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Lavender Swirl… where to begin?

This was the second of four teas I ordered during DavidsTEA’s Black Friday/Holiday Sale. I really enjoy lavender in baked goods and drinks, so this piqued my interest as soon as I saw the name. Additionally, I was intrigued by the description of this tea being decadent, and having heavy vanilla notes. It was by far the most expensive of the teas I decided to try, but I just couldn’t resist.

As soon as I opened the pouch, the texture of this blend’s dry components intrigued me. There’s a nice balance between tea leaf (oolong and white) and spices/fruits at least in the mix I was sent. The scent of the dry blend is STRONGLY vanilla, almost like a fresh baked cupcake.

I ended up using more dry leaf in my Perfect Steeper than I typically do, opting for one and a half Perfect Spoons of tea. Much of that was so that I could ensure a well rounded cup containing all components of the blend. I also tend to brew white teas a touch stronger than others, thanks to their delicate flavor.

The resulting cup of tea was pleasantly amber in color, and the cupcake scent had carried over in the brewing. I could now smell the lavender too, mellowing out the bold vanilla. It added a gentle floral note I hadn’t known I was looking for.

But the taste…. oh my goddess the TASTE. This is by far the most indulgent and decadent tea I have ever had. It’s very sweet, but not in such a way that it overwhelms your palette. It reminds me of a cupcake still, but with a whipped frosting. Creamy and decadent without being overly artificial or cloying as buttercream might be. The lavender gives a soft earthiness or smokiness to the undertones of the cup, further supported by the oolong in the blend. Definitely complex, but utterly incredible.

One “portion” of tea leaves lasted me four full steepings with no degradation in flavor at all. This is a tea that makes a perfect nightcap on a frigid winter night, as a hot cuppa. I find it tremendously soothing, and something I crave in place of sodas or sugary desserts.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!