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I just came back from a high tea ornament exchange party and this was one of the few black teas being served.
It was ho hum, but it was brewed rather weak so that might be why. I dunno it smelled like vanilla but other than that it would just watered down black tea with no interest to it at all.

Sipdown

Had a few glasses of this this morning/afternoon chilled. I really do love this tea iced. I think next time I’ll add more tea to it to make it stronger, but because it was just an advent sample, I only had limited to work with and steeped it several times to try and get as much out of it as possible!

I wanted a nice simple tea this morning, so I reached for Earl Grey. I really like this rendition of Earl Grey, it’s woody and not so floral. The Bergamont really shines through and is accented with the oak notes. Enjoyed it with some cream and stevia this morning. Good morning Saturday, now I just need to get through my work day and I’ll be set!

This tea is very romantic. It’s also very expensive. I bought this without knowing the price and without knowing that it’s a decafe blend. It is 34.00/100g!!! Ouchie.

At first sniff: It is very floral and berry like. I love the smell of it. It’s very elegant, regal, decadent in a gentle way. The vanilla enhances all these smells. It’s what sold me on getting the tea in the first place. The tea is pretty plain but hidden in the leaves are some dried strawberries.

At first steep: It’s definitely floral, so for those of you who don’t like floral teas, you might want to turn in the other direction and walk towards another tea. I like it with a little milk and sweet. Today I had it without any sweetener. I’m letting the aroma do the talking. I wish it wasn’t decaf, it might be a little cheaper then. I’m not sure if I’ll restock once this 100g is gone, it’s lovely, but is it worth the price?

Second steep: I did it at 80C for 3 mins.

I think I like the second steep more. It’s smoother and the toasty quality is more matched with the green tea. I think I prefer the second steep and will steep the first for less time next time.

I am also getting no coconut this time around!

Day 6 of 24 Days of Tea

SUSHI TEA! I will fondly always refer to this as sushi tea, because that is where I was first exposed to Genmaicha. Back then I didn’t know the name of the tea, I just know I loved the toasted taste when I ordered my sushi. I would always ask the servers what kind of tea it was, but only to be answered “green tea.” Then it left me thinking “Well Duh!”

At first sniff: You smell toasted rice. Let’s not try to get deep here, it’s green tea leaves and toasted rice. I’ve always wanted to try Davids variation of it though. I usually buy this stuff at the Asian specialty stores for dirt cheap, but can never seem to brew it the same way I have it in sushi restaurants. I think I’m over thinking it. I think they just keep dumping in hot water (boiling water that is) and continue to serve it. I guess I like it more burnt?

At first steep: Wow, very delicate instructions. 75C at 2-3 mins. I was ballsy and did it for 3 mins. It’s very light/delicate and one thing I always like about green tea is you can usually start drinking it right away, no need to wait. The first sip makes me realize I need to clean out my tea maker this weekend. I can taste what I think is Stormy Night, unless I’m just dreaming and they put coconut in this one too?!?!? This is definitely a go to morning tea for me. It wakes me up without sugar or milk. I usually buy a box of tea bags from the Asian grocer. I notice that there is a lack of tea leaves in the blend, and a lot of rice. Are we extra poor Japanese folks at DavidsTea??

I don’t think I will be buying this from Davids when I’m out. Their price is expensive when I can go to a Japanese market and get it there for far less. None the less, this is my favourite type of green tea.

Day 5 of the 24 Days of Tea

Well no surprise here, I’ve had this one before and have another 225g of it left I’m sure. I’m surprised they put this in the calendar when it’s been discontinued. I do like this tea. It’s not my favourite, but it’s still delicious. I have totally gone to this tea when I’ve needed a chocolate fix and there’s nothing in the cupboard… sometimes a couple pieces is all you need to curb the craving.

I like that it’s organic (yay!)

Day 4 of the 24 Days of Tea
Yummmm! I love this tea. I got it before in a caffeine free collection.

At first sniff: Apples, cinnamon, a sweet smell I can’t put my finger on and just baked apple cinnamon goodness. I smell a little nut, maybe walnut the most. I could smell this tea all day. If they made a candle that smelled like it, I’d buy them and light them all over my house.

At first steep: It brews up a very pretty light bubblegum pink colour and is a bit cloudy. It smells like it smells dry. I had it hot today but am going to chill the rest of the brew because I think I prefer it cold. It still tastes good hot though. My one reason for bumping this down in rating is you need a hefty portion in order to brew this strong and the tea is heavy so it’s expensive. But that’s okay. Maybe I’ll get it on sale. I’ve never ever actually owned this tea in large quantities, mostly because it’s expensive when you actually sit down and think about it.

I’ve been pretty blah with my teas lately. I woke up this morning and everything else overwhelmed me, so I reached for this. Quick, cheap and easy. I have had a headache for the last couple days and I think that’s why. I have opened my advent calendar but just haven’t brewed yesterday’s or today’s. Don’t worry, both were good ones and I am excited for them.

I am bumping up the rating on this one today. It is really comforting when you just want something that is what it is. I also didn’t want to fuss with brewing today.

This is not my favourite Earl Grey, but I keep it around for my mother and those that come over and want to have Earl Grey because I don’t have any in loose leaf (that will change though.) I got it on sale for Starbucks and their 12 days of Christmas, TAZO tea tins were on sale.

This is a very flowery Earl Grey and I think the lavender in it overpowers the beautiful Bergamont, which is a pity. It’s a good run-of-the-mill Earl Grey, but there are other companies that do it better if you’re looking for run-of-the-mill.