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I used the last of one of my bags of this today. There was a bit more left than I needed for a cup, so I just made it strong. Much of what was left included spices and pumpkin powder. It was a very pumpkin-y brew! I went all out and added rock sugar this time, but I don’t think I noticed the difference with it. This tea hardly needs anything extra anyway. (^.^)

Thank you Emily M for the sample :)

I do love white tea, but this one was a little too delicate for me. I like a more buttery and flavorful white (as much as can be expected from a white, that is). The flavor and texture is there in this one, but not quite enough. Still a pleasant cup to drink though!

I’m starting to feel bad that I am not as ecstatic about the ‘popular’ tea blends and everyone else. Maybe I am too picky? I do like this tea, but I am uncertain about purchasing more. I have a favorite dessert blend (the Butiki pumpkin Brûlée) that generally sets the standard for me now :p I also have a bag of the unflavored Assam from Butiki and I might just like it a smidgin better than this one (the sort of ‘better’ that could easily waiver depending on mood). Sometimes I need time for teas to ‘grow on me.’

Aha! It all makes sense now. I made a 3oz cup of this as I often do when I’m not brave enough to make more of a new tea. I didn’t know/couldn’t remember what the ingredients were except guayusa, and of course that the name implies “vanilla.” As I took the first few sips, it reminded me of one of the various organic bath products that I have used in the past, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. As it cooled, the guayusa came through stronger, but the aftertaste was like a sort of natural mouthwash. I thought to myself: guess that’s what I get for using natural/organic bath products. It confuses my senses and I forget what is supposed to be edible :p Then I came here and saw that it has lavender and mint! That must be the association I’m making. I didn’t not like it. My feelings are mixed. It’s more a matter of sensory confusion than dislike. (^^)

This is another sample from my swap with Emily M (^^)

The dry leaves of this one are just so intriguing that I really wanted to like it. Unfortunately, I didn’t like it so much. It’s very vegetal, but a kind of vegetal I haven’t had before. Maybe its the pea and marine notes? I like peas, but not in tea, I guess.

I’m trying to drink this one more often to finish the bag. I went and got 2oz of it originally, when I thought it would be one of my faves. It really isn’t bad, but i’ve been too spoiled with options since I bought this one and it’s hard not to be picky.

I didn’t think much of it before, but this dragonwell has a lot of twigs in the mix, maybe that is what is taking from its potentially more vegetal flavor? It’s very mildly smoky, I think.

Brew notes:
3.5g/12oz water 1.5min@170deg

Thanks for this sample moraiwe :)

I haven’t had darjeeling tea of any type, but I have had oolongs. This certainly doesn’t taste much like any oolong I’ve had. It tastes mostly like a black tea. A light, sorta fruity black tea. I wouldn’t mind having this in occasional stock among my tea stash, but it’s flavor isn’t unique enough that I would go out of my way to purchase it.

Brew notes:
1.5g/8oz steeped 3 min. with boiled water. Probably could have done with an extra .5g for stronger flavor.

Thank you Emily M for this yummy sample!

This is probably the best smelling flavored tea I have come across. Smells like blueberry muffins right from the bag. The flavor is perfectly balanced, as are so many of the Butiki teas. Sweet without being artificial or overwhelming. So yummy (^o^)

I tried different brewing parameters this time. Trying to get it just right! I used 3 grams for 16oz of water and steeped for 1.5min at 175. It was a pretty decent cup. I haven’t been careful about introducing the water slowly at the edge before pouring directly on the leaves. I wonder how much difference that even makes. I’ll have to try it next time.