19 Tasting Notes
Pretty good. As other reviewers have stated, this is definitely better than Silk Dragon Jasmine. This is perfumey and light-tasting, so much so that at times I thought I was drinking Jasmine Silver Needles. The two taste very similar, though I haven’t been acquainted with Butterfly Jasmine long enough to recommend one over the other. The first steep had a floral and vaguely fruity taste and a nice aroma. After the first steep I had to run out and do errands, so I left it in the strainer to hang out until I returned. Upon steeping it again, the tea had the strangest taste, jasmine at first and then resin and pine needles. Whaaaaaaaat?
A picture of Butterfly Jasmine hanging out in my new mug: http://instagr.am/p/SgqguXykX9/
Meh. For the price and the hype I expected a far more impressive jasmine than what I tasted. The smell is quite nice, it’s that borderline sugar cookie smell that jasmine perfumes sometimes get (which I like), but the taste was bland. So, basically, not the worst jasmine tea I’ve ever tasted, but nowhere near the best. The search continues.
Preparation
A big thank you to Angel at Teavivre for this sample!
Oriental Beauty indeed: the liquor of this tea is a deep honey-blonde, and the mouthfeel is buttery and luxurious. I taste honey and something borderline fruity/floral: peach blossoms? Straight-up peach? I’m not sure. I will be steeping some more to see how this complex brew continues to morph.
Preparation
First, I would like to thank Angel at Teavivre for sending a very generous pack of samples for me to review!
Second, I can feel a seasonal flu sneaking up on me, so a large cup of jasmine tea was exactly what I needed. This tea is fabulous. Others have commented on the lack of astringency and I would agree; the cup is so smooth, so delicately flavoured, and the pearls put on an excellent show as they unfurl. The scent of jasmine is very comforting without being like drinking a cup of jasmine perfume. I feel better already.
Check out a picture of the beautiful pearls: http://instagr.am/p/QDu9edSkQc/
Preparation
As you could probably tell from my reviews of jasmine teas, I really enjoy perfumey, floral tea. If it smells like someone put a handful of petals in my cup and then poured hot water over it, I’m there. Rose Congou Green definitely delivers on the perfumey floraliness aspect, to the point where I can’t really detect the taste of green tea or rosehips. It’s just straight-up rose petals and that is fine by me.
EDIT: Check out my rather excessive tea collection why don’tcha: http://instagr.am/p/Pm3AxXSkcx/
Preparation
Incredible— like the most satisfying bite of pumpkin pie, warm in your mouth. It reminds me of some cold-weather treat with a delicious clove-y cinnamon-y crumble on top.
EDIT: I made a pumpkin spice tea latte! http://instagr.am/p/PmwP9oSkVc/
Preparation
Every time I drink this tea, the rating goes higher. This tea is really masterfully made: I love the minimalist tins it comes in, I love the look of the glossy green pellets in the tin, and I love the honeyed colour of the liquor. The taste is also fabulous: a deep, enigmatic, borderline smokey mouthful.
Preparation
Delicious(ly expensive). I can certainly agree with reviewers who have commented on the tea’s coffee taste. The guy who helped me buy my tea earlier today mentioned that Napoleon has “hints of mocha” so that may be your answer.
As for my experience with this tea, it’s very vanilla-y, very caramel-y, with a definite mocha nose. The liquor is a beautiful warm amber and, thanks to carrying the tea around in my purse all day, it has left my purse smelling like goodness and yum as opposed to receipts and hand sanitizer.
