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A very subtle green! Very refreshing to my palette. I picked up this tea on sale at Teavana so I did not pay retail for it. It’s a very distinctive tea, I had not tasted anything like it in the past. It’s a lovely addition to my green collection. I’m not sure, however, if it would be worth repurchasing given that the best cup is the first one. After three steeps, the flavour in this tea is practically non-existent, which is not what I look for in an imperial reserve tea. For that one cup, however, it’s worth it to try. Most of the teas I own are quite strong, this is nice contrast.

This is one of my few “every day” teas. Yes, it is expensive. It is REALLY expensive. But because it is an imperial, a little goes a long way. You don’t need a whole lot of this tea since you want the leaves to expand (for this, you’ll want to make sure your infuser is big enough for large leaves). It can also be re-steeped up to five times (other reviewers say eight, I find five before I feel there is nothing “new” from the tea). It was the only tea I tried in store at Teavana that both my mom and I liked well enough to go in for a tin together (given the price).

Another unusual aspect about this tea is that I find the second and third steeps to actually be better than the first. Much milder, with buttery notes. I find the first steep to be quite strong, clean, with a light floral finish. The floral finish continues throughout each steep.

Depending on your palette, this tea may taste like cardboard to you. It is hotly debated amongst my tea drinking friends. All in all, one of my favourites.

What an interesting tea! It’s not often that one comes across a savoury herbal tea, never mind a savoury tisane that isn’t disgusting. I really enjoy the blend of traditional tea herbs (mint, blossoms, eucalyptus) with cooking herbs (rosemary, sage). It reminds me of going for a hike in the woods. It’s also great for when you’re stuffed up (I drink it whenever, but I’m sure many aren’t into drinking a “sticks and twigs” tea when they aren’t ill).

Perhaps it’s because I am a purist… but what is with that strange hint of vanilla that doesn’t seem to work with the rest of the tea? In a way, I felt it overpowered both the black tea itself as well as the mint. I tried it straight as well as with some milk and a touch of agave, both were terrible. I would not recommend to others, unless they are one that likes the mint-vanilla combination. I do have to give props to the concept though – The candycanes were cute and festive for winter.

EDIT: I don’t know what it was about this last season’s collections ,but I’ve really changed my mind about this tea. What I like about it is that it is a thin black tea, very mild astringency which means I don’t feel the need to put milk in it. Very handy at the office.