639 Tasting Notes
Sipdown #18
Wow, the brewed tea aroma is really interesting. It’s unlike anything else I’ve tried. I’ve been making a lot of smoothies lately with my Vitamix (a present from my stepmother that I absolutely adore), and I swear this tea smells exactly like a fresh, ripe banana! Wow, but the taste??! OMG! It’s insane! I thought for sure that I would detest this, seeing as how I generally despise banana-flavored teas. Don’t ask me why. Bananas in a smoothie? Totally fine. Bananas in tea? Yuck, gag, cough, sputter. It doesn’t make logical sense, but then again, I’m human. I don’t have to. :P I’m in quite a mood today, so please forgive my weirdness. Actually, I guess I’m always weird so today is just an abnormally high level of weirdness. Okay, long digression. Back to the tea!
This tastes amazing. I don’t know what this base is, but it is divine! Smooth, flavorful, maybe a hint of malt, but mostly smooth cocoa, bread-y deliciousness! Then the real, authentic, true, ripe banana flavor comes in and mixes with some other element. Floral butter? If that’s a thing, then yes, this tea tastes like cocoa banana bread with floral butter spread. Mmmm! If that doesn’t make your mouth water, then I don’t know what will. There’s also a hint of something almost spicy, like catching a whiff of the spice cabinet without actually tasting anything definitively.
Seeing as how I wasn’t expecting to like this tea at all, I’m that much more impressed that I like it sans additions. This tea is lively and aromatic all by itself. No additives required. As the cup cools, the end of the sip leans toward the bitter end of the spectrum without quite reaching it, so I definitely recommend a 3-minute steeping time. Anything more and I think it may reach full bitterness (without milk to calm it anyway).
Now I’m kicking myself for sitting on this sample from JustJames for so long. I really must thank you, sir, for being such a kind tea sharer. And Stacy!! You are a tea blending magician! I don’t know how you made this, but it is magic in a cup. The added flavorings are so subtle yet impactful. They blend with the base so perfectly that I can’t tell where the flavorings stop and the base begins. Well done, Stacy, well done. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to try this. Thank you, JustJames!! This tea really lifted my spirits today.
Preparation
Not counting the tea I reviewed last week, I have 21 different flavors of SBT teas in my cupboard. I’d better get drinking! Thank God it’s finally warm enough to enjoy iced tea. The dry leaf aroma is divine. Very lime-y in a fresh, authentic way. It even smells creamy, mmm!
My husband stole a sip while he poured me a cup and said, “It’s good, but it’s too buttery for my tastes.” Well, good! All the more for me then! The nerve of him to steal a sip without asking anyway. :P I’m perfectly happy to lay claim to this entire pitcher all by myself because this is super yummy!
Although my husband described it as buttery, I’m not sure I agree. I find it creamy, smooth, luscious, and delicious! It’s equally lime and cheesecake to me. The black base here is not bitter at all, and the flavoring is much more authentic tasting than the lime in the Cherry Limeade SBT. I love this one so much more.
The base is about even strength with the added flavorings, which is especially nice. I added some agave and it complements the cup perfectly! This is exactly my kind of tea. Yummm! I need to pick up some more of this. I think this is the most cheesecake I’ve gotten out of any 52teas blend to date. It’s not tangy, but it is creamy and delicious. I call it a success!
Preparation
Sipdown #19
The dry leaf aroma is potent. Phew! It certainly smells lime-y, although it’s also quite chemically and strong. The undiluted brewed tea aroma is…unappetizing. It just smells weird to me. Not like cherry or lime at all. Just a very strong black tea scent that borders on smoky. The diluted tea aroma is more like what I expected, although I’m still a little wary of that inexplicable harshness from the base.
Okay, so I seriously overleafed this tea. It says to brew it in 2 cups of water and then add 6 more cups. I only added 4.5 and I barely added any ice. So why does it taste so diluted? I’m getting mostly black tea with a tiny hint of cherry lime flavoring. The base tastes different from the other SBT black teas I’ve had, and the aftertaste turns bitter. Did Frank change to a different base from the original line of SBT teas released about 2-3 years ago?
This particular tea came in the fourth package design I’ve seen. I’m not sure what’s with the frequent packaging changes, although this last version does provide a lot of great, helpful information. I like the detailed steeping instructions and the alternate coldbrewing instructions. And this tea is organic?? Hmm, I didn’t know that. I guess that means it is a different base then because I don’t remember the first line of SBT teas being organic.
The more I sip it, the more I think I like it. But I have to say that it is mostly black tea with only a hint of lime. Perhaps there’s some cherry in here too but it’s definitely the quietest of the flavors. Maybe this would have been better if I coldbrewed it? I’d be interested to hear what others think of this because maybe I’m being over critical or I just botched the preparation somehow.
All in all, I feel that I have to give it a low (-ish) rating since it is not as expected and overall isn’t that yummy. I know Frank can do better than this. A few of the SBT flavors have blown my mind. (I’m looking at you, Pink Lemonade.) But this one is not spectacular.
Preparation
i think he did? change the base on sbt’s
The older/original SBT teas had “premium Indian CTC black teas blended with organic flavoring.” These newer ones have “premium organic black teas, organic flavors.” So, I’m not 100% sure they’re different but I think they are based on taste and the fact that he’s now describing the base itself as “organic.”
You have a very astute palate if you can actually taste a difference in the base tea. I did change the base from a CTC to an organic BOPFS from a different estate in the same south Indian region. My supplier was out of the CTC I had used and not expecting another shipment for months and offered this higher quality base as a suggested replacement. It has been the same base for about two years now, though the changes in the description came a little later. (I realized that we were using organic flavors and organic tea, so our iced teas were in effect 100% organic, so I added that to the description.)
As for the packaging changes, this should be the last one—fingers crossed. You should see the folders on my laptop: “SBT – Labels,” “SBT – New Labels,” “SBT – New NEW Labels,” “SBT – New New NEW Labels”. I’m so sick of redesigning labels.
Sorry you didn’t like the Cherry Limeade. It sounds like you prepared it correctly, if you steeped it 3 minutes in boiling water. 3 minutes is the high end of our recommendation for these. After that, it quickly over-steeps due to the delicate nature of the tea. It’s possible that it was over-steeped just a tiny bit. I’m basing that on your statement: “The base tastes different from the other SBT black teas I’ve had, and the aftertaste turns bitter.” Over-steeping does tend to mute the other flavors. Or maybe this one just didn’t do it for you. That happens. I think that’s why I make so many different flavors. I want to make enough so that everybody can find something they love. Of course, it would be great if everybody loved all of my teas, but I know that’s not going to happen. =)
There’s one other tea that comes to mind where I could tell the difference between the organic and non-organic versions. It’s definitely not something that I set out trying to tell apart. It was one of those things where I accidently bought an organic version and then was sipping it and thinking, “This doesn’t taste like I remember.”
So, I suppose it’s possible. But I just tried the SBT: Lime Cheesecake and found that base delicious! So assuming they’re the same thing, it’s probably the added flavorings of this tea that I didn’t particularly enjoy. But that’s all part of the adventure of tea! Everyone has different tastes and it’s part of the fun discovering what you like. Keep blending, Frank, and I’ll keep drinking. :)
I got this during the recent reblend in February. I have a feeling this is going to be an amazing one. There are tons of large, whole chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and tiny cocoa bits mixed amongst the dry leaf. Ahhh!! So excited!
The dry leaf aroma is cocoa. The brewed tea aroma is…black tea. I took a sip and it surprisingly just tastes like a sweet black tea with a non-descript base. It’s not malty or assertive. It’s yummy. But it’s very plain. I’m not getting chocolate or peanut butter. :(
Okay, so maybe it does taste like chocolate. And I did pretty much chug it down. It’s delicious! Just not chocolate peanut butter cups. I made this on another occasion and steeped it for 3 minutes instead of 2.5. It was much better and much chocolatier this way. Still no peanut butter though.
Oh well. I guess I won’t be getting peanut butter from this or the Peanut Butter Marshmallow Treat Genmaicha. That’s really a shame. Peanut butter tea just sounds amazing, but alas, I’m still on the search for it. This is a good chocolate tea though. Very enjoyable if that’s all you expect from it. Since I expected more, I’m going to dock it a few points.
Preparation
I bought this tea on my mini-moon in NYC and the matching Sablés au Thé on the actual honeymoon à Paris. I’ve been meaning to sit down and enjoy these two together for a while now. I finally decided enough is enough; no more waiting! Today is the day to try them.
The tea is strawberry, rhubarb, vanilla, cream, and flowers. The tea biscuits are butter, vanilla, and that something extra special from the Marco Polo tea infusion. They taste a lot like Scottish shortbread, except better! Way better. Much more flavorful. Leave it to the French to make delicious tea and cookies.
Why did I wait so long to enjoy you, oh glorious tea? This is exactly what I needed after an extremely stressful day. Sometimes I wonder why I’m alive. At least I have tea. Perhaps I can find refuge in several more cups.
Preparation
The dry leaf aroma is slightly chemically, just like the Strawberry Marshmallow Treat Genmaicha. But just like that one, I’m not overly concerned because I expect it to dissipate soon. Besides that, the aroma is toasted rice and peanut-y goodness. Yum!
With the first sip, I literally thought, “WHOA!” This is very flavorful! I’d like to say it’s as close to liquid peanut butter as tea can get, but I have to agree with Awkward Soul that this is more peanut than peanut butter. Regardless, this is truly delicious! The roasty toastiness of the genmaicha is a perfect base for the nuttiness of the peanuts. (Yes, I know peanuts are actually legumes; but for now, I’m going to call them nuts). There’s even a little saltiness that really amps up the yumminess!
This is an interesting blend. If I’m being 100% honest, I’d say this doesn’t taste like marshmallow treats or peanut butter, which is fairly odd since I definitely tasted marshmallow treats in Frank’s other iterations. The most apt description of this one is peanut genmaicha. Even if it doesn’t entirely live up to everything its name promises, I can definitely recommend this blend to anyone who enjoys genmaicha because on that front, it is super yummy!
Preparation
Sipdown #20
The dry leaf aroma is pretty weird. Maybe it’s the lemongrass? I don’t know. But if someone gave it to me in a blind smell test, I wouldn’t guess that it’s tea. I’d probably guess disinfectant. Yikes! Luckily, the brewed tea aroma is a lot more palatable and recognizable as tea. It actually smells quite lovely now.
Mmmm, this is yummy! Chamomile and citrus both come across immediately in the aroma and taste. But then the aftertaste creeps in and that strange disinfectant quality returns. What is that? It’s ruining what would otherwise be a very lovely cuppa indeed.
The more I sip, the more tolerable it is. I was so curious I actually went to the Mighty Leaf website to read the ingredient list. I was just thinking, “You know, a bit of mint in this and it would be even better!” when lo and behold, this already has spearmint in it! Maybe that’s the weirdness in this cup. I’m not usually a spearmint fan. But at the same time, this odd taste seems foreign. I know what spearmint tastes like. This is…something different. Something unknown.
Oh well, I give up. Whatever it is, this isn’t my favorite chamomile citrus nighttime blend. Tea Forte’s Chamomile Citron wins that prize. I don’t think I’ll seek this one out again, but I probably wouldn’t turn my nose up at it either if it was offered to me. All in all, it’s just okay. Although any time I use the word “tolerable” to describe a tea, it makes me wonder why I’m drinking it. Tea should be more than tolerable.
Preparation
Sipdown #21
Ewwww, I am not a red rooibos fan. This is medicinal and gross. I’m sure if you like rooibos, this is probably just fine. But this is not my tea at all. Blech. Under 10 and down the drain it goes. :/
And with that, I’ve finished the Tea Forte sampler from my dad before it expired! He only gave it to me two years ago. ;) I got to try a lot of different teas, and I feel confident that I know what my favorite is. And the winner is…drumroll please…a tie between Black Currant and Chamomile Citron! Those were my definite favorites by far. And I have to say, all the teas held up very well considering how long they were shelved. Thumbs up for Tea Forte’s sampler pack!
Preparation
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one that lets teas sit on the shelf for that long. XD
hahaha a rating of five.
@teataku, You’re not alone! I never mean to let them sit that long, but it happens.
@keychange, Yeaaaaah, I didn’t find this even remotely drinkable. LOL!
Sipdown #22
Mmm, this is a great jasmine bagged tea! I picked this up at work in an underground cafeteria I didn’t know existed. Luckily, I had a co-worker who was kind enough to show me the way. I never would have found that place on my own! But I digress.
This is surprisingly good. The leaves in the bag looked high quality with lots of large, unbroken pieces that plumped up nicely during steeping. The re-steep was delicious too. And it’s organic! Can’t ask for more than that. :)
It’s nice to know I have such a great tea option while at work. I made this at home though, so I was able to steep the tea at just the right temperature. It’s not at all bitter, but I would imagine it would be if I had used boiling water. Brew this one carefully and you’ll enjoy a lovely cuppa!
Preparation
Sipdown #23
My husband stole my other sample of this one, so I have one shot to get this right. The dry leaf aroma is super raspberry! I know lots of people enjoy this iced, but I’m going to drink it hot because that’s how I enjoy tea 95% of the time. The brewed tea aroma is very sweet and intense. Wow, this brews up dark!
First sip…the flavor is tart and sweet. Hibiscus and raspberry are the predominant flavors. There’s definitely some other things going on in here too: apple, blackberry, and maybe a tiny bit of orange. But it’s primarily hibiscus and raspberry, which I guess makes this tea a success for what it set out to be! As far as a success at becoming one of my preferred teas, I’m not so sure. It’s okay. I can definitely drink it. But it is quite sour. I wouldn’t seek it out again. I suppose I’m not mad now that my husband stole the other teabag.
Well, I’m one more tea closer to my goal! I decided I’m going to finish out this sipdown extravaganza even though the goal won’t be quite as meaningful anymore. I’m not a quitter, and I feel like starting over with a new series of numbers is giving up. So, I will persevere! I’m almost finished anyhow. :)
Wow, you got a vitamix as a present! What an awesome gift. I love my vitamix! So glad you are enjoying the tea! :)
Yep! My stepmom is teaching me about nutrition & a lot if her recipes use a Vitamix. It’s the coolest, most versatile kitchen appliance ever made! You can make everything with this thing! Smoothies, sorbet, peanut butter, flour, dough, etc. I was super excited to get it. :)
Oh yeah, absolutely versatile! One of my favorite things to make with the vitamix is roasted tomato and basil soup.
I have a Blendtec and I loooooove it
Ooh, soup! Do you use a recipe from the Vitamix site/cookbook or your own?
The banana in this one really took me by surprise as well. I thought I’d hate banana flavour in a tea, but I love this one! And I totally get your ‘floral butter’ description; it’s really like that! :)
I made up my own recipe. Did not realize that they had one. Every person I have ever made this for, raves about it. I quarter enough tomatoes to fill up 3/4 of a baking pan, sort of like a cookie sheet but has some little walls. I add an onion, cut into 4 discs, and add 5 whole garlic cloves. Everything gets massaged with olive oil then sprinkled with salt and pepper. Goes into the oven at 375 for about 40 minutes until starting to brown then tops. Then they go into a 2 cups of veggie stock and simmer for 10 minutes. Then into the blender with 1 nice sized handful of fresh basil, a nice squeeze of lemon, salt and pepper. Then its done, though I like to bring it back into the pot and let it simmer for like 2 min. It’s absolutely delicious!
Oooh, and I like to make homemade croutons which are super easy. Pumpernickel croutons are awesome!
Oh yeah and sprinkle some fresh chiffonade basil on top of the soup.
@Butiki Teas, wow thanks! I’m really excited to try that out!
@DeliriumsFrogs, I’m glad that description made sense to someone other than myself. ;)
Charoma-I hope it works out for you. :)