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We ordered a sampler from Summit Tea Company through amazon.com because their website said they had Dammann Freres teas. While some of their teas seem to have the same name or the same name but translated into English, the taste isn’t even close to the quality of the Dammann Freres tea I had in a tea swap, though it was a different flavor.

I assumed by the name that this tea was not a Dammann Freres tea but rather their own version of Earl Grey. Since I adore Harney and Sons Earl Grey Supreme I hoped to like this one. Sadly, it is a bust! Twinings Earl Grey from my local grocer tastes better than this. There is almost no bergamot flavor at all. What is going on with Summit Tea? Are they selling ancient stock on amazon to get rid of it because it has no flavor left? The Poet’s Tea that was supposed to be Dammann Freres was so awful that I poured it out! Of the three in the sampler I have tried, only one is drinkable so far.

I have neglected my oolongs! I am going to remedy that right away and try to have at least one per week.

This is a very light-colored cup of tea with a definite floral aroma. The flavor very much reminds me of the liquid from vegetables that have been cooked with butter. Though I smell the floral aroma I do not taste it as I do with Wild Forest Oolong. This is an incredibly smooth tea, and I finished the whole 22 oz. Beehouse teapot quite by myself! I am finding oolongs very relaxing.

Again! And I only have enough to make one more pot. This is already in my basket for the next Harney and Sons order. You can’t run out of Queen Catherine.

The resteep – now it is really nutty! I taste walnuts, lightly toasted ones! It is possible (probable) that it doesn’t taste nuttier than before, but rather that some of the sweet and floral notes have diminished and the nuttiness is more noticeable. This is quite good, and I can see myself possibly becoming more of a oolong drinker in time….

I have been wanting a nice oolong ever since my last trip to Teavana where I tasted a very nice sample they were serving. I pulled this one out today not even remembering what it tasted like, it has been so long since I had it!

There is a mineral quality that reminds me of a puerh, though the flavor does not. It is sweet and mellow, but not weak. It has great body and is really lovely. Today has been a bit challenging with the radiation burns plaguing me. This oolong helped soothe my tense body – I drank a whole 18 ounce pot of it. I plan to resteep these leaves, too. I need some additional mellowing! :)

A lovely vanilla tea for this afternoon! It tastes great sans additions, but is also very nice with sugar and/or milk.

When I need to serve a tea for people who don’t drink tea, this is the one I turn to. It is very well liked even by the coffee drinkers. I love JacquelineM’s suggestion to make it with water just below boiling to avoid any bitterness. It is delicious, and the temp tweak improved it even more.

Tea party was extra special today, as our usual guest was absent for two weeks and we were excited to be back on schedule! We prepared Indian Spice according to the chai directions in the tin. Lovely and sweet, it tastes like liquid pumpkin pie to me because of the cardamom, and I think there must surely be nutmeg in there as well.

Tea party day! This was exquisite, as always. Rich, round, full, sweet – this is the best tea ever!

I was saving Catherine for my radiation boost, which is now on day 2 of 5. Sometimes I need her firm but encouraging strength, and I am nearly out so I have been rationing this one until my next Harney order. Ahhhh, how I have missed you! This is a delightful cup. Slightly, only ever so slightly smokey. Full-bodied, rich, smooth Chinese teas. There is no bitterness, no astringency, just a cup of delight! Time to put in that Harney and Sons order I have been holding off on….