Red Leaf Tea
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Even after reading that the person who sent me this tea, thanks AZZ, didn’t like it I gave it a shot anyway. As a sidenote I end up going to Olive Gardens about once a year and 90% of the time I order Chicken Marsala. Since I no longer drink alcohol this is the best indicator I have as what to expect, I drank whites when I did still drink alcohol.
There’s cinnamon to be sure, it reminds me of baked apples loaded with it. Not tasting alot of vino yet, but saw other notes mention it comes later. It’s malty and maybe a touch smokey. Fair amount of body to this drink. For me the only drawback is astringency, which I will have to put a disclaimer in my profile about me being an astringent weenie. Other than that it ain’t bad, though not a potential ‘buyer’ for me.
That’s what this is all about right, finding what fits your taste with samples from tea friends and courteous tea companies so you can buy lots of the ones you love. Tasting notes are great and helpful, but we’re all still different and we have thousands of choices before us.
Preparation
Had a presumably delicious cup of this a couple weeks ago. I honestly can’t say I remember it, but I’m sure I did drink it, and likely with 2% milk + maple syrup (but possibly with canned coconut milk, because I’ve had some lurking in my fridge for a while ever since I decided to make chia pudding on a day where my fridge was devoid of anything else creamy).
Very heavily “leafed” this one yesterday(?) morning. It was delicious, but I really need to find my matcha whisk. I am fairly certain there’s a box somewhere with a bunch of my “non-essential but usually available” kitchen stuff that I have yet to find, as I’m also missing my handheld spiralizer, and it’s feasible that they were together. Annoying.
More of this today, before I lost the use of my tastebuds. I’m sick, which derails me a little for sipping things down, although I can think of a few teas to drink down during this time! Anyhow, this one was particularly caramelly today, which made it very tasty. Matcha/caffeine clearly has little to no effect on me though, as about half an hour after drinking this, I was passed out with the baby for 2.5 hours. Oh well, I’ve been enjoying having a sweetened latte in the morning regardless of it having an effect on how awake I am.
Mixed up some more of this yesterday, and didn’t add sweetener right away – definitely could taste the caramel. But I added maple syrup anyhow. It was delicious.
I looked up Matcha Outlet which I think is what Red Leaf Tea is now and they only have like 5 flavors. This is one but so many favorites are gone. Sad :(
Probably gave away too much free matcha…
The company name indeed changed to Matcha Outlet a long time ago. I was the one that updated the entire database to reflect the change… by hand… fun times. There was a handful of entries (like this one) I couldn’t fix because someone had already made a duplicate under the new company name, so until the merge capability gets fixed, they are just stuck. I think I had around 6 or 7 like that, but the entire rest got fixed (like how we changed all of Bluebird Tea Co. to Bird & Blend).
I’m sad because I got into tea after they had already become Matcha Outlet and got rid of all the fun flavors, and I really like flavored matchas.
I vaguely recall they underwent changes during the time I was gone, but wouldn’t have known the new name. I wonder slightly whether changing the company name on teas is the best approach; it may lead to additional dupes being created when people have a tea under the old company name and are unaware of changes. But going forward with two teas also results in dupes, because there’s no way to indicate what something used to be. I do know about Bird & Blend, and I believe there are a couple other companies that had name changes (Tealux is another, can’t recall offhand what they became.)
Tealux is now Tealyra.
I put in the Notes/Information field on every single Matcha Outlet entry “Company formerly known as Red Leaf Tea” but that does require people to actually look at the information/notes, and I don’t think Steepster’s Search Function is scrubbing that field which it really should in my humble opinion. I personally prefer less dups than more in every possible circumstance. I’m that one person that doesn’t like seeing the same exact wholesaler blend listed 100 times under all those individual tea shop names, they are all wholesaling the same exact tea and slapping their own shop name on it, but that’s just my personal preferences. But then, I’m a librarian that merges library records for a living, so of course I’d stand on the side of the fence for less records to search through/more compact database.
Oh, I agree, I wish there was a way to gracefully combine things in a still-searchable fashion. Like, attach multiple company names to a single tea. I don’t think there’s a perfect solution to this, and realistically, there will eventually be a point where teas branded as the old name basically don’t exist, so it’s probably the better solution, and just get the dupes merged in the future, maybe/hopefully.
Regarding a wholesaler tea, since that information is not readily available (and sometimes names differ on the same blend), it would possibly lead to confusion to try and combine those, but I’m sure there could be a better system of organization than there is now. It would certainly have value to know that z blend is actually from y wholesaler and available at uvwx retail shops.
Ya… especially if one shop stops carrying it, then you’d have some way to see the alternatives in some graceful manner. It needs like, a parent system, or something, and child entries that bring them together… but I fear that is just a wishful dream. They aren’t even fixing the 503 timeouts right now. :-P
So last night, I made myself a strong matcha latte to take to work and keep me awake while tediously grinding samples, and realized while I was making it that I actually hadn’t ever actually reviewed the caramel matcha! In spite of having drank it probably about 3 times (meaning there’s not much left in my packet, as I tend to make rather strong, large lattes when I do make one). I picked this matcha up for the obvious purpose of blending it with the Green Apple Matcha I already had received, to make caramel apple matcha lattes! This is the delicate flavouring, starter green matcha variety, which can be purchased here: http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/caramel-matcha.html
The aroma of this one is nothing short of intoxicating. While the Madagascar Vanilla and Green Apple matchas smelled good, this one I swear I could sit there with my nose in the bag and sniff all day! I love caramel, and this definitely made me think of those little Kraft caramels I used to get trick-or-treating, that were soft and chewy but would stick to your teeth, coating your mouth in delicious caramel goodness… until they melted entirely and you had to pop another in your mouth. Anyways, I have to say I was by far the most excited to try this one, after smelling it! I used probably a solid 2-3 tsp of matcha, unsifted (I know, I’m learning that sifting is important! I did it yesterday but not with the straight caramel matcha), whisked into hot milk and then mixed with a generous portion of cold almond milk. The result? Absolutely amazing! Caramelly goodness (even without sweetener), and an aroma to die to for. What gets me the most is how I can nearly fool myself into thinking I’m eating caramels, when instead, I’m having a matcha latte containing almost no sugar. Awesome! Definitely will be purchasing more of this one!
Since I failed to keep up with writing tasting notes on all my matcha adventures (probably because I usually make matcha lattes before heading off either on a long drive or to work, and therefore am not at my computer while drinking it), I’ll summarize my caramel apple experience here as well. Unfortunately, my first attempt at blending caramel and apple together didn’t work quite as planned – I used equal amounts of each, and the green apple completely overpowered the caramel (which was unfortunate because if anything, I probably wanted it the other way around, you know, would you like some apple with that caramel??) The second attempt, with probably a 2:1 caramel:apple ratio was better, but I still didn’t manage to achieve what I wanted. That’s fine though…. this one’s pretty darn amazing on its own!
Preparation
Huuuh. Strange, I should already have a note for this tea. Anyways, this is a backlog from Saturday morning, when I made a nice cold almond milk latte sweetened with maple syrup for my drive out of town. It was great until my stomach started hurting; perhaps a strong matcha latte on an empty stomach wasn’t the best idea! It was delicious though. Proper note to follow in the eventuality that I get my crap together and have time for such a thing.
Preparation
I may harass you about your latte once my order gets here. Yes…I broke down and bought matcha
oooh! which ones did you get??
the caramel matcha from the other days sale. I figure i’ll start there and then move on to other flavours if i like them. i ordered ONE tea… sigh instead of my usual “i’ll order 500 because i’m assuming i’ll love them”
Yeah, I saw you ordered the Caramel Matcha. I’m subscribed to the “orders” thread :P Good choice btw! This is my favourite of the three I’ve picked up so far. Really need to write a proper review to get credit and get a fourth, but no time :)
Glad to see you back!
Amaretto Matcha
Find it here: http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/amaretto-matcha.html
My matcha is composed as follows:
Options:
Size : Small
Matcha Quality: White Matcha
Flavor: Robust
Storage : Add Small Metal Tin Container (Holds up to 45g) I always get the tin and pay the extra 3.00 for it since the tea comes in a non re-sealable package.
I opted for the white matcha powder in this blend as I got it as much for my daughter as myself. My daughter LOVES amaretto flavor and does not care for green tea in general and green matcha is too vegetal for her. I am glad that I got white matcha for this although in the future I want to try it with green matcha powder as well. This is so delicious! Truly a taste sensation. I could enjoy this any time of day but for me I believe this will be my evening “night cap” since it made with the white matcha I think I can get away with this! YUMMY! It truly feels like I am having a cocktail but I don’t drink alcohol so this is a lovely substitute!
I would love to be able to tell you some flavoring notes I pick up but its quite simple – its AMARETTO! lol I don’t know how else to describe this. While I appreciate teas that give off a complex nature, many ways to describe the flavors within, this one is what it says it is no questions asked. A straight forward in your face AMARETTO and you can’t ask for anything better than that unless of course you don’t like amaretto! Now Red Leaf does us natural flavorings so I am not sure if this means that if you have a nut allergy that you can’t have it and I would hate to think anyone would be deprived of this flavor so you may want to check with Red Leaf before ordering if you have a nut allergy. Amaretto is made from almonds which I will talk more about in the next paragraph.
When you first smell this powder you will be hit in the face with the overwhelming aroma of amaretto, which is actually made from almond and apricot – I had no idea about the apricot until I did a quick google search to be sure I was correct about the almond! It makes sense though because there is distinctly more to this than simply almond which unto itself does not have this distinct of an aroma! The powder form can be overwhelming honestly but bear in mind I got the Robust flavor. Don’t let that worry you however because I always try my matcha straight before adding it to my latte mixture and let me just say of all the matcha I have reviewed thus far this is my favorite in the straight form and I am thinking probably also the latte form. I will have to have a few more cups of all of them first to be sure and also it depends on my mood. I mean orange is pretty dang good as well and I have yet to do a full review on that one but they are at totally opposite ends of the flavor spectrum here. One is bright and eye opening and fresh, this is decedent and sweet, a dessert drink. Still I have to say that in the straight form, which is important if that is how you prefer your matcha, its really quite lovely! I do think however, for a straight matcha I would prefer it in green rather than white tea matcha base. I am dying to order some in green base because I have a feeling the mix of the flavoring with green matcha would be even more amazing!
I am also glad I went with robust flavoring on this. Not because I feel the distinctive flavoring would not be enough but more so because I really love the quality of this flavoring! Some flavors I want a little more subdued but not this one! This is so velvety in my matcha latte this morning!
My daughter and I love gourmet cupcakes, we often go to several local and not too far away cupcake places to try new flavors. This reminds me so much of an amaretto cupcake we had not too long ago and I know that we will be trying to make our own using this matcha! I do feel that the flavors in here are strong enough to covey the flavor into a baked good! However come to think of it lol I can save myself the calories and just enjoy this tea this way, in a low fat latte because it truly tastes just like an amaretto cupcake!
Its so simple – just make your matcha, put ice in a glass, add low fat milk, almond milk, soy milk whatever you prefer, a dash of low fat vanilla creamer and BAM you have an amaretto cupcake in a glass! Nice and cool and refreshing and totally sin free yet you feel like your doing something naughty! LOVE IT!
I want to say that in a previous tasting note I had mentioned sifting your matcha powder which is important however the more experience I have with Red Leaf Tea matcha the more I realize you really don’t even need to strain this powder! I have tried the green and white and so far it really seems to just fall right though the sifter and trust me this sifter has very fine wiring on it! The only thing that remains in the sifter ever would be a few flavoring granules but I just dump those back into the bowl and add my water as they dissolve quickly. Now I am not saying I have tons of experience with matcha, but I will say I have three other matcha powders from different places in my possession and all of them required far more sifting and still seemed a bit lumpy when adding my water and whisking!
I also just want to say that my experience with Red Leaf Tea has been amazing! I can’t understand why more tea vendors are not doing what they are doing and they have truly cornered the market on not only amazingly flavored matcha but they strive to do everything they can for their customers, from excellent communication, to running sales and specials, to super fast shipping! I think the only thing they could possibly improve upon would be sending the matcha in a resealable pouch but hey that is a small thing when you consider all they do right! Honestly though I prefer my matcha stored in a tin, its just easier to scoop out and far less messy! Regardless of why other companies do not do what Red Leaf does its not like I feel I need to search elsewhere for other matcha. Red Leaf has everything I need and from what I understand they have more flavors to add to their line up! Can you imagine that!?! MORE flavors lol as a matter of fact THIS flavor was not even listed when I asked about mixing cherry with almond to get an amaretto flavor (no idea why I thought I should mix cherry and almond) I was told in no time at all that he could list the amaretto they had on the site and POOF there it was ready for me to order and enjoy within only a couple of days! WOW! So as you can see I am a huge fan girl of this tea vendor and as you all know – right now – until the end of this month – August 2012 – with a good review you can get extra credit toward their already amazing and generous free matcha program which I am linking here:
http://www.redleaftea.com/free-matcha/
Yup FREE matcha! Sure you have to do a few things but it sure is not a lot considering what you get in return!
Here is the link on the forum here about the extra credit they are offering:
http://steepster.com/discuss/3232-red-leaf-tea-new-contest
Just in case you are dying to order some of this right now here is the link again:
http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/amaretto-matcha.html
GET SOME! You won’t be sorry!
Oooooooooooooooo!
i send that ooooh…..
Argh! I shouldn’t have read this review! If be curious to try this and the almond matcha side by side.
This one really tempts me, I could probably actually get my husband to drink this, in fact there was a bottle of DiSerona at beginning of our relationship ;)
Its really delicious! :)
1. I’m checking on the nut allergy with my supplier.
2. I loved your review until the part when you want to encourage other stores to sell flavored matcha. Once in my like I think I may have a good idea to finally get the sales up and you want others to create competition for me?!
Bad Azzrian, bad!! :-)
I think I may need a list of reviewers BANNED for life(!) from trying my matcha. LOL
For those that are new to matcha, can you give specific amounts of milk, water, matcha…. you use for the perfect latte?
That would be fantastic! I second Red Leaf’s comment :) (taps her foot impatiently waiting for her caramel matcha)
No no not encourage – more like shaking head in amazement that everyone else missed the boat! :) You have this corner marketed!
Update: All the natural flavors added to our matcha are allergen- free :-)
What a gentle, delicate, dainty tea!
How perfect that I decided to use my gorgeous pink with golden swirl teacups!
I feel dainty drinking this sweet, juicy, fruity tea!
The Wulong aroma is present but it may have needed more steep time to give you that wulong punch I am used to.
This is so subtle yet enticing with its flavoring.
I could see this being the perfect tea for a young girls tea party, to introduce new tea drinkers to finer teas, etc.
Brewed double strength I can absolutely see how this would be a wonderful iced tea as well as suggested by TeaEqualsBliss in her review.
Yes, I do like this one quite a bit. I tend to learn toward stronger flavors personally but this tea has really hit its mark with a soft warm gentle glow.
Yumminess!
I love rose earl greys, and I’ve tried quite a few but this just happened to be the one I brought with me while at my parents’ house. Honestly, I just kind of grabbed a bunch of samples and threw them in a bag together! Good thing, since it seems like I am going to be here for a while so I’m well stocked on tea. This is from my box from LiberTEAS I believe!
This is a nicely balanced rose EG, with a strong black base and soft cirtus notes from the bergamot. The rose is subtle and not overpowering, and a lot less strong than I thought it would be. I really like strong rose flavors, so this didn’t entirely deliver on that front but it was still a lovely cup!
Preparation
I am having my second cup of this today. My first sample of this was a gift from Amanda and it was wonderful but now, since I have purchased my own, I have had more time to play with it and sit with it and just enjoy it and really figure out what I feel about it.
That first cup got downed in light speed!
My Orange Matcha From Red Leaf Tea is comprised of the following:
Size : Small
Matcha Quality: Starter (Basic Grade)
Flavor: Distinctive
Storage : Add Small Metal Tin Container (Holds up to 45g)
I paid 3.00 extra for the tin.
You can get it here:
http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/orange-matcha.html
I am feeling that this is a more bitter orange and have to politely disagree with Amanda about it being candy like. I am getting more of an orange peel taste than orange juice but that is not a bad thing because I am enjoying its tart awakening flavors. It is a strong flavor but I did also get the distinctive flavoring. Red Leaf tea has an excellent base matcha regardless of if you go with the basic grade or one above that. I have enjoyed them all. This would probably be really good in a red or white base as well as the flavors are strong enough for a red and I just love white matcha with about anything!
I am thinking of all the ways I could enjoy this tea although currently am enjoying it in its typical iced version with creamer and milk. I also noticed in Dhart1214’s review of this that one could make an energy drink with it which I think sounds like an excellent idea! I also have some Elderflower concentrate I am going to try with this also mixing in a little bit of soda water or something to make it sparkle!
While this does not tastes exactly like what my memory of it brings me to I can’t help but think of Orange Julius. Not the orange julius of today though – today’s orange julius is nothing like it was back when I was a kid. I think they were far more natural back then and not made with some crappy processed powder stuff. This reminds me of being young walking around at our tiny small town mall where you knew everyone there, and getting a fresh squeezed orange julius. Later that Orange Julius closed down and we would recreate them at home and they were pretty good but it was never the same. Even when the Dairy Queen opened Orange Julius Stores again which has not been that long ago now, they were never the same. Maybe it is because I was younger then and more impressionable, maybe not, maybe it is as I suspect and things are just more processed now but whatever it is it sure is lovely to have this scrumptious matcha bring back such wonderful memories!
I am enjoying all the versatile ways I could use this matcha but I think what I really want is to get some peach nectar, sparkling soda, and make a mix with that! Fuzzy Navel anyone?
Again if you want to grab some of this up you can do so here:
http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/orange-matcha.html
Matcha #2 in TeaEqualsBliss’s Matcha Marathon
This is delightful!
Very naturally flavored with a great citrus awakening punch!
I am enjoying this mixed with some milk, ice and a little German Rock Sugar but I also tried it straight and it was darn yummy!
LOVE!
Oops forgot in my excitement to thank Amanda for this sample! <3
MATCHA-THON MATCHA #8…
Special Thanks to Amanda for this one!
This is JUST that…ORANGE Matcha! This is quite brilliantly-naturally-orange flavor. It’s not too much that it will smack you in the face but the flavor is wonderful! It’s TRUE. It’s Orange and lovely. It’s juicy AND it’s creamy. This is VERY tasty! I’m VERY impressed by this one! So happy I got to try it! Thanks Amanda!
OMG I just did orange matcha!! LOL I swear I didn’t see yours first! Cool!
LOL – I just read yours after I refreshed! Genius Minds think alike!
Indeed!
Noticed the Boysenberry matcha is on sale at red leaf … wonder if it is any good.
I was wondering the same thing!
that sounds interesting, too!
This sample came to me by way of Indigobloom – thank you!
I steeped this for 3 minutes and I’m getting a light tartness from the raspberry and also a nice grape-y element. It does remind me a little bit of champagne but it’s also a bit on the sweet side (perhaps I prefer my champagne dry)… I can see why Indigobloom thought this was reminiscent of bubblegum. Overall it’s okay but not my favorite white tea blend. I do appreciate the sample though!
Preparation
Caramel Matcha
http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/caramel-matcha.html
Don’t think about it, don’t question if you should, don’t wibble wabble back and forth, its easy, click that link above! DO IT NOW! You will never regret it. Yes it is not as inexpensive as some teas out there but not only is it by far better than other teas it also buy one get one free if you do the free matcha program here:
http://www.redleaftea.com/free-matcha/
You see, there is no way to justify NOT ordering this unless you just need to wait on cash flow in which case I give you a pass but don’t forget about it! Let it seep into the deep recesses of your mind and haunt your dreams with visions of playful caramel candies with bright smiling faces dancing around your head.
Okay now that’s out of my system.
My matcha is composed as such:
Options:
Size : Small
Matcha Quality: Starter (Basic Grade)
Flavor: Robust
Storage : Add Small Metal Tin Container (Holds up to 45g)
I love the screw top lids on the containers you can buy from Red Leaf Tea!
So the flavor, this caramel is THE most carmaley flavored tea I have ever consumed! This is like eating chewy caramel candies without the tooth decay or chewing. I’m not a kid anymore so chewing on caramels is really not working out so well for me these days but I tell you what – THIS is more than an adequate substitute! I swear to you this is THE caramel to get!
So okay I had tried a sample of this before from a fellow steepster here and at that time I was not as adept in making my matcha let alone my matcha to water ratio. Now that I have it figured out – its so much better.
Also note, I did get the robust flavoring! I can’t imagine what the “there’s matcha in there?” flavoring would be like but I am tempted to try it! I just can’t imagine getting any more caramel goodness flavor out of this.
Get some of this matcha, mix in a splash of vanilla low fat creamer, a half cup to cup of milk, some ice cubes, pour in your matcha mix and BAM, LOVE!
I have had many amazing flavors from Red Leaf Tea so far in my matcha journey but I will say without a doubt THIS one is THE sweetest MOST candy like, MOST true to its namesake, MOST indulgent, dessert like, not even close IT IS dessert! I could not even go down to my local ice cream store and get something THIS delicious.
I am going to be done with this so I can really sit back and enjoy the rest of this delightful experience.
Oh and here is the link again:
I’m so excited for mine to come in the mail. I wish it was it here now!
I’ve never had matcha but from all of your lovely notes on them I think it’s definitely going to have to try some one of these days :)
Thank you Tawny – its so fun to try new things!
Cedes – I know I bet you can’t wait!! :)
I’ve seen so many of your matcha reviews, and they are very intruiging! I’ve never tried matcha, but you’re inspiring me, especially with T2 opening up soon in my city, they sell this kit: http://t2tea.com/what-s-new/teas-2/matcha-starter-kit-2/.
Thats a cute set – I would rather spend that much on matcha though :)
So… I wasn’t sure, did you like this one?
;)
haha so much so I was just trying to manipulate my daughter into having one knowing she would not finish the whole thing and I could have the rest.
Hehe, they’re susceptible when they’re young!
Ah yes, one of the joys of living in Australia, more expensive everything! Perhaps it will be a Christmas treat, just have to find a red mug to put it in…
Tassie: Cool set! I love all the tea doodads!
Thank you to Mercuryhime for sending me a lovely sample of this!
I really did enjoy it very much. I am not sure what level of flavor was added to this batch but I think I would go one more flavored if that were an option – I mean if this is not already the more flavored kind. Bah anyway if that made any sense…
I do love Red Leaf matcha although I have only tried two flavors to date I appreciate the good base tea even if this is not the “superior” base it is darn good!
Now this was not an in your face caramel flavor in my opinion but you could certainly tell it was in there!
I will be making my own order as soon as possible! :)
