Kelmishka Send Message

Yum, yum, yum. Grabbed one of these minis from a TTB this year and I’m enjoying it on this slow Friday morning as I do some schoolwork. Such a deep and lovely pine smoke layered on top of the smooth, rich shou. It’s a thicc one!

My first time trying this tea, which appears to be quite a fan favorite! And I can understand why. It’s a big cup of buttery maple-y pancake-y goodness. I’m sipping it on a chilly, rainy morning while staring out my home office window, enjoying the contrast between the overcast grey sky and the vibrant red and gold leaves on my neighbors’ trees. I should be working. (I’m sort of working.) But sometimes tea and contemplation take precedence.

I wish I’d read the Steepster reviews on this one before adding it to my cart! It’s such a promising concept, but all I get is clove, clove, and more clove, all on a very weak base. Disappointing. :(

I finally used the Simpson & Vail gift card my mother-in-law gave me for the holidays last year, and my purchases arrived today! It’s too late in the day for caffeine, so I’m starting my tasting with a caffeine-free blend.

This smells incredibly buttery and rich, with lovely vanilla cake notes. It basically smells like vanilla buttercream. I find the brewed cup a smidge thin, but still tasty—I like that the green rooibos is pretty nondescript, so the cake flavors come through. It’s especially nice as it cools.

It definitely reminds me of Bird & Blend’s birthday cake tea. With that one, I found myself waaay overleafing it to really bring out the creamy vanilla cake flavors, so I’ll probably try that here, too.

Still, a nice cuppa when you want dessert-y vibes!

Well, this is a delightful little number. Maybe an oddly springlike choice for a fairly dreary late October day, but I’m enjoying it!

It’s very smooth and silky, and actually quite mild. There’s a hint of sweet pea and powdered sugar and very little grassiness or vegetal earthiness. So mellow!

I think I’ve mentioned here that I’m in grad school for social work as a major career pivot. Well, today I had my first therapy client during my internship! Suddenly it’s all real. :) And now I’m drinking this tea because it feels indulgent and celebratory. It’s very silky and just a bit creamy, although it’s weirdly making my mouth tingle a bit? The brown butter notes are understated toward the end of the sip. It’s interesting because I feel like this could easily go toward a “buttery popcorn” flavor profile, but it manages not to do so.

Ashmanra’s Sipdown Challenge | October 2023 | A tea that makes you feel posh

OK, maybe I’m blurring the line between “British” and “posh,” because I’m not sure a Victoria sponge is a particularly posh cake — more of a British classic. Still, close enough!

As always, I’m sad to see this one go. It’s such a satisfying cuppa, so rich and creamy. I brewed it extra strong today and very much enjoyed it.

2023 sipdown count: 52

Ashmanra’s Sipdown Challenge | October 2023 | A tea that gets you going

Easy come, easy go! I pulled this one from the most recent TTB and really enjoyed it. I wish there had been more in the package! It’s a flavorful breakfast tea, even if I continue to be perplexed by the name/inspiration.

2023 sipdown count: 51

Earthy and smooth, with lots of light mineral notes. Maaaybe a hint of molasses sweetness as it cools? Fairly satisfying but unremarkable. It’s been nice on this chilly, breezy Sunday morning.

Very light and just a tiny bit creamy. I’m not really getting the “fruit leather and sweet black raisins” promised in the description, though. It’s more wet earth and maybe a smidge of breadiness?

This is my first GABA tea. So far I notice no special calming effects. :)