Rare Tea Republic

This is another one of my samples from RtR.

I accidentally let the first infusion steep for…who knows how long. Suffice to say, it’s really dark, and there isn’t any sweetness to the tea. I’ll ignore it, as it’s not representative of the tea.

The second infusion was a touch sweet, with subtle plum flavors and a vegetative finish. This tea also has a soft pine aroma, which was very interesting.

More to come later.

Wow, my second tea in one day. At this rate, I’ll finish my RTR samples well before the weekend starts! Anyway, see my previous notes about this tea for details, as I savor this tea before it’s gone.

Another one of my RtR samples.

This tea was interesting, in that it’s a black tea, yet it has a delicate flowery and interesting spicy tastes. Even stranger, it does in fact smell a bit like evergreens. The flavor is sweet, with a bit of astringency, but that will probably disappear during the next steeping.

The second infusion lost the astringency of the first, and gained a more complex flavor due to the flavors starting to harmonize, for lack of a better term. The different flavors actually mix together, where previously the spiciness was apparent first, followed by the flowery flavors. This tea is really starting to remind me of Yabao.

The third infusion is pretty much the same as the second, but it has gotten a bit sweeter. The forth infusion saw the end of the spiciness, leaving a slightly flowery, sweet tea. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still very good, but it has lost the unique qualities that made it stand out.

The bottom line is that this is a tea with a complex and unique flavor, and one that would probably last for 6 infusions if you really wanted to keep steeping it for that long.

I’m finishing off this sample, and I have to say that I’m a bit sad to see it go. From the delightfully bold foretaste to the malty after taste, this is a very pleasant tea. For details, see my previous notes.

Another sample from the Rare Tea Republic, and again inspired by Amy Oh.

This is my second tea of the day, and this was very different than the Temi I had earlier. The aroma of this tea is very pleasing, with interesting spices dominating the aroma. The first sip of the tea was interesting, because I’m not very familiar with Assam teas, so the malty taste was very different for me (but in a good way). It was also interesting, because this tea is sweeter than I’m used to for the first infusion of a black tea, but that seems to typical for Indian teas.

The second infusion is very mellow, and there are soem fruity undertones present in the taste now. The tea has also developed a bit of an aftertaste which reminds me a bit of a Wuyi Oolong, but it’s a bit faint. The tea is also a bit sweeter now, which has improved how well the different flavors balance each other, making for a very pleasant cup.

More to come later.

And then there were none…

I saved my favorite RTR sample for last, and I can safely say that I regret nothing. I’ve actually put this on my shopping list for when I clear out a bit more tea, but that’s at least a month away. Hopefully there will still be some in stock.

Anyway, for more info about this tea, see my previous note.

The first thing that I noticed when I brewed this tea was the aroma. I don’t know how I didn’t notice it last time, but this tea smells almost exactly like my Da Hong Pao. I also was rather generous with the amount of leaves I used, so the plum flavors were overshadowed by darker flavors, for lack of a better word. It actually did taste like an Oolong (not that I’m complaining), but I suspect that the plum and caramel flavors will develop during the next infusion.

The second infusion is noted by the development of the plum flavors, as well as a general sweetening of the tea. That being said, the still is still remarkably similar to a Oolong, just fruitier.

The third (and final) infusion was very sweet, with the plum flavors really starting to assert themselves. It’s a shame that I started brewing this tea so late in the day, as I probably could have gotten two more infusions out of it. The tea had just finally started to develop complex flavors, and it’s really a shame to waste it…

Regardless, I’ seriously considering getting more of this tea after I work through some more of my current stash. The intense flavor is very attractive, and the natural sweetness of the tea makes it very appealing for a weekend tea, where I can dedicate hours of time to drinking it.

The samples that I ordered from Rare Tea Republic just came in today, and I’ve been dying to try this tea ever since I read Amy Oh’s tasting note.

Anyway, the first infusion was wonderful! The aroma was fruity, yet still very unique. The flavor was also astounding for a black tea because it’s unusually sweet. The fruity flavors remind me of plums, and it’s a lot stronger than usual, especially for a black tea. As the tea cools a touch of astringency develops, but it doesn’t really detract from the overall experience.

The second infusion was actually less sweet than the first, but it also had no astringency as it cooled. Also, the plum flavors were more subdued, and the caramel flavors that the label mentioned started to become apparent. A very nice second infusions.

The third infusion was uninspiring. The plum flavors are completely gone, the caramel flavors are weak, and other flavors are weak and indistinct. It’s not like it’s bad, but this tea is clearly well past its peak.

The bottom line of this tea is that the first infusion is the best, with bold fruity flavors and just the right amount of sweetness. This is definitely something special, with a very unique palate, and I’m going to savor my sample while it lasts.

Was not exactly sure of what it means to give a rinse before steeping but we did just that – just before putting into pot we gave a quick rinse in luke warm water.
Smell: I get nothing – no smell at all. Maybe it is my sniffer. When I practically stick my nose INTO the hot tea I slightly smell hay, no not hay, straw.
First sip: Vegetal, and what IS that flavor, its familiar…hummm… hubby says green beans … (he joined me on this tasting) I do indeed get that – sort of – not the good fresh ones but the canned kind, not even the beans themselves but you know how sometimes something tastes like something else smells? Well I hope so – because this tea tastes a little like how the juice in the can of green beans smell.
Its sweetish, gives me that dry tingle sensation in the back of the throat that I am not too fond of.
I will say this it is complex and makes me think and has enough flavor TO sit here dissecting it.
I am not really picking out the smokiness I was expecting.
Sugar apple? Really? I don’t taste that – maybe a tiny and I mean ever so slight apple peel flavor, maybe but I am trying hard to pick that out.
I am adding some sugar to mine.
Hubby said not in his. He likes it.
I just want to note how much that means – hubby is NOT a tea drinker unless it is Arnold Palmer half and half!
Now I am not one to add sugar to everything. In fact I rarely do on the first brew of any new tea. I will reserve that for pot 2. But I must say I am glad I did go for it on round one this time.
It changes everything in the flavor dynamic here.
The smokiness comes out more, the fresh straw barn yard flavor is more pronounced, and yes even that slight apple flavor is there more now but I lost the vegetal flavor yet still reminiscent of green bean juice which I realize is a bit contradictory but generally speaking when I mention a vegetal flavor I don’t mean green bean juice.
I should note – hubby does NOT like it with sugar. (he tasted mine)
Either way – I fear this tea is a little over my head. A little too complex even frustrating.
Its surely NOT bad at all, I do like it but it won’t be creeping up on my MUST buy list.
Its going to sit gracefully in the middle of my list – would buy if on sale or splurge day, would for sure accept as a gift, would absolutely drink from your stash, but just not jumping right into my wish list.
Hubby’s rating (mine is displayed) 95 – 100 since this is one tea he has really enjoyed and he does not like tea much HOWEVER bear in mind until recently we did not HAVE really good tea! :)

Bought a sample bag.
Smell from bag – very fresh and earthy, like hay.
Smell in cup – creamy – earthy – literally made my mouth water!
First sip: OH MY GAWD! Sweet and creamy and crisp at the same time.
At 19.00 per 1.7 ounces this may have to become my guilty pleasure. I really am wanting to order more of this although that will have to wait for a while it may be one of those I get a special container for and highlight in my tea stash. Or one day when hubby makes me my wooden tea caddy / box it may be one I have limited but PRECIOUS supply of.
I can’t wait for round two when I add sugars and creamers – first go on each tea I have straight. Normally on the first pot – second cup I will add some raw sugar but not this time – this time I just want to immerse myself in the glory that is. This is one that really does not need improvement but for the sake of learning I shall try the additives- next time.
Blissful.
Note: Was starving because I opted to use my time to make tea instead of food – lol I bet a lot of tea lovers have done that a time or two … anyway …. this tea is so YUMMY with a couple chocolate cookies. :)
Okay enough of this – off to relish my sweet delight!
Azz out….

Purchased a sample pack of this.
Lily of the Valley is my “birth month” flower so I had to give it a go.
Also was intrigued by the lime leaf.
Deep golden liquor.
Smell is fresh and light.
Very smooth – floral.
I would not say it is astringent at all but rather any astringency is replaced with a freshness that must be from the lime leaf.
Its not “limey” but it does give an ever so slight mouth watery feel that one would get from tasting a lime just without any bitterness or sour.
A little on the earthy side.
With all of that said I find it a tad bit boring.
Nothing is making me want to jump up and down with glee or reorder it considering the price but its a nice mellow relaxing tea.
A little sugar in the raw added gives it a nice boost to the natural sweetness but I only added just a little. Personally I do not find this to be “intensely sweet” as in the description. Its far more floral and earthy to me.
I do enjoy the nice cool feel that lingers in the mouth afterward though.
Would be excellent with some mint added to it!
One down side – for me anyway – is that this tea leaves the back of my throat feeling a little dry.
Will update with more experience with this tea – however only have one more pot worth to brew.

Enjoying one more cup of this before passing the last cup on to someone else.

Okay so I know that I should be able to steep a black tea twice or more but this is not really a black tea is it? It was under the black tea category on the web site but it is so different from any black tea I have ever had. Regardless, I did attempt a second steep. Its good, its not GREAT but its not bad either – just a little on the weak side but considering its a second steep I am happy with it. I generally do not steep ANY tea more than once – maybe a mental issue but its just always yummier on first brew. However since I only have enough for one more pot I wanted to get as much out of this as I could with it being a sample and all.
So I still enjoy it greatly, just wish it was stronger on the re-steep.
:)

Just brewed my first sample of this. I bought a sample sized pack. Sitting here not one sip yet. Smell: Crisp, Clean, Like Rain Water, I could bathe in this! Very clear only slightly perfumey and sweet. First sip: Ahhh so THIS is what quality tea taste like! Sweet flavor influences my first thought, but finish is so clear and clean like an amazing palate clearer.
Very lightly fruit flavored – peach but not candy peach at all but just fresh juicy peach without any tartness. Slight tingle on tip of tongue, no aftertaste though whatsoever, again this would be an excellent palate cleanser. Wait … after about 5 sips I do get SOME lingering of an aftertaste … but its so pleasant and not bitter whatsoever. I do wonder if I may enjoy this brewed a little stronger maybe. I wish I had more! I only have enough for one more pot. Going to add a little sugar now and see how and if it changes.
Added sugar and it really did not change it much – added more thinking I had not added enough – again not a lot of change but I have to say I prefer it more in its natural state – the sugar distracts from the peach actually.
You know, I have not tried a lot of teas so far but I am very happy with this one! I can’t get over the fresh smell! What a wonderful eye opener. It probably is not the strongest tea to wake up to in the morning but this would make a delightful after noon tea!
I would LOVE to try this on ice!!
I think it would be an absolutely wonderful iced tea but I would make it stronger so the flavors are not lost as it is on the “weak” side but in its simplicity I adore it.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one but after cooling at room temp for about 3 minutes or so there are some really interesting flavors here! i can certainly pick up on the pan-fried elements as well as the apple undertones. There are grassy and vegetal flavors shining thru that I actually enjoy more and more as it cooled. Put it all together and the flavors are rockin’ together! There is a spec of natural saltiness – but just-enough to do “wahhhhhh”???? I don’t think that is what they meant in the name but it’s some sort of strange word association for me, I guess. This is a neat offering! So glad I got to try it!

Oh my I am LOVING this tea!

The flavor here is so fantastically light – if a Formosa Oolong and a Darjeeling got together and had a love child, well, that is pretty much what I’m tasting now. It tastes very Darjeeling-esque, with notes of muscatel and that crisp lightness that I’d experience from a Darjeeling, but with a smoother texture and flavor of an Oolong. I can taste the peachy note of the Oolong, and the grape-y muscatel from the Darjeeling. It is so delightful.

Love.

Thank you LiberTEAs!!!!

This was a mighty fine Darjeeling! Certainly one for the books! VERY Memorable! It had some lovely fruity notes…not really the “average yet unidentifiable of individual fruit notes” per say but I could taste a mix of pineapple and maybe flower blossoms of some sort…it was quite nice. There was a nice sweeter wood accompaniment to it too! Not overly-so, tho! Amy mentioned Sandalwood…I agree!

This is FAB!

Finishing off this sample pack today… I purchased way too much darjeeling last year and still have a massive amount of samples so that’s one thing I do NOT need this coming spring. I do admit it was fun to try all the FF darjeelings but I still have so many. Blah!

This oolong is floral and fruity, I did a tasting note on it months ago so you can check that out if you’re interested.

This stuff is intense!

After steeping I noticed my senses were immediately flooded with this floral aroma so I was either in for a treat or something scary…ha!

I steeped this at the recommended 4 minutes at around 190 (my temp may have been slightly higher). This tea yield a light, sweetish liquor with lots of honeysuckle and an almost “baked” quality that just reminds me a bit of cookies. Lily of the valley – I am not sure what that smells like but this is for sure heavy on the floral. I can sense the kaffir lime out there as well but I probably would not have picked up on that if it wasn’t on the description. :)

This is a tea that just makes me want to sit with it and focus on it, so it’s pretty relaxing and meditative as well.

Either way this is a fabulous oolong, if you’re a darjeeling lover. I’m not picking up on any astringency either, just a smooth and rich mouthfeel. Very unique and tasty. Yum! An awesome way to wake up. I might need to get some more but it is very pricey. :)

I was looking forward to trying this one, as Rare Tea Republic is quickly becoming one of my favorite sellers and – I’ve never had an oolong from the darjeeling region before!

Instructions for this one say to steep it at 195 F for 5 minutes, so I did that, steeping it regular basket style in a glass mug. I think the rest of this sample I may try in the gaiwan.

The tea steeps up to be a very light amber color and I am surprised at the light subtle flavor here. To me it seems a little woodsy with some light honey notes. The description says it has some light minerality which makes it evocative of a Wuyi rock tea, I am getting that only slightly. It reminds me a little more of a kind and gentle royal phoenix…

Because this is from a darjeeling region I was expecting a bit more astringency, but there really isn’t any. I wonder if that’s a typical feature of an autumn darjeeling or the processing method. I did a quick google search on other autumn darjeelings to find them described as more mellow and more forgiving than the earlier flushes. I am quite enjoying this but if you are in the mood for a typical darjeeling type of flavor with bite or muscatel you would be disappointed with this one…

I’m now eagerly watching RtR, Thunderbolt and others for the 2012 first flush teas to start appearing on their website. :)

Finishing off the rest of this sample today – pretty nice and sweet for a 2nd flush darjeeling. See previous notes for more info.

I just noticed RtR has two 2012 FF darjeelings now on their site. They both look good but the Tumsong is incredibly expensive… ouch

Again like the Nepal tea from yesterday it seems like a shame to call this darjeeling a black tea…

According to wikipedia: SFTGFOP—Special Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe: Sometimes used to indicate the very finest.

I was a little worried about this one because “clean astringency” sounds like it could be too acid promoting or sour so I only got the sample size. This was steeped at 4 minutes at around 190 F.

The dry leaf in the bag smells very aromatic and they are beautiful olive green and silver grey leaves.

This is a lot more mellow than I thought it would be, which I am enjoying. It’s a golden yellow liquor with a light bodied and smooth taste. Slightly earthy and spicy at the same time. A little bit of peach but the fruit notes are not quite as prominent as I thought they would be. The finish is also not very harsh or astringent. I am not a darjeeling expert but overall I quite enjoyed it – also I can’t say that I need to buy anymore right now.

Certified Fair Trade and Organic – always a bonus

It’s been a while since I had this but darjeelings have been on my brain lately. So, this tea is from Nepal and not India but they are so close to each other. I’m amazed at how sweet and delicious this is. See previous notes for more info…

I’ll be checking Rare Tea Republic’s website for their new first flush arrivals & would definitely get another one from Nepal if it was offered.

The package instructions say to steep this at 185F for 4 minutes. That’s what I have tried to do here.

It almost seems like a misnomer to really call this a black tea. When I steeped it up it was a light amber color. Very similar to a first flush darjeeling only it’s from Nepal. :)

This tea is exceptionally clear and bright and is gentle with a honey like sweetness. It definitely has a fruity peach like quality with barely a touch of astringency. It does seem like it would be a shame to add any sweetener or milk like stuff to this tea since it really doesn’t need it. I thought this was an exceptional bargain at $6 for 50 grams.