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HELLLLOOOOO deliciousness! Seriously, this is so good. Like an elevated, more sophisticated version of fan-favorite Glazed Lemon Loaf. It smells like creamy lemon marshmallows and tastes… well, similar! There’s a fantastic balance between zest and sweetness with a little depth from the hojicha. I’ve squeezed like three or four steeps out of my first serving (with a little “boost” from a few additional leaves) and it’s still quite flavorful.

Ugh, so good.

I was today years old* when I learned that not all lapsang souchong is smoked. In a past life I would’ve hesitated to admit such ignorance, but I’m trying to embrace vulnerability and humility, so here we are!

This sample came from a TTB last year, and this morning seemed like the time to give it a whirl. I was so surprised — and a smidge disappointed — when I tore open the packet and didn’t get a whiff of smokiness! As it turns out, though, I’m absolutely LOVING this tea. For the first time, I really understand all those tasting notes I’ve seen on here that reference sweet potato. Amazing!

The scent here is caramelized sugar sweet with a teensy hint of wet dog, but not really in a bad way. The taste is earthy sweet potato and the ground after a rainstorm.

I love how it’s both earthy and light, with absolutely no astringency or dryness (and I say that as an avowed lover of tannins).

I’m finishing my first cuppa while going through morning work emails, etc., and wishing I’d given myself a little more time to enjoy this tea without distraction. The first few sips were blissfully taken in bed with a book, but then it was time to log on for work. I’ll squeeze at least one more steep out of these leaves, and then I still have another cup’s worth in the sample packet.

Thank you to whoever threw this sample into last year’s Steepster TTB! What a treasure.

*Apparently “today years old” is a terribly millennial phrase. Welp, I AM A MILLENNIAL. Deal with it.

Ashmanra’s Sipdown Challenge | February 2023 | A least favorite tea

Getting another sipdown in today! I cold-brewed this last night and sipped on it this afternoon. I guess I prefer it iced to hot, but I won’t seek it out again — the fruit just tastes artificial, and there’s nothing special about the base. Meh.

2023 sipdown count: 26/75

Ashmanra’s Sipdown Challenge | February 2023 | A tea swap tea or gifted tea

Getting in one more sipdown on the final day of February! This one came from Kaylee in our advent swap.

I haven’t gotten through many of this month’s prompts… February has been busy with work and school! Right now I’m sequestered in the “cat room,” reviewing hard-copy printer’s proofs for work and drinking tea. Our elderly cat is on bedrest for two weeks while we try to get some symptoms of suspected spinal disc degeneration under control, and she doesn’t love being alone… so we’re spending lots of time hanging out with her in her bedroom. :)

Anyway, this brisk, bracing tea is gonna start me off on the right foot today! It’s standing up nicely to a breakfast of oatmeal with walnuts and maple syrup. A very tasty Tuesday morning indeed.

Leaving my rating the same.

2023 sipdown count: 25/75

I oversteeped this one a smidge, and it’s making for a bracing cuppa this morning!

This tea is just bursting with flavor! Anise and licorice are definitely the strongest, but there’s also a smidge of sarsparilla. Then you get that creamy, almost marshmallow-like vanilla that 52Teas does so well. I can’t really pick out the raspberry, but I’m sure it’s there. (Actually, this one reminds me of BOO-Berry, which I sipped down recently and really enjoyed.)

So flavorful and unique. Licorice haters need not apply!

Ashmanra’s Sipdown Challenge | February 2023 | A grocery store tea

A very sad sipdown indeed! This tea punches so far above its weight. It’s been a very comforting evening sipper this winter and I’m sad to see it go.

Leaving my rating the same.

2023 sipdown count: 22/75

Ashmanra’s Sipdown Challenge | February 2023 | National Latte Day: Make a latte!

I was a few days behind on making a latte, and then a few more days behind on logging it, but here we are! I definitely don’t have my latte proportions down, because this was very heavy on the not-milk! I’ll keep my rating the same.

2023 sipdown count: 21/75

English Tea Shop Advent Calendar: Days 18 & 25

Oh yes, I am indeed rating an advent tea today! Haha. I’m finally almost done with my English Tea Shop advent. It was a thoughtful gift to receive, but I wasn’t impressed with the tea itself. This one was unobjectionable but underwhelming. There’s black tea and rooibos, which intrigues me. I guess I do get a bit of a medicinal rooibos as it cools, but otherwise it’s mostly a dusty black tea with a bit of creaminess and some clove. It does not remind me of an Irish holiday in any sense of the phrase. :D

Starting off the work week (and a wild day of meetings) with this tasty little number from Courtney! The dried leaf smells lovely — it actually reminds me of the first proper tea I ever really loved: scented jasmine pearls from Teavana. (One time I bought an obscene amount at the store because I didn’t understand how pricing worked, but damn if I didn’t enjoy it!) I had my partner take a sniff and he said he was getting full-on nag champa… basically, head shop vibes. XD

The brewed cup still has notes of jasmine, but there’s also a little bit of creamy citrus zestiness. I’m actually surprised at how heavy and robust the cup is — it’s got chew to it! There’s also a hiiiint of bitterness, but that could be down to my brewing.

Received this in a swap from Courtney and it’s so good! It smells like sweet cream and tastes like creamy vanilla pudding with berries. Yet it’s also really bright and fruity and light. Super delicious — thanks for sharing, Courtney!