so I had only teas they offered during breakfast:

Once a ginger tea with herbs, second time green tea and for third time I have decided for peppermint tea. All of them were like 75 at maximum, bit boring ones, to be honest. So, my tea everyday have got third (or fourth) blank spot. Bit sad about it, and moreover – I am behind with my advent calendar.

Yesterday I drank number 5, which was named “Pleasant Leisure Time” and only thing I noticed it was herbal tea. That’s why I did not even made special entry of the tea, because – as I am sick, I just drank it and did not notice anything but hot tea. Today I feel bit better, so I will be back with proper tasting note (as much as I can). Too bad that I spent today (it is still morning though) at home, because I miss exam time, but hey, I really could not go there – I felt so weak after I woke up.

And then I turn on the TV and hear there were mass shooting in hospital in third largest city in country and 6 were killed. Oh well. All were patients, no doctors or nurses. But still very sad. They have already a picture and (probably) a name. Weird world!

Da Hong Pao from Teapro, from Izzy – Thank you! Prepared gong-fu, 3g per 85 ml.

As I could not find this tea on their website nor on Steepster, decided to make steeping notes here.

Dry aroma was kinda meh, nothing distinctive, maybe bit of hazelnuts, roasted aroma is there as well.

I did 10/20/30/40/40+/50+/60+ seconds long steeps and then I ran out of water. It was not a big trouble, because last steeps were weak.

First steeps were indeed nutty, but it turns to mineral notes, soil, muddy, nothing really enjoyable. It was good one, but not really my style. I expected something more mellow, maybe bit more roasted – maybe this was too aged one? I do not know.

Holy moly! Okay, another tea from that big stash, this time from Teekanne brand. And fruit one.
But the catalogue is saying it is from 2010 (first appearance) so it can be 9 years old? Well, let’s see if it is even drinkable. It says only Früchte Geheimnis (Fruit secret). As it is so old, no chance to find out what is in. Here, a catalogue entry: https://www.catawiki.com/catalog/tea-bags-and-tea-labels/manufacturers-brands/teekanne/3210051-fruchte-geheimnis

Brews quite light tea honestly. Maybe it is not 99 per cent hibiscus and more fruits are there. But I am completelly unable to detect which ones are in.But in taste it is clear. Apples, with little of orange (zest maybe?) and hibiscus tartness. Hmm, okay – maybe the age?

Song pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXlBCWlv0E0

Prepared in one litre french press for everyone in family.

A tea bag of “Dutch tea blend” with Royal Orange “brand”. By search in tea bag collectors comunnity I found out that real manufactuer is probably Axxent.

And how is the tea? Actually not bad. It is black tea mellowed with orange peel (I found it in tea bag catalogue as well). I am rather surprised it was so mellow, as I expected some bitter black tea. Maybe combination of Ceylon teas. But no. It turned out pretty good, considering it is tea bag only.

This tea is in wonderful wrapper with some flowerin branch and a train with only text in Latin script saying: “Taiwan Alishan Tea”.

When smelled dry tea bag I think it is some kind of light roasted oolong. This was certainly noticeable after brewed. It was lighlty green with yellow notes. In taste it was floral and orchid like. Not vegetal at all, and overall, rather towards sweet notes than astringency. Good one, though only tea bag.

300ml / 3 minutes steep, just boiled water.

I am studying for tomorrow exam. I think I would not pass it. Is it hard and I do not have a single idea what they can ask for.

But I am trying.
I took a tea bag I have from postcrossing. It is from Russia, “brand” Dolce Albero. I was trying to find anything about it, but in vain.

It just says SOURSOP, flavour green tea. Let me see how is it.
I used rather colder water (even 80 °C is on bag :O) and 3-5 minutes steep. I did about 3 minutes.

The colour is not very rewarding, cloudy yellow-greenish something. It looks like pond water.

In aroma it is cacti, artificial, maybe bit grassy.

Taste: I do not know how soursop should taste like, but tea itself is quite refreshing, sweet, lychee… and probably that soursop.

It is not bad.

Received this little (7 grams) brick in redditgifts from Belarus. Now, it ´s time to check, if it is good, or bad.

Wrapping says, in traslation just, Top Pu-erh, 2003.

I did not wanted to make rinse, but made it. 15 seconds, maybe closer to 20. The rinse woke up all the aromas of wet rocks, earthy flavours, very mineral. I let it sip my brother and he claims it smells and tastes like something from old cottages. Maybe bit of tar, he says.

First steep is completely opaque dark brown, rather bit like black. I have oversteeped it?
It was just 20 seconds! Taste is quite drying, but actually same as aromas. Bleh, last sip was with lots of dirt.

Second steep…
I just looked into gaiwan before filling it with water. It looks quite dusty, small leaves, pieces of branches. Anyway, water in, lid on. 20 seconds. Aromas are weaker, taste milder. I like it. But still same, just not so drying.

Third;
25 seconds.
Same as second I guess. Maybe little bit more mineral.

Fourth brew:
30 seconds,
Apparently this tea is slowly over. I think one more steep. Or maybe it is just because I don´t enjoy those steeps at all. Too mineral for me, too earthy. This steep is more over muddy. Nah, I think it is over for me. It it getting more clear though. Now I feel even something cooling. Dunno, it is like mints.

Another steep, fifth – about 40+ seconds
still very dusty. Clear liquor though. More to red. It is just same as fourth. Completely same. It is just getting weaker every steep.

That´s it I guess. I probably will do more steeps, but if they don´t change flavour at all, I think – I won´t update it.

Even I have to write a tasting note to this “tea”. I have received an awesome care package from my friend (and penpal) in Switzerland. There were teas in (this one and 3 more) and three chocolate bars. Lindt chocolate bars! She spend so much just I felt weird (and bad) and she said it is nothing, just a care package. I was really crying because it is so nice from her. I can´t even thank her enough.

I had really crazy weekend. I wanted to study but my brain is telling me that I should not care. I should enjoy the moment. WTF brain? So, I did nothing. I even took today as a free day, as I need to finish something to school. I just don´t want to though. It is already 11 am and I did literally nothing. At least I have a pot of this tea. So, let´s describe it a bit.

It is called Glücksmomente, which means “happy moments”. Yeah, I just need that! What is in? Lemon balm, orange mint, nettle, some parts (can´t translate) from fir (maybe my favourite tips?), rose hips, marigold and “Monarda didyma”.

I even put it in tea pot, not just a cup, because I fell like I need a lots of it. And boy, it smells so wonderful! Firs and balm strongly hit my nose. Then something bit spicy and fresh citrus. I guess that is the nettle with orange mint.

I think the tea is calming me down a bit. Maybe I feel bit drowsy even. But that´s okay. I took a pink grapefruit chocolate I received as well. I can´t decide what smells better. If the tea or the chocolate. Chocolate is kind of bitter, but very nice. The fresh notes of grapefruits are very interesting when combined with chocolate. The tea on the other hand is bit spicy with orange notes. The citrusy flavours due to fir parts are there too.

Aww, so great herbal blend. Thank you Fabiana.

Welp, I’m putting this here because while I know what kind of tea it is, it is not available to purchase except by wholesale. It’s a US FOODS tea, under their “Rituals” brand. Specifically their Citrus Green. I got about six teabags of this from a hotel we stayed at when my Grandmother passed away.

The flavor of this tea is very tasty for a teabag. I can taste the green, but it isn’t too overly astringent or grassy. The citrus shines through nicely, without it having an overpowering citric acid taste. In all, I will be sad to see this one go. This is my last of the six teabags that I brought home with me. So yeah, sad day, not just because this is the last of this tea, but because drinking it reminds me of my Grandma’s passing. All in all, a good bagged tea. If I ever stay at a hotel that stocks it again, you can best bet I will be getting more.

Me: Hey Sara, I have this unmarked paper bag of pyramid teabags, I think from a tea festival, sound familiar?
Sara: Oh yeah, it was Tao of Tea I think, let me look…
https://steepster.com/mastressalita/posts/393751

Mostly I wanted to know what temperature to brew and for how long, but I figured it looked and smelled herbal. Yup, it’s an herbal hibiscus from Tao of Tea! I hot brewed it, but since reading Sara’s tasting note again, I want to try cold steeping it too. I didn’t pick up on it until reading hers, but I do pick out a weird tomato soup note along with the hibiscus and citrus and spices! This will be in my “drink until it’s gone” spot for now.

This was given to my daughter-in-law by a co-worker. The label says:

Happy Christmas Everyone!

I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with you all since coming on this Summer. Thank you for welcoming me as part of the team! Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year!!
With Love and Friendship, (name)

This is an Immunity Tea Blend that I make. It is 100% organic and blessed 108 times (the number of beads on a mala) for wellness, peace, and love to all beings everywhere. Drink to your health!

Ingredients: Astralgus, Elderberry, Echinacea Root & Leaf, Marjoram, Goldenseal, Dandelion, Peppermint, Amla

The tea bag has a drawstring and looks like it’s made of corn husk. The leaf and brewed cup smell familiar, possibly cause of the echinacea. From the beginning of the sip to the end, a variety of flavors dance in my mouth, mostly of the “medicinal” varieties. Lots of roots! There’s a medicinal aftertaste too. There’s also a hint of the peppermint. I’m going to give it a moment to see if I feel anything from it.

Okay, I feel good, maybe a little high? Probably blessed! Pairs well with chocolate chip cookies.

This was blended by a neighbor here in Boulder Creek and presented to my daughter-in-law Emily in a re-used glass pudding jar, with no list of ingredients. Emily runs a home bakery and occasionally gets thank-you tips/gifts. She quickly offered it to me as someone more willing to try such things.

I can see and smell chamomile in the dry leaf. I brewed it grandpa-style in a mug, then poured it into a travel mug. As I poured it back, I did so through the lid, filtering out most of the leaf in the process. Back and forth again, and it was a drinkable temperature. I prefer to drink plain tea at 51 C / 124 F, or about 53 C / 127 F with milk.

This blend is very licorice-forward. I wonder if it has anise and/or fennel, but I definitely taste some sweet licorice root in there. The chamomile flavor comes in at the end of the sip. I can still taste licorice well after a sip. It’s overall pretty nice, and probably good for an evening herbal brew. I’ll have to ask which neighbor made this.

So, I suddenly craved Earl Grey hot cocoa tonight.

I pulled out my unopened one-of-a-kind box of Douglas Adams Earl Grey by Rosie Lea Tea, a custom box I ordered through Etsy in 2019, with the quote: “A cup of tea would restore my normality.”

I decided not to review this tea quite yet, as I don’t know yet what it tastes like on its own. Also it’s a bit past the best-by date in 2020.

I microwaved some oat milk, steeped 3 grams of tea in the oat milk with my gravity steeper, then poured it into a blender with some 81% chocolate pieces. I waited a little for the chocolate to soften, then blended it up. (I usually make hot cocoa this way but w/o any tea)

This is everything I had opened for. The bergamot taste pairs nicely with the chocolate without overpowering it. Mmm!

Day 21 of Sara’s Old Tea! (blackjack!)

So, this is labeled as “Ruby Oolong Qingming Special.” Rishi’s Ruby Oolong is listed here, but this is something different, and I’ve only found a few references to it with a web search.

Oh man, wish I could get more of this. It’s got malt and honey notes like my favorite black teas, and there’s something a little metallic, but not in a bad way. I’ll bet their regular ruby oolong is good too.

On the 7th day of Sara’s Old Tea, Sara gave to me…
Greek Mountain Tea! From an unknown maker.

This is a tasty herbal! As suggested, I left the tea bag in my cup. It tastes like walking around the rose garden in Portland and hearing birds singing. Seriously, where can I get this stuff? Would drink more.

Coal!

In day four of my advent calendar from Sara, I got mystery cheap pu-erh. Labeled “Coal!”

I found Sara’s review of this tea, and it came in a sampler from Liquid Proust. She said:

“This one was simply labeled as ‘Cheap.’ Yup. Just that. No year, no sheng/shou differentiation, but I guess whoever got this didn’t pay much for it! Fair enough. I never judge a tea by its price anyway. Taste is what’s important!”

I boiled water, rinsed it for about 10 seconds, and steeped for two.

The aroma is neutral, very slightly eartly. The taste is kind of smoky, earthy, roasted, and like black tea. Not very good black tea… I’m getting a bit of a “Lipton” note. The aftertaste has an artichoke note.

With all the hype about this tea, I am shocked at how inoffensive it is. It’s better than plain Lipton (I haven’t tried their discontinued berry tea), and I’ve certainly had worse bagged tea in restaurants which I’ve gotten down. I wouldn’t recommend it, but I don’t hate it either, hence the 51% rating.

The taste lingers somewhat pleasantly in a “please don’t hate me” kind of a way.

November 2023 Sipdown Challenge – an herbal tisane

Last of the teas my aunt brought back from Istanbul last year. This is Pomegranate Tea – granulated fruit and seed. I think I did 1 tablespoon to 8oz boiling.

Came out very sour with a rich, juicy pomegranate taste and strong florality that I don’t get in either the fresh fruit or the juice. It’s almost like roses crossed with plumeria – a dry but fleshy scent at the same time. I can breathe it out of my nose. Quite nice. We do have a pomegranate tree in our yard but I don’t recall ever sniffing the flowers. Tastes better luke warm than hot.

I was surprised to find a small box at my front door several months ago – a gorgeous Jin Hou (Golden Monkey) black tea with bergamot oil. Blended by AJ, this tea was thoughtfully sent in return for a sample of Whispering Pines’ Earl Gold Reserve that was originally from beerandbeancurd.

The bergamot oil is particularly fresh and penetrating in bag but it is smoothed in the cup by the small-leaf Jin Hou black tea with its natural notes of dried currants, sparkling honey, caramelized sugar and sweet chocolate that come on stronger as I sip down this cup. Medium-bodied, somewhat oily and soft with a welcome briskness on the back-end. A hint of buttery caramel is in the aftertaste while the zesty flavor of bergamot lingers on the tongue and tingles the salivary glands.

Second steep has more malt than dried fruit and brown sweetness but still has plenty of bergamot that now tastes more like Froot Loops. I forgot about this cup so it’s a bit astringent but also heartier. Perhaps long and strong steeps like this would pair well with a touch of milk.

A pleasure to sip on a cold October morning when my body is sore and slow to move.

Thanks AJ!