169 Tasting Notes

89
drank Anastasia by Kusmi Tea
169 tasting notes
I have been absent from Steepster because a large group of people descended upon my home, these people were always needing to be fed, whining about how the shower they took was cold and always wanting some article of clothing washed or their specific dietary needs being met.

In other words, my family was here.
They also pried in my cupboards and were constantly asking me why I was hoarding so much tea. (long, agonizing sigh inserted here)
But, now here I sit, in a house that is too quiet, both sad and relieved at the same time.
I shared my tea with my family, especially my father who actually does drink tea and he liked almost all the teas I shared with him.
Some of my other family, spat out or wrinkled their noses or gagged at the teas I so generously shared from my “hoard”.
This tea arrived, unfortunately, while they were here.
Comments were made about how I had bought MORE tea while I clearly had too much already.
Anyway, I actually ordered loose tea, but this arrived in the their little muslin baggies.
I could have made a fuss, and returned it.
But, I have wanted to try this flavor and brand for so long now, that I just swallowed the extra expense and opened and have been quickly sneaking a cup while the company was here.
I did not want to share this tea, since I spent so much and there is only 20 little muslin baggies in the box.
But, now here I sit, in my empty house, drinking it out in the open, and once again visiting with my understanding friends on Steepster.
I have missed you all!
For some reason, I was expecting this tea to be a bit bolder, instead it is a very elegant Earl Grey.
The delicately blended citrus makes it feel worthy of a real proper tea party.
I think I was expecting this tea to blow me out of the water and totally wow me.
Instead it fells like it is gently reprimanding me and tell me to cross my ankles and sit like a lady.
I like that though.
Especially since I am missing my Mother more than I would like to admit.

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 30 sec
TeaBrat

oh – those pesky family members. ;-)

Will Work For Tea

I have a love-hate relationship with people visiting as well. So much work to do before and during their visit, but I look forward to the calmness when they leave! At least you had a new tea to brighten your day! :)

JacquelineM

One of the things I like about Kusmi teas are how delicate and subtle they are. I’m now reminded that I want to try their violet black tea but have not gotten around to it. They have the most beauteous tins, too :)

ashmanra

Violet black?! WANT!

Hesper June

Oooo! that flavor sounds so decadent!

Azzrian

Mixed emotions are difficult I know. It will get better.

Skulleigh

Glad you are back! I love your description of this tea. It is a very proper tea! I have a little tin of it from the Russian sampler.

The Manse Hen

I loved your review! So redolent…of life!

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91

This tea is Quirky.
I have had Genmaicha Tea before, but a long time ago.
I remember that tea tasted like popcorn.
This tea has a lot more going on.
Dry leaves smell like fresh cut hay drying in the sun.
As soon as the water hits it I am overwhelmed with childhood memories of saying to my mother “Mumsy, can I have a snack?” and then to be handed a Rice Cake.(You all remember Rice Cakes? For some reason in the early 90’s they were the latest health craze and my Mother was all about them)
So, A Rice Cake Nose with a bit of that grassy hay smell too.
Then taste!
Well,A Rice Cake covered in Salty Seaweed comes to mind.(not that my mother served this to me as a child)
A little bit of popcorn at the back of the tongue.
You might think after that sort of review that I will rate this low.
Well, you would be wrong.
I said the tea was quirky, and so am I.
I like it.
Brewed in my Bodum.
Very pale greenish yellow in color.
The flavors only stay strong for a couple of infusions.

Preparation
175 °F / 79 °C 2 min, 0 sec
Azzrian

Have you tried Den’s Tea genmaicha?

Hesper June

No, I have not.
This is the first Genmaicha I have tried probably in ten years…and I am not even sure what brand that tea was.
Is that your favorite, Azzrian?
I know you like Genmaicha’s.

Azzrian

Yes it really is.

Hesper June

Well, I will have to check it out then:)

Azzrian

:) Also if you order from them – get the grape sencha OMG its good!

Hesper June

Oh, My! that does sound delish!

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78
drank Florence by Harney & Sons
169 tasting notes

Do you ever buy a tea and you are just so sure that you will adore it, but then when you drink it your feelings are hurt that you are not madly in love with it?
I was so sure that I would be just as mad about this tea as I am with Paris.
I am not.
However, it IS a good tea and I do like it.
I have a feeling that I did this to the poor tea, my expectations were too high.
I just wanted to love it too much.
Deep Sigh
The nose on this tea is strong.
Almost like its trying to make sure you know it has chocolate in it.
But, the taste it better, it is a smooth tea and I do like the taste.
You really can not identify the black tea in there though.
I drank this as is, no sugar or cream/milk.
I did not want to mask what tea taste that was there.
I can see making this tea for company who do not drink much tea normally, it would be unoffensive to them, unless they do not like chocolate.
Now, I do like some Chocolate Teas.
And this tea is not terrible, we just are going to be friends though, instead of lovers.
I have some of this tea cold brewing, so I will return with a update on how this tea holds up to that.
UPDATE
Well, my opinion has not really changed in drinking it cold brewed.
It makes an all right iced tea, but I probably will not be cold brew it again.

Preparation
Boiling 5 min, 0 sec
TeaBrat

when I first tried this tea I loved it, but for some reason I stopped loving it.. oh well

SimplyJenW

As long as I think of this as a hazelnut tea, I like it. I agree that the chocolate is a little light.

Janefan

I think a bit of milk/cream and sugar does bring the flavor out more in this one. But, I’ve never managed to get it to taste as chocolately as when I first drank a whole pot of it myself at a teahouse dinner.

Skulleigh

Oh, I’ve been there, and recently! It’s like a personal insult, isn’t it? :D

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95

This tea is lovely!
I almost did not get it.
It was an afterthought as I was finishing up the order, I thought “Hmmm,well, I guess this tea might be good for cold brewing this summer” and added it to the order.
I have not even tried it cold brewed yet, I have been enjoying it to much hot.
Opening the tin (a tin I placed the tea in, the teas come nicely packed in bag and box, but for long storage transferring to a tin is best:) is a treat.
Now, it is fruity, but not sugary candy like fruit, I would say it is more sophisticated than that.
Its dry leaf smells of a lovely Ceylon, than a Smokey Tropical Fruit.
Add water and inhale and it becomes even bolder!
This dark amber brew is a good Ceylon, nice and bright, but add the Mango and again that underlying smokiness to this tea and it is a delight!
The mouth has a bit of tang on the back of the tongue.
The Mango is very soft, kind of in the background, but not overpowering the Ceylon at all.
Sniffing the infuser basket of wet leaves and you can really smell the Mango, and again not overpowering or ultra sweet, just like you had cut open a fresh mango.
I will return to let you all know how it is cold brewed, but for now, I think I shall sit on the Veranda (the back porch) and pretend I am someplace exotic while sipping this tea.

Update
This tea is delicious cold brewed.
Very Refreshing and thirst quenching.
The Mango has become slightly more pronounced, which I like for a ice tea.

Preparation
Boiling 5 min, 0 sec
JacquelineM

I’ll have to try this one. I’m a huge fan of Mountain Rose Herbs!

ashmanra

I have been looking for a mango black to replace the one from 52teas last year. It was soooo good!

Hesper June

Well, I hope you like this one, as I stated above the Mango flavor is not real sweet or strong, so I do not how it would compare to the 52 Teas.
But, I like it:)

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89

Tea of the morning for me.
For some reason, as soon as I awoke, I knew I wanted this tea.
A dark amber brew with a nice rounded flavor.
There is a bit of Smoke and Leather to this tea that I really enjoy.
The tea is almost Manly.
It is Strong without being harsh, it satisfies with simplicity and it knows how to wake me up in the morning….everything a girl is looking for in a Man…Er, In a TEA, yes in a tea;)
Brewed in my Bodum.
The first two infusions stay about the same, after that it starts getting milder.
It was drank without milk or sweetener (how I drink most all my teas)

Preparation
Boiling 5 min, 0 sec

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77

My final sample from my latest H&S order.
I like Mint.
I like herbal Mint teas, I like Mint gum and I certainly like Mint Juleps.
However, Mint in my green tea…eh, I have found that it seems to take over and you can not even taste the green tea.
So, in the past, Never been a fan.
I see others who reviewed this tea said that this tea was not Minty enough.
For me, it was about right.
I can smell the green tea and the mint.
I can taste the green tea and mint.
But, neither over power the other.
Am I converted to drinking Mint Green Tea all the time.
No.
I still see the two as separate occasion teas, but, if I were in the mood for a Mint Green Tea, it would be this tea.
I think they got the blend just about right.
The Tea is a lovely golden blond color.
Another tea that I think would be nice to try cold brewed.

Preparation
175 °F / 79 °C 2 min, 0 sec

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81

Another sample that I received in my latest H&S’s order.
When I first opened up the little packet, and took a big whiff, I became very frightened.
It had a very strong and overly sweet odor.
Almost candy-like.
I could not identify any Oolong odor at this point.
Then I added the water.
And immediately sighed with relief, the Pomegranate mellowed and out emerged a nice earthy Oolong.
The Tea is a lovely golden color.
I think if I had more then just a sample, I would try this Tea cold-brewed.
Overall, This is a nice fruity Oolong.

Preparation
190 °F / 87 °C 3 min, 0 sec

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87

This is a sample I received in my latest Harney and Sons order.
I am going take a second to thank all the tea companies for giving out samples.
I just think it is awesome.
It seems like 10-15 years ago when my Father first got into teas, it was not a common thing, so I am always pleasantly surprised when I do get some in a box.
Okay!
On to Dragon Pearl Jasmine.
Which is my VERY first introduction to a Dragon Pearl Jasmine.
I must say when I opened the box, and saw this sample, I was so excited!
I have been wanting to try it since I came onto Steepster.
It seems to be a tea that either you really like it or you don’t.
Well, from the moment I opened the little sachet packet, it was like I bumped into a dear old friend.
I wore Jasmine perfume when I was younger and used a LUSH soap that smelled just like this tea.
I felt like I was young again!
Which is quite a feat since yesterday was my birthday and I am suffering from slight heat stroke today (playing too much in the sun on the water) and general feelings of ancient-ness creeping up on me.
If the smell was not enough to win you on this tea, the taste will.
Imagine a Jasmine flower with honey dripping off it…Yeah, thats how it tastes.
So, Harney and Sons, Thank you for the sample.
So, Steepster Friends, Thank you for introducing me to a tea that I had not even heard of before.
And thank you,Dragon Pearl Jasmine Tea, for making me feel young again…if not for a few minutes:)
P.S.
I used SimplyJen’s recommendations for brewing this tea, since my little packet did not have any on it.
I think it was spot on Jen!

Preparation
175 °F / 79 °C 3 min, 0 sec
Azzrian

Aweee Happy Bday and waht a LOVELY review! :)

Bonnie

Happy belated Birthday!!!!

Hesper June

Thank you, Ladies!
I wanted to add that this was a Sachet sample, but I have got 2 steepings out of it.I am trying a third as I type this…I pretty sure I am pushing it, but I just do not want to let it go!
I want to keep drinking it…..

Azzrian

:) Hope the third steep worked!

Hesper June

It really didn’t :(
It is only really good for two steepings.
But, oh how lovely those two steepings were…

Azzrian

:) Glad it was THAT good!

ashmanra

The first jasmine tea I had was terrible, then I tried Teavivre’s Jasmine Dragon Pealrs and fell in love. Two people who have had it with me made me order them some RIGHT AWAY! I want to try the Harney offering, too. I hear raves about it.

Hesper June

I can certainly understand their RIGHT AWAY response.
I had only had a few sips, and I was looking this tea up on their website and pondering their express shipping.
Which, I refrained from since the tea itself is not cheap (which is something I am realizing with all Dragon Pearl Jasmines,)
Apparently, this is a tea that I must not drink by the gallons…at least until I become a millionaire, that is.

SimplyJenW

Yay! So glad my ramblings are of use to someone!
Happy Belated Birthday!

gmathis

Revel in your ancientness ;) (Scary when you start to discover you’re supposed to be the older, wiser one!)

Ninavampi

Happy belated birthday!!! :)

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84

I bought this tea in one of Harney’s Tagalong tins.
Just finished a cup with breakfast.
It is good, basically it makes me think of a cross between their Paris Tea and a Earl Grey(which are both flavors that I like)but with a small touch of honey.
It is, of course, a sachet not loose.
I wish it was offered in loose because I think I would have made it a bit stronger.
I enjoy this tea, but there is other Teas H&S offer that I love even more.

Preparation
Boiling 5 min, 0 sec
Harney & Sons The Store

This tea is offered loose by the pound from the Harney and Sons website. Glad you enjoyed it!

Hesper June

Thanks H&S!
That is good info to know.
Between that and just trying your Dragon Pearl Jasmine, I am sure I wont be long in placing another order with you all soon;)

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96

This is a great brewing pitcher, especially for cold brewing.
Its very well made, and I like the fact that the infuser screws right into the lid.
It fits nicely into my fridge and makes the cold brewing process (which I am new to) very easy.
The only downfall would be if you only wanted to make 1/2 a pitcher, because the infuser does not reach to the bottom.

Azzrian

I almost got one when they were on sale on sneaqpeek or wait was it opensky – yeah opensky – anyway I didn’t pull the trigger. I should have.

Hesper June

Well,maybe next time!
Gives you something to look forward too:)

Azzrian

Exactly! Gotta save SOME tea goodies for later :)

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Profile

Bio

A Farmer’s Wife who drinks her tea to forget the din of the world.
Love all tea, from black to herbal concoctions.
Usually start my day with black tea and then move on to Oolong or Green in the afternoon, then finish the day with a tisane.
Loose Leaf teas are my preference, I say “Free the Leaves!” :)
When I am not drinking tea, I enjoy knitting, baking, reading, playing with one of our rescue animals or working along side my husband on our farm.

My rating system is rather relaxed:
50’s or under- Um, is this tea or did I get this from the slop bucket?
60’s- Not really my thing, certainly will not be purchasing again.
70’s- I will give this tea a few more tries to see if it grows on me , right now it is okay but not thrilling me.
80’s- Like this tea a lot. It might be a tea that I have to be in a certain mood for and therefore not a daily drinker, but try to have on hand for those “moods”
90’s and higher- ADORE! Will never be without!

I most always drink my tea plain.
No sweeteners or milk/cream.

Location

Idaho

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