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87

Right now I’m drinking the last of my stash of this tea. I am thoroughly enjoying the tea, yet at the same time sad that there is no more.

Funnily enough, just this morning I wrote on a discussion thread about the whole limited-edition tea concept. I said that I am occasionally very sad when a tea runs out and I know I cannot get any more of it. This is one of those teas.

It’s a strange one, I will admit. Peanut butter? In tea? As a peanut butter addict, I just had to try it. As strange an idea as it may be, it really works. It’s not salty, yet I’m getting the salty sensation of peanut butter, and together with chocolate sweet, it is great.

Frank, if you read this: please, please, please make another peanut butter blend sometime soon! (preferably with chocolate in it too)

Meg

This sounds awesome! I haven’t even thought about peanut butter in tea…..I hope something like this turns up again!

ssajami

Me too! I’ve been hoping for a peanut butter blend for a while. I guess peanut butter is not the most popular of tea flavors.

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77
drank French Vanilla Assam by 52teas
78 tasting notes

Yummy this is a really good vanilla tea…
When I first opened the package it smelled so good.. like a vanilla candle… really strong and sweet… but I also kept getting whiffs of something else… not sure what it was, but it smelled good, maybe a bit of almond?

Brewed this up and it is nice and smooth, sweet and delicious. The first taste was black tea with a hint of vanilla at the end to add a bit of sweet yumminess to it. This is my second favorite as far a vanilla teas go. When it cools down you get more vanilla which I like, it can be pretty strong it is not a delicate flavor so if you like strong vanilla flavors than this is for you… it really does taste like it has real vanilla beans in it!

Preparation
195 °F / 90 °C 5 min, 0 sec

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87
drank Pina Colada Honeybush by 52teas
335 tasting notes

Tea can be like music sometimes. My favorite band Everclear, some of their early stuff I didn’t care for at first. But once I started listening to it, the early stuff was all I wanted! This is what happened to me with this tea.

It grew on me a little more every time I had it. So I have to up my rating! And now I love it!

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87
drank Pina Colada Honeybush by 52teas
335 tasting notes

I got this in the V-Day sample set. I loved every tea I got, this being the last to taste. And I kept it last , because I was looking forward to it. Compared to the strawberry teas, I would say this wasn’t what I thought it would be. I was hoping for more fruit. I have had amazing pineapple and coconut tea, I was hoping for more of that. I didn’t like the rum flavoring, it just came off weird to me. And I do love rum, just more hidden.

My dad really liked this tea, though. I went through it quick, but I don’t think I would buy it again. It just wasn’t what I expected.

Preparation
Boiling 8 min or more

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95
drank Strawberry Zabaglione by 52teas
335 tasting notes

This is like Marco Polo’s twin! I love this tea. It has a wonderful creaminess. And I LOVE strawberry teas, they make me so happy. I read how others said they thought the tea came out a little too bitter, so I brewed with water just under boiling. It’s an excellent blend, not just strawberry, but with so many background flavors.

I made zabaglione in school, and this pretty much captures the essence of it. A little more wine would be lovely. I still will chug this tea.

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 4 min, 0 sec

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95

Well. A sipdown is a good way to start off the morning, even if its a blend you really liked.

I have been doing a massive spring cleaning of my cupboard and am in the process of getting some very old blends out. Down to 64 today! Hmm. I guess I should start placing some orders soon… :)

Today’s final cup was made extra strong and with a splash of creamer. It is tasty as ever, sweet vanilla custard being the dominant flavor, as usual. I love vanilla blacks. I suppose its time to face the music and start searching for another one, as this was a limited edition blend.

Schoolwork first, then time to peruse some tea websites I think..

Flavors: Caramel, Cream, Vanilla

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec 3 tsp 16 OZ / 473 ML
Anna

Oooh. Tea website perusing is one of life’s little luxuries.

Fjellrev

I really miss this one.

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95

I suppose the fact that I’m still drinking the ORIGINAL pouch of this, some 3 years later, should show you how slow of a tea drinker I am. This is why I cannot have a huge stash of tea – as it is it will probably outlast ME at this point.

That said, I am actually within one to two cups of finishing this. In its heyday, the smell of this was my favorite – custard doughnuts. Now its a bit more chemically, but with the help of some creamer its still quite a strong vanilla tea. I can’t fault the tea for being old, though.

It is my favorite vanilla tea, and one I’m genuinely sad was a limited edition.

Flavors: Vanilla

Preparation
1 tsp 12 OZ / 354 ML

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95

It’s not even 9 AM and I’ve started a sponge for bread baking, cleaned out the fridge and got dinner in the crockpot. To reward myself I made some cinnamon toast (using the last of my old homemade loaf) and had this tea to go with.

Steeped: 1.5 tsp. in 10 oz. water/milk with some sugar at the below parameters.

The custard/vanilla note is as present as ever. As in previous notes, it also still reminds me of coffee (yum!) since I think french vanilla is a common coffee flavoring. Still really well balanced, still flavorful and this is a blend I’ve had around for a while. I love when teas age well, because I am a SLOW tea drinker!

I think it’s an excellent substitute for coffee in the morning (if you like that kind of thing).

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 30 sec
Veronica

Wow! Want to come over to my house? ;-)

JustJames

yup, what veronica said.

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95

This tasted a bit weaker today, despite using the same parameters I always do. Maybe it’s just getting old (WAH) or maybe I used more water without realizing it?

Getting down to the end of this one – but I have a few 52Teas coming my way that I’m super excited about. Yay for Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish!!!

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec

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95

My tea of the morning…though really the french vanilla part feels more coffee than tea.

I can’t even believe the tea of the week this week. Almond Joy in a darn cup. They’re my favorite candies, too. I’m trying to hold out in case the Blueberry Cream Cheese danish comes back so I can just buy everything at once…and I shouldn’t even do this because I’m trying to abstain until 2/26.

WHY IS IT SO HARD TO STOP MYSELF FROM BUYING TEA???

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec
ashmanra

I feel your pain. I keep putting myself on a ban, but then I neeeeeed something.

Indigobloom

it just doesn’t stop does it?? sighs

JoonSusanna

It really doesn’t stop! And it’s so ridiculous because I have SO MUCH TEA. Why do I keep getting more if I can’t even hope to finish off what I’ve already got??

So far I’ve remained strong and resisted any new teas, but if that Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish pops up I’m done for!

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95

Latte style. 1 cup milk, 1 cup water, 1 heaping tbsp. leaf, and a splash of coconut nectar to sweeten.

I didn’t really need the sweetener, and I was hoping the coconut would work better with the vanilla than it did. Still – it always disappears from my cup pretty fast, and it’s a great way to start my morning!

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec

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95

Had this a couple of times over the blackout weekend, because it was one of three I brought with me on our trip.

Lets see.. Friday I had this at my parents house with milk and it was good – a little thin but I didn’t have my measuring stuff with me.

Saturday and Sunday my boyfriends mother kept picking it up to smell it but would never outright ask for a cup. The mugs at our rental house were huge so it seemed weak both times I made it for myself, but milk gave it a thicker mouthfeel and I was just happy to have it in my life again (thank you iHeartTeas!) so no real complaints.

His mom never did ask for a cup, but since boyfriend will be gone up to visit them the rest of the week (I have to work- new job and all) I gave him a couple of bags with a good amount of leaf and steeping instructions. Asheville’s colder than here, and I’ll be getting a pound of this soon (At least I think so…) so I can spare it. I just hope she likes it, given the palava with the chai earlier Saturday….

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 30 sec
RachanaC (Rachel)-iHeartTeas

I am so happy you enjoyed it dispite all the blackouts. FYI I still have 9 of these pouches left at $5.25 each if you want the rest contact me. I’m sure I can work out a bulk pricing for you. :)
http://iheartteas.com/store/products/french-vanilla-52teas-1-75oz-new-rescue/

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95

Still not 100% with whatever this stomach bug thing is…but I need to hydrate (even if tea is a diuretic) and I love my morning black tea. So I went for this with some added milk.

I couldn’t have tolerated sweetener even if I wanted to, but it was nice to get the idea of something sweet on my tongue. And at least my taste buds aren’t off, so I can enjoy it…

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 30 sec
Indigobloom

glad you’re feeling better!! :)

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95

It was so good yesterday that I had to have more today. But the bad news is I probably only have enough for one more cup. :(. I’ll be shooting an email to Frank soon to get that taken care of (hopefully!)

Anyone want to split a pound of this with me – if it turns out he can do a reblend?

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec
Kittenna

This one’s pretty popular…. I’m willing to bet if he reblended it it would go quickly on the site! I’d certainly buy some!

JoonSusanna

I hope he goes for it! I sent him an email but I haven’t heard back yet – I’m sure the 12 teas of Christmas are keeping him busy!

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95

I don’t know why I forget about this tea. But it seems like what usually happens is I go through my standard favorites, then I want something new, and then I look in my cupboard on here and remember I have some and usually get up to make a cup as soon as this happens.

It’s like my ace in the hole or something. But I’m glad for it this morning, after the disaster my tongue just dealt with. Prep details – 2 tsp. leaf in 10 oz. of water with a splash of milk. Used the below parameters for steeping.

This is amazing. Maybe it tastes even better comparatively, but right now it is REALLY hitting the spot. A lovely vanilla/caramel/custard (I think someone used the term honeyed and they are totally right) with the perfect chewiness. It’s almost coffee-like in texture, too, which is a huge plus as I love tea with body to it. Honestly, if I put a pinch of salt in this I’d probably get the salted caramel flavor I envisioned from David’s Tea.

And it was in my stash this whole time. That’s kind of embarrassing.

Hmmm… this isn’t in the permanent collection with 52teas, though. Does anyone know if Frank still does the bulk (1 pound) reblends? I’d love to have it with me forever..

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec
I ♥ NewYorkCiTEA

As far as I’m aware, he does still do them.

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95

3 tsp. leaf to 500 ml. water in the Breville at below parameters. Added half and half and sugar.

This is a very coffee-esque tea to me, and I think it’s mostly because French Vanilla is a popular flavoring in coffee moreso than tea. And because when I used to drink coffee I drank it with milk and sugar, so it really looks and smells the part once it’s been prepped the way I like it.

Fortunately its not coffee – and as strong as the vanilla is at the front of the sip, the Assam comes in just as strong to finish and remind me that it is tea, and a very well balanced one at that. Perfect for a breakfast wake up!

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec

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95

Life has been stressy lately.

And unfortunately for me, stress is inversely proportional to tea consumption. But I made a point to stop and have some tonight, anyway.

It was a wise decision – and the almond milk I added (instead of regular milk) really takes this up a notch. It becomes almost caramel like in flavor. A perfect balm for my nerves.

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec
Ninavampi

Same here…. Stress is definitely inversely proportional to tea consumption and Steepster up to dateness… Catching up today! Soooo much to read! : )

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95

3 tsp. leaf to 500 ml. water in my Breville at below parameters.

I tried a sip of this plain and got a very heavy vanilla (yum) and very astringent (not so yum) tea base. So, milk and sugar were added to make this my afternoon study snack.

This really comes alive with additives! It actually reminds me of coffee (probably the french vanilla flavor), which I haven’t had in a very long time since I’m particularly sensitive to the caffeine in it. Anyway, this tea is a very welcome drink as I sit and listen to the wind whipping around outside the house.

P.S. One week until the 12 teas of Christmas! I cannot wait!!!

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 3 min, 30 sec
Ninavampi

I can’t wait either!!! I hope mine makes it in time! : )

JoonSusanna

I hope so, too! I’ve had to put the box in the back of my tea closet so I won’t peek!

That’s one good thing about it not getting to you yet – you get to avoid temptation for just a little longer!

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95

This steeping was actually a blend – boyfriend wanted the earl grey creme from teavana and I wanted more of a plain vanilla and with a thicker texture, So, 1 heaping tsp of this to 2 level tsp. of earl grey in 500 ml. water, at below parameters and voila!

I got what I wanted for sure – a thicker tea, with a heavier vanilla. The bergamot is shifted to the background a bit more, where I like it. I think I have a sensitivity to it if there’s too much there, so even though I like the flavor, it’s better when it’s a bit muted.

I like this with no sweetener or milk; it stands just fine on it’s own, with a cookie or two (those snickerdoodles I made are CRACK).

I would say this was a success, and may try to replicate it again in the future. :)

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 30 sec

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95

3 tsp. leaf to 16 oz. water in my Breville.

Yes I am drinking an Assam at night – gotta study for my exams! I had the first cup with milk and sugar and it was perfect. On the second go around I went with just sugar and realized how much the milk helped smooth out the astringency of the cup. Hopefully a shorter steep time will cut out the astringence next time.

It’s super robust with a nice balance of that custard vanilla flavor, though, which I am glad of. It’s a breakfast and dessert tea rolled into one, and makes me enjoy having to put in these late night hours.

Preparation
Boiling 5 min, 0 sec

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95

Mmm..I knew this one would lend itself well to a latte.
3 tsp. leaf to 16 oz liquid.
Custardy and sweet, but still definitely a tea. Quite a good tea, at that.

Preparation
Boiling 3 min, 0 sec

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95

1.5 tsp in 10 oz water.
I just love how you get the vanilla flavor FIRST, and black tea as an afterthought.
It’s so smooth and the mouthfeel is perfect- this is a thick tea even without additives. It is definitely a morning starter drink, which is great, because that’s how I’m drinking it!

Preparation
Boiling 5 min, 0 sec
RachanaC (Rachel)-iHeartTeas

I love this one too. It is so different than most vanilla teas. Also wanted to let you know your order will be shipping today. Thanks again!

JoonSusanna

Thank you so much! I just saw the picture you sent me and did a little squee…I can’t wait!

RachanaC (Rachel)-iHeartTeas

Awesome! It has been shipped you should see it early next week. :-)

LiberTEAS

This is my very favorite tea from Frank.

JoonSusanna

It is quite good, especially the way I had it today with the longer steeping time. How long do you normally steep it for?

LiberTEAS

I am generally very cautious when I steep Assam teas, because I find them to be too bitter when I oversteep. I usually go for 2 1/2 minutes to 3 minutes with this tea (and most Assams!)

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95

Ugh – 5:30 wake ups suck. I am not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination, and this part of clinicals is killing me. Only one more week til we get a week off, though, so I guess I can hang on a bit longer.
Unfortunately, waking up early and collapsing in bed about 9:00 to do it all over again means that there isn’t much time in my life for tea.
So this weekend morning, a rainy, chilly March morning, I decided to break out some more of the French Vanilla Assam – simply because every time I walk by it in my kitchen I have to inhale the scent. I LOVE the smell of this dry leaf.
At a lower temperature I got more of a balance between the vanilla and the tea, and I think I’ll keep it that way. I need sugar in it, but I think that’s more because I just need sugar in most of my black teas.
I will definitely enjoy this one while I’ve got it. :)

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 3 min, 0 sec

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