QNTM Leaf Tea

I don’t drink much oolong, but I’m always surprised at how much I enjoy its roasted qualities when I do have it. I picked up a few oolongs from QNTM Leaf to try because, let’s be honest, they are beautiful. Also, if I have to choose between an oolong and a green or white tea, I’m going to pick the more robustly flavored oolong. Admittedly, I probably should have tried one of each but I suppose I can do that on my next order.

This blend looks like a good 50:50 mix of shredded coconut and rolled tea leaves. The coconut flavor is mild, but present, and I’m mostly getting that roasted quality I mentioned before. This was a very drinkable oolong, in my opinion, and I mean that in the best possible way – coming from someone who doesn’t drink oolong tea all that often, this was one I really enjoyed and would gladly come back to.

Samurai Travelling Tea Box – Tea #27

Cold Brew!

To be very transparent, I had low expectations for this blend because I’ve not had a lot of great experiences with purples teas – with a couple exceptions. I had no reason to think that this tea would beat the odds though…

However, the dry leaf aroma was immediately intriguing – very toasty barley/roasted peanut in aroma and y’all know I’m a slut for almost anything with that roasted flavour.

I almost wish I’d made this hot, but it’s truly excellent as a cold brew as well! The strongest flavour is a deep, toasty and caramelized peanut and almond flavour that makes me feel all warm and cozy inside – even if this is a cold brew. Aside from that prominent nutty flavour, the brew also has hints of woodiness to it, some roasted chestnut notes, and a very slightly fruity undertone. I’m also adding this to my QNTM leaf shopping list and, as tempting as it is to finish the sample, I’m going to leave it in the box so that someone else can experience it since I’m pretty sure I’ll be making a QNTM order sooner rather than later…

Currently: making potstickers, listening to The Magnus Archives, and drinking a cup of this tasty peppermint tea.

This mint tea is from QNTM Leaf Tea, a Black-owned tea company. It’s probably the one I’ve most been looking forward to out of the samples that I purchased. It has great flavor – it’s probably the most minty mint tisane I’ve had. The peppermint is so strong it almost stings the eyes a bit on that first sip, and there’s quite the lingering coolness in my throat halfway in. I really like that this includes three different types of tulsi as well. I have some Vana tulsi from Mountain Rose Herbs that I enjoy and, though I can’t speak to the flavor of the other types, I like the Vana so much that this was one reason I was so excited to try the Mindful Mint. I’m not tasting the cacao nibs, but perhaps with a second steep those might come through? I feel like this tea has a few layers to it. It’s also worth mentioning that it’s very nice even as it cools, so I think this would make a really refreshing iced tea as well.

Samurai Travelling Tea Box – Tea #10

Drinking this one today Grandpa style – I wanted to make sure I tried it because this company is from the Black Owned tea company list, and I was debating ordering from them already…

I don’t have a ton of time right now, so we’re going bullet point tasting notes:

- Drank Grandpa style throughout the late afternoon/lunch
- Prune/plum undertones to the flavour
- Thick and syrupy liquor
- Deep woody/oaky notes and lots of minerality (petrified wood)
- Hint of spices like clove; especially on the “inhale” post sip
- Sandalwood notes

Song Pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXYA3-z_JH8

Really loved it; making a mental note to order myself some!