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For the life of me, I don’t know why “nutty” and “almond” ever made into the brand name of this chunky herbal blend, because it tastes like caramel apples. Despite the misguided moniker, I really like it, especially this time of year. They did get the “cream” part right, both in the title and in the mixture. Also the “relaxer” subtitle on the tin. Good for sipping while you watch the cat take a nap.

I needed a buffalo to butt me out of bed this morning. Mate isn’t exactly on the top of my flavor list (I think it’s the vegetal whang that undermines the toastiness), but it is effective and my eyes are now open. A splash of milk improves it for me.

When I first reviewed this last year, I noted that it’s maple first, then ginger. Allow me to reverse the order. (Hey, if you’ve read my reviews over the years, I’m nothing if not inconsistent!) Gently sweet, but not overdone.

It’s still a very nice autumn option, which I need to try with milk. This would latte nicely.

The last sentence in Cuppa Geek’s pitch for this one is: "Customers have commented that this tea reminds them of lemonade! " Clearly, those customers have never scarfed half a package of Archway soft lemon sugar cookies in a sugar fit (the good Archway kind from when I was a kid, not the skimpy cut-production-corners version you get now).

…because this is the lovely liquid replica of that lemony cookie goodness. Superb.

I added this to my no-frills work tea “library” recently since loose-leaf isn’t practical with our building logistics. More toasty than fruity (baked apple peels, maybe?) and tends to quench your thirst rather than dry your tongue. A plus that this brand is readily available at our Natural Grocers.

I have written novels about this faithful, uncomplaining, beefy Clydesdale of a tea and have absolutely nothing to add. We are on our second day of sweater weather and I couldn’t help but make a lovely strong wake-up cup with milk.

Simply because I am craving autumn, the tea name had me envisioning something a little tart and sharp, like scones with unsweetened cranberries. This went another direction, but I’m glad it took me along for the ride. Think berries and cream instead, smooth and sweet.

Now, because I forgot whether my Saturday mug (surely you have a mug for each day of the week, too) was 12 or 16 ounces, I think I overleafed somewhat, because the bottom third of the cup was a little bitter. I’m calling that “leaf fail” on my part, rather than on the tea’s. Can’t wait to try this with a little dairy.

The last time I reviewed this was during the Great Snowpocalypse of 2011 (that was a year, lemme tellya!) and I was fortifying myself to help hubby tackle 18 inches worth of snow shoveling.

Just for the record, this is not the same batch. But it is the same basic, inexpensive bulk no-frills, black tea I remember. Flavor profile reminds me of dark pumpernickel or Ry-Krisp crackers. Takes milk well. (I’m ready for milk in my tea again … like y’all, certain flavors and combos are strictly seasonal, and that’s a fall/winter thing for me.)

We are getting a very welcome couple of surprisingly cool, wet weeks, and while I’m not a fan of rushing any season, come on, fall!

It really has to be fall to properly enjoy this chicory and spice blend. Back in the days when I didn’t pay much attention to the additive tea ingredients, I didn’t realize that cinnamon and star anise were part of the blend (not a fan of anise; it’s awfully pushy). But in this case, the other ingredients bully it back into submission, resulting in a really nice coffee with spice scent and taste. (Note to self: buy a pint of half-and-half. It’s time.)

Thanks to the lovely and talented ashmanra, I have been introduced to CuppaGeek. I am a sucker for wordplay and creative titles, so Double Golden Bonus Points were awarded right away after browsing selections on the website.

My first pick was Baked Apple Pie (with a hint of rum). It’s one of those herbal blends that also needs to be a potpourri—CuppaGeek nailed the pie scent. You might need to buy one packet to drink and one to sniff.

With really “chunky” herbal blends (lots of apple hunks and chamomile heads), the flavor differs a little with each cup, depending on the mix that comes up in your spoon. Last night’s nightcap was light on the rum and cinnamon and the apple-chamomile came through nicely and well balanced in the foreground. Tonight’s may be slightly different.

I have been whining for months about the demise of Celestial Seasonings’ Sweet Apple Chamomile. I’ll hush now—I’ve met its much more luxurious stepchild.