2888 Tasting Notes
Today was one of those “looks like spring but doesn’t feel like it” days - trees abloom, lawn threatening to need mowing, Mr. Bluebird crossing my path as I drove through the neighborhood. But the wind was icy and cut like a chain saw. So I need a warm-up more than anything else. This is adequat-ulent for that purpose. Mild green base with a hint of jasmine to accompany all the hints Spring has been dropping of late.
Martin mentioned that he had to go plum hunting with this fruit tea; I agree—I got lost in the woods myself. Not plummy, but it wasn’t unpleasantly tart, either—reminded me a little bit of red Hi-C with less sugar. It was fruity enough to enjoy while surveying the fruits of our labor this afternoon: the backyard glider is sanded, touched up, and refreshed with a much-needed coat of polyurethane.
It is so satisfying to get those spring time jobs done to enjoy the summer and fall! We planted a tree and did lots of clean up, spread straw, potted some extra oregano from my herb patch, and generally puttered in the yard.
Fine. I am marking my calendar for February 29, 2028 NOW. This is a marketing gimmick and a half (only available on leap days), but it’s also a really smooth and sophisticated breakfast tea. Assam is my love language, and the addition of cornflower/silver needle lightened it up a little—I kept getting hints of Lucky Charms marshmallows in the cup this morning.
Thanks, ashmanra … I laid your little sample packet out last night because I knew I was going to need something special to get me up and moving on Daylight Savings Sunday!
This one’s nice! I could smell the rich citrus as soon as the water hit the teabag. Reminds me a little bit of orange slice gumdrop candy, minus the overbearing sweetness. No overbearing tartness. Just bearing :)
One of my favorite webcams when I need eye candy is the Las Vegas Bellagio Conservatory. As I write this, they’re in construction mode for their spring display. You’ll appreciate the theme! https://www.earthcam.com/usa/nevada/lasvegas/bellagio/?cam=bellagio (I hope the link gets you there.)
I tried my second sample bag this evening as a nightcap, and confirmed my theory that an overnight cold steep was causing some bitterness. About half-cool, it’s juicy and pleasant. Martin mentioned a little lime flavor in his review. I’m getting that, too. Very pert and springy!
March 3; all our windows are open; we’re in t-shirts and barefoot. Unheard of in this part of the country. (This is not a complaint, just an observation.) Spent a little bit of time walking the backyard to pick up all the sticks the wind has thrown around all winter and sanding the ancient backyard glider. My internal solar batteries are humming happily.
In anticipation of some outdoor time, I steeped a pint jar of this lemonade blend overnight in the fridge. (Iced tea in March…there’s another anomaly!) Basilur treats its fruit flavor with respect and doesn’t hibisc-ify everything, so the lemonade part of this blend is perfectly, pleasantly lemony. The mixed fruit part does remind me of the canned fruit cocktail served in the school cafeteria—I would drink the syrup and leave the fruit, except for the maraschino cherry.
There was just a hint of bitterness that I’m attributing to the overnight steep, but not enough to ruin it. Next one, I’ll steep normally, then chill later to see if that fixes the issue.
We have a warmer days than usual here too. I am not complaining, just afraid of one freezing day and all harvest will be gone..
Cheery, indeed! I looked this up on the Sonnentor website and the array of ingredients (there’s a little picture of each one) looks like a spring bouquet. We grow apple mint every year and I use it as a tea/juice/water additive constantly while it’s in season, but I’ve never seen it used in a commercial tea before. It’s a very subtle mint that doesn’t overpower the blackberry, raspberry, or strawberry leaves, all of which are also very understated. But together, it’s a really pleasant herbal blend. Martin, you’re the best!
I thought this was a new-to-me sample from Michelle. Evidently, so says my tealog, I tried this 11 years ago. Good grief. I can’t even remember everything I’ve done since breakfast.
However, since breakfast, I do know I have enjoyed another tumbler of this authentically chocolate tea and I’m loving it. Real cacao shells, and while I’m not exactly picking up vanilla separately, it makes the blend sweet and creamy enough to cover that whang-y mate flavor that I’m not enamored with.
The fact that this blend has stayed in the Savoy lineup is further evidence of its tastiness. On my short list next time we visit the storefront!
I had another opportunity to visit our one and only “place to get decent tea” coffee shop this weekend—a catch-up date with a bestie—and although it was a good opportunity to experiment with another one of the Hugo teas they serve by the pot, I liked this one so much last time, I happily chose a rerun.
The official description mentions tobacco up front and floral in the back, which is accurate. “Black tea masquerading as an oolong” might fit well, too. It was unseasonably warm, so I nursed the first cup and a refill, then put the rest of the pot on ice, which worked well, too. And of course, it’s always better when you’re jabbering away, catching up on months of essential life trivia with a friend.
We had some nice weather but the wind is whooshing tonight and temps are dropping – briefly. We will be back to spring weather in a few days. The pollening has also begun and everything is yellow. The rockers and patio table have to be rinsed daily. I hope you get sunshine and warmth back soon!