70

249/365

I felt like something pretty straightforward this morning, and this blend of peppermint and spearmint seemed like just the thing. It’s pretty nice, but also pretty much as you’d expect – there’s nothing especially unique here. I’d say the spearmint is more prominent than the peppermint, and contributes a delicate sweetness that sits over and above the danker, more cooling peppermint. It’s one of the better balanced mint teas I’ve come across in a while, and I actually wouldn’t mind keeping a few around to drink after dinner or just before bed. I’ve never seen these around, though, so that might be a pipe dream. I’d probably not order online/direct from the company just for these, but if I found them in a shop I’d happily buy a box.

One thing I’m noticing about some of the teas in my Varieteas box – this one included – is that they’re marked as free samples (and so presumably not for resale?) While I appreciated the convenience and variety while I was off work and travelling, I’m not sure I’d subscribe or buy another box from them. Some things about it seem a little dubious – like the age of some of the teas (what I recognise as old branding/packaging on more than a few), the inclusion of trade/catering brand tea, and those that are clearly marked as free samples. I’m not particularly pleased to be paying a premium price for that kind of thing, to be honest.

Preparation
Boiling 3 min, 30 sec

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Bio

Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.

Location

Norfolk, UK

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