241 Tasting Notes
The last of the tin. I’ve had this so long, I’m not even sure where it came from. I’m guessing a gift from a friend’s travels to where huckleberry grow. They aren’t found local to me. Sipping between meetings and watching a video about a new tea service that opened in Boston.
It smells lovely and steeps up a dark brown color. It hits me as rather astringent but with definite huckleberry. I may have oversteeped but I remember having the same impression with prior mugs of this. Fixed it with a splash of milk.
Flavors: Bitter, Huckleberry
Preparation
Came home from breakfast out feeling out of sorts. So I snagged this one out of the “to try” jar and settled in with some comfy sweats. I really like this one. It reminds me of one of the cold teas I also enjoy. I should compare the ingredient listings to see what exactly it is that I’m favoring. I’m suspecting it’s the fennel or the licorice. There is a minty flavor as well that is enjoyable. It’s a sweet tea and very smooth. I don’t have any illusions that it’s going to cure what ails me, but it’s definitely making me feel a bit happier.
Flavors: Fennel, Licorice, Mint
Preparation
After reading the reviews on this one, I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it. I actually had been gifted a tea set from a tea friend that was made specifically for Tea Forte tea bags. There is a space for the little leaf to poke out of the top of the tea cup lid. The minute the hot water hit the tea bag I could smell the spices. I steeped for about 5 minutes and love the dark amber color of the tea.
My first few sips were very creamy. I attributed that to the buttered bread I had for breakfast while waiting for the tea but the creamy flavor lasted through the cup. The pepper is there and the other spices seemed to jump around from sip to sip- cloves, cinnamon, cardamom. Often with chai blends, I do add a splash of milk but I didn’t feel the need. It’s not the spiciest chai I’ve had but if this is representative of their blend, I would purchase it again.
Flavors: Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Creamy, Pepper
Preparation
I think this is the first tea out of the sampler that I’ve enjoyed. The chamomile is soothing with a warm citrus of the lemongrass and floral notes. I don’t sense the mint that other’s mention. This was a nice cup to have while relaxing this evening.
Flavors: Citrusy, Floral, Herbal, Lemongrass
Preparation
It definitely smells like Raspberry Ganache while steeping. It came out very bitter for me. I don’t think I oversteeped but I did get distracted by tossing a load of laundry in so it is possible. The raspberry is there and I get a “sense” of chocolate but also a chemical/artificial flavor kind of like coffee. This one was a cup that I didn’t finish.
Flavors: Bitter, Chocolate, Raspberry
Preparation
Travel to a Ren Faire and find a tea from a tea company you’ve never heard from to find out that it’s local to home. I spent a good amount of time boring my family by sniffing all the tea samples in the shop and came home with 4. Two are “summer” flavors and two are “fall/winter” blends. As summer has decided to make an appearance today, I’m sampling this lavender coconut herbal blend. It is recommended cold brew and has steeping directions for hot. I’m starting with hot and popping a container in the fridge for cold brew.
The blend has obvious pineapple and coconut pieces in it. Large chunks even, making it a bit challenging to get a balanced teaspoon out for my kettle. I steeped at 200 for about 7 minutes. It’s sweet and even sweeter after steeping. No need for added sugar in my mind but the website recommends an Orange Blossom Honey. I love the coconut and pineapple but don’t really get the lavender in this mug.
Flavors: Coconut, Pineapple, Sweet
Preparation
This came as a sample with my order last Fall. I noted that the “best by date” was last week so I made myself a mug this morning. Yesterday I was watching a video about the history of using mint leaves for medicine/health through the ages. I know I definitely feel better with a good strong mint tea.
There is a nice minty scent to the tea while steeping. It’s a strong peppermint but I like it. The tea feels fresh and smooth. It definitely tastes pepperminty with a bit of sweetness too. I’m the only one in the home that enjoys mint but I cold see myself reordering this one when I’m purchasing tea again. After so many disappointing reviews, its nice to have a good one to write!
Flavors: Mint, Peppermint, Sweet
Preparation
Yet another disappointing tea from this sampler. Steeped for approximately 3 minutes and has a golden yellow hue. I don’t detect any strong fragrance but I do seem to be a little congested today. There is coconut flavor but I honestly feel like I’m just drinking warmed coconut water.
Preparation
This was my morning tea sample. Its a nice deep dark color and smells earthy. must say I don’t care for this cup of tea. The bitterness and astringency is very off putting. I wish I could add a splash of milk but apparently my cereal eaters drank all the milk. I handed it off to the Coffee Drinker who said he enjoyed it until the last few sips and it was even too astringent for his palate.
Preparation
I don’t think I’ve ever had anything from Tea forte that I’ve rated over 40. They are all very meh to me