Peter Azak Send Message

Oh, how I long for the true buttery goodness of Almond Biscotti.

I wish this was exactly how Almond Biscotti tastes, but it is still a much paler version, less cookie-like and more marzipan.

Because Teavana appears to have completely discontinued Almond Biscotti, I decided to start accepting this as an inferior alternative.

The second steep is still the best, as it brings out more almond and a more full flavor, removing most of the pale characteristics that seems to degrade the overall enjoyment on the first steep.

But, I still long for Almond Biscotti.

This tea is more floral than anything, with a slight fruity scent and taste.

The black tea flavor can be quite rich and full as well, which compliments the floral flavors.

This seems like a perfect after dinner tea, as it is dark and deep and rich for an evening delight.

The leaves are silky and delicate, with bright and smooth honey and floral scents.

The liquor seems brighter and smoother, and is much sweeter, with gradually intense floral notes.

This is a very sexy tea, both inside and out.

Both steeps of tonight’s leaves give such consistent delicious brewed liquor, I could very well call this one of the most perfect teas I am enjoying.

This is a really interesting tea.

The aroma is very fresh and earthly, with hints of floral and almond scents.

The taste is nicely sweet and mild and very smooth, not at all what I was expecting of a first flush Darjeeling.

I would share this tea with those that are unsure about most Darjeelings and their typical strong and complex flavors, as this is a simple mild tea with light complexity.

There isn’t much else to say that my last log has already explained about this tea.

It can be initially delicious, but eventually the rooibos wants to take over and my enjoyment diminishes with each sip.

That’s not to say I don’t like this tea, it just really needs something to control the rooibos.

Second steep of the first leaves.

I must say, the second steep brings it closer to the taste of Almond Biscotti, which makes me enjoy this tea so much more; increasing the amount of sugar helps a lot as well.

Unfortunately, the signature buttery flavor is still sorely lacking, it is quite evident in both taste and smell from the dry leaves to the brew that you are not drinking cookies.

Despite, there is less of the pale rose petals and more of the almonds, making this a truly great marzipan.

I had called a Teavana location to inquire about their Almond Biscotti, to which they informed me Amandine Rose has replaced; they had also assured me that this tea is exactly the same as Almond Biscotti.

Right away, I expected the familiar and comforting buttery flavor Almond Biscotti is known for, which this tea is close to getting.

I can smell and taste more of the rose petals than the almonds, which makes for a pale yet sweet brew.

But, Almond Biscotti this tea is not, as it is more of a pale marzipan than a dessert tea.

I still enjoyed the tea, as it is now the best marzipan I have had.

This is a very sweet and relaxing tea, with strong almondy and vanilla aromas.

The taste is lightly bitter, with a stronger almond flavor coming through, followed eventually by the familiar earthy flavors.

This is a great simple tea for gradual appreciation, I can see myself using this in a blueberry tea mix.

This tea is a work of art.

The aroma is very floral and slightly fruitful with toasted undertones, very light and delightful.

The complexities of each sip just burst through the initial sweetness with explosions of unique bouquets of floral flavors.

There can be so much going on, but the tea is very balanced and relies on your full sensory enjoyment.

Because of such a beautifully complex and balanced tea, I can find myself surprised with each sip.

This is quite possibly my new favorite Darjeeling tea.