Andrews & Dunham Damn Fine Tea

This is pretty darn good, even though I am finding myself less and less into flavored greens (I think it’s because winter’s on its way…)

But this is a great light cup, very flowery (is that magnolia in your back pocket, or are you just happy to see me?) and the little leaves are all curled up cutely. Very pleasing tea. Great for a light afternoon conversation with a coworker.

Oh. Oh… Oh. I have a crush on this Captain like whoa.

Super light brew, great flavor without being overbearing (and I like ’em strong) and a perfect way to wake up with the Captain every morning. I like this with my breakfast of hot sauce with eggs~ The Assam has a bit of sweetness that goes well with a bite.

Probably my favorite A&D thus far.

And it’s goodbye to the Captain, who’s joining us for breakfast before setting sail and going off on new adventures. Arrrr!

And that means I’m now down two tins and two samples. When I hit five tins and fifteen samples, I am allowed to make a tea purchase. I have Plans.

I’ve been waiting for news from these guys since what feels like the dawn of time! So when it finally happened I hastily bought me a set. (and threw in a set of S3 too, just because it was there and the Caravan is teh awesum!) I was interested to see that they had an Assam again, since they’d had one before. I never got to try any of S2 so it suited me fine. And yes, I’m aware that it’s not the same one, but it’s close enough. I was a little afraid of it, to be honest. What if it would turn out to be The Perfect Assam? Just my luck that my TPA would turn out to be a limited edition!

The leaves smelled very raisin-y sweet dry and it’s more or less the same thing after steeping. I managed to overbrew it a tad, so it’s rather strong this morning. Typical when trying something for the first time.

It’s got quite a sticky astringency. It is astringent, largely I expect due to my own brewing mistake, but there’s a feeling to it as if there’s sugar in it. Sort of sweet in a sticky way, a bit like the way soda is sticky. The raisin flavour is intact though, as is the funny cardboard-y quality.

Raisins and cardboard. The Assam characteristics, apparently.

In spite of it being overdone, I feel safe enough in giving it a preliminary rating. As always it’s likely to be adjusted several times when I manage to get a proper cup put together. I don’t know yet if it is the Perfect Assam or not, but it’s definitely not eliminated from the competition.

This is a lighter Assam tea, but does pack that caffeine! I took this with me to my Ancient Philosophy class this morning, and the Captain made my morning. The tea is very much in the vein of a breakfast tea, shown in its lighter flavor profile. It is lightly malty, and creamy. I added some milk this morning to cool the tea off before sipping, and that just made it creamier!

For a more in dpeth review of this tea… check my blog! http://bit.ly/db9MJe

I really like this tea! it is a beautiful medium/dark green color in the dried leaves. The dry tea also smells very lightly floral, and is not overpowering. I admire this about the tea, because personally, I do not usually enjoy Jasmine Teas, for they can either be too Floral, or taste fake and flavored. This tea is neither of those things. It smells lightly floral and sweet.

read a more expansive review on my blog!! http://bit.ly/aIINsN

This is the end of this. Looking forward to new A&D teas soon!

I forgot how good this was. Where did we land on what it was scented with? Magnolia blossoms? I think so.

Every now and again, a taste of food or drink will make me swoon. Not quite a ‘When Harry Met Sally’ sort of reaction, but a more dignified, albeit involuntary, physical reaction to the sheer deliciousness. This morning first sip was that sort of reaction. Yummyyum.

Holy unfurling leaves, Batman! I’m brand new to Oolongs, this is only my third, and each of them have been a unique experience… and I haven’t even gotten into the “good stuff” yet.

Being new to Oolong, I never really have any idea what the descriptions mean, so I’m often flying blind. I understand “scented” easily enough, but I have to ask… scented with what?

The dry leaves, rolled more tightly than anything I’ve ever steeped before, smelled very floral. Jasmine, maybe. It smells wonderful. After steeping, the scent mellows out a bit, and the flavor is kind of nectary. A bit fruity. It’s smooth and soft, and while I am under the impression that Oolongs can be creamier, this is one of the creamiest teas I’ve ever had.

I’ve never kissed a mermaid (merman?) but if the opportunity ever presents itself, I hope it’s like this. (Yeah, I said it.)

Yet another installment of “Cody v. The Morning.” Despite having been capable of making my own breakfast since I was a pre-teen, I could hardly manage eggs and toast this morning without dropping a carton of eggs on the floor and burning… pretty much everything. Fortunately, The Cap’n was there to soften the blow.

I love this tea. As much as I dig the limited-edition style of A&D’s tea… it’s kind of bittersweet to realize I have a finite amount of this in my future.

“You and the Cap’n make it happen.”

Sorry to steal your thunder, Cap’n Crunch… but this morning me and a certain other Cap’n are getting things done.

Had to break into the “good” stash this morning. I’m almost done with all of my B-list black teas, but I still want to clear the cupboard out a little more before I let myself have all my favorites on heavy rotation again. So… why do I get this one this morning? Because I don’t feel 100%, and I do what I want.

Under perfect brewing conditions, which I admit I rarely strive for first thing in the morning, this tea is amazingly sweet. Other times, it’s still very good. Today… it’s amazing. :)