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2025 Bird & Blend Advent: Day 19

I didn’t realize, initially, how much was going on in this blend! And I like it. I’m primarily getting chamomile and lavender, with notes of lemon verbena laced throughout. Rose comes through occasionally too.

The hibiscus is thankfully minimal, but I don’t think it needs to be there at all! There are already a lot of bold flavors here, and the hibiscus isn’t doing the blend any real favors.

Overall, this is nice and cozy, and I am indeed feeling dozy… though that has less to do with the tea and more to do with it being bedtime. :)

2025 52teas 12 Days of Christmas: Day 6

Well, this does what it says on the tin! Gentle and fluffy, marshmallow-y peppermint laced atop a mildly chocolate base. I think the chocolate could be stronger to really give that hot cocoa kick, but as it is it really avoids that plasticky “fake chocolate” flavor, so maybe it’s best left like this!

Super smooth and tasty.

2025 Steepster Advent Swap: Day 19

Another Celestial Seasonings classic I haven’t had in ages! This was always one of my favorites back in the day, and I’m enjoying it right now. It’s creamier and more vanilla-y than I remember, with very muted notes of cinnamon. It’s actually almost reminiscent of eggnog, but in a sort of artificial, overpowering way.

That said, there’s something a bit sharp toward the end of the sip that makes my tongue feel curdled… maybe it’s whatever flavoring they use to approximate nuttiness? I’d also appreciate a stronger base to stand up to the flavorings.

Appreciating the nostalgia and [mostly] enjoying the cuppa this morning!

2025 Steepster Advent Swap: Day 18

This is Song Zhong Gold from White2Tea. I think I underleafed it, because it’s very mild — I honestly can’t pull out many flavors beyond a gentle sweetness and mild woodiness. Pleasant but unremarkable!

2025 Bird & Blend Advent: Day 18

I really enjoyed this one when I first tried it four years ago, and I’m still enjoying it today — though maybe less so. This time around, I’m getting all the spices (mostly clove, ginger, and cinnamon) first, followed by both orange and caramel. I don’t recall the orange being that noticeable last time, but I like it! I do think more muted spices would allow the caramel and orange flavors to shine a bit more strongly. But overall, it’s still quite nice (and pleasantly smooth).

2025 Bird & Blend Advent: Day 17

I love this flavor profile and was happy to try B&B’s version. Theirs has all the creamy, buttery, vanilla-mint notes you’d expect, but it’s a little sweeter than others thanks to the fenugreek and apple pieces. A nice variation!

2025 Steepster Advent Swap: Day 17

Lavender haters, avert your taste buds! This is a lavender delight. It’s mostly lavender, but laced with light creamy vanilla notes to evoke the creme brulee. I do wish the latter was a little bit stronger, but I’m not complaining. I also think the rooibos base is quite complementary… it’s pretty mild!

Really nice and comforting.

2025 52teas 12 Days of Christmas: Day 3

What an evocative name! And it tastes pretty darn good, too. There’s a really pleasant sweet orange flavor with mild notes of buttery pastry, but nothing overwhelming.

(Avoiding rating because I’m reviewing this one late and don’t really trust my memory.)

2025 52teas 12 Days of Christmas: Day 4

Oh my GOODNESS. This is delicious. Juicy, realistic blueberry, a hint of cream cheese tang, and a buttery pastry note… I mean! What more could you want?! A new favorite for sure.

2025 Bird & Blend Advent: Day 16

This is pleasant! It’s maybe more “baked apple lightly dusted with cinnamon and drizzled with honey/agave” than apple strudel, but again, very pleasant. Rooibos makes a nice base and gives a suggestion of sweetness without actual sweetness.

It’s on the weak side, but I could probably use both sachets and up the intensity…