74

I guess this is kind of a double review, because I finally got around to snooping in semi-local teashops. Fava Tea Co. is about 30ish minutes from home for me, but worth the trip. They have 300 or so blends and some neat flavored rock sugars (actually think the lemon one would be amazing in this). The associates were super friendly and it was really just a fun experience!

There’s also a teashop opening much closer (5ish minutes away) this weekend that I’m super hyped to scope out.

But onto the tea!

I really like teas with herbs like this. They have a kind of savory flavor depth offered by the herb. This was no exception. :)

I brewed this double strong hot, and then served it iced. The base was nice and raisin-y, but there were no clear toasted notes, but maybe a little bit of light earthiness. The basil offered a nice green layer of flavor that really complemented the dry fruitiness present. It also paired well with the lemon, making it more refreshing than I had initially expected with the base.

The lemon flavor was spot on and natural tasting. Maybe a little sharper than I was expecting, but it wasn’t overpowering in anyway. It was definitely the star of this cup, but it did help bring everything together for a lovely, cohesive and well-executed idea. I’m usually averse to the idea of sweeteners, and this doesn’t necessarily need any, but I would like to try this with honey (or rock sugar) and see what it does to the flavor profile.

I’m excited to try this warm. It kind of reminds me of something I’d drink when I was a little down. It’s lemony and bright and comforting.

Preparation
190 °F / 87 °C 3 min, 30 sec
JustJames

oooo, dunno if i would like this, but there is an element of intrigue! lol.

moraiwe

It was just intriguing enough I had to impulse buy it. But I’m finding herbs in tea aren’t nearly as weird as they sound.

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Comments

JustJames

oooo, dunno if i would like this, but there is an element of intrigue! lol.

moraiwe

It was just intriguing enough I had to impulse buy it. But I’m finding herbs in tea aren’t nearly as weird as they sound.

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Profile

Bio

Intro:

Name: Lauren
Location: Wisconsin (previously a Chicago girl)
Occupation: Student by day and super hero by night
Super Hero? Yep!
Which One? I can’t tell you that! Secret identities and such. Just know I’m not the hero they want, but the hero they need.
Sidekicks: Fiance and two budgies, Skitter and Gandalf

Hobbies:

Reading, writing, cooking, video games, computers, drawing, crafting, papercraft. Oh and tea.

A brief history:

I grew up in a family where the only working coffee maker was in my dad’s office. So the name of the game for my mother and I quickly became (bagged) tea. In 2004/2005, I discovered Adagio Teas. I don’t remember how it happened, or why I decided to pursue a purchase but here we are. I haven’t looked back.

My tea tastes have changed over time and I’ve moved from liking solely flavored teas (mostly black and white) to enjoying Darjeelings primarily, though malty unflavored blacks, fresh tasting greens, and lightly oxidized oolongs come in pretty high on my list, too. Of course, I still enjoy a good cup of flavored tea. I prefer caffeinated teas, as I have a horrible caffeine addiction that I don’t plan on kicking any time soon.

Red rooibos and lapsang souchong (or other strongly smoky teas) are my arch nemeses and I will see them defeated and removed by force from my cupboard. Like all thing, there are exceptions, but I assume they’re guilty until proven innocent.

I really don’t like negatively rating things, because I feel like if you don’t have something nice to say, you probably shouldn’t say it. But in the interest of non-biased tea reviews I’m going to give it a shot. I view every tea as a potential adventure so I’ll try most things at least once.

I love trading and swaps are always welcome! Please note, though, what it in my cupboard includes amounts ranging from a couple cups to 4 ounces or more, so please PM me to find out if what you’re seeking is available in that trade amount.

According to my spreadsheet, I also have about 100 other 1-4 cup samples that are not in my cupboard.. Feel free to message if you’re interested in see the spreadsheet for possible swap options as well.

Tea Ratings:

100-95 Nectar of the teagods that has been bestowed upon my unworthy tongue. I will never let this tin run empty.

86-94 These are the teas I would like to keep regularly stocked, but sometimes life gets in the way. Lovely teas, but not quite god tier. I still get cravings for these.

74-85 Good teas, but not amazing. I enjoy these, but may or may not restock once they run out. I would still recommend these to others.

60-73 Not bad. I’ll gladly keep drinking my cup, and wouldn’t say no if someone offered me this tea. I probably won’t rebuy these as there is likely something else that is comparable and better.

47-59 Certainly drinkable and might even have some characteristics that I enjoy, but I won’t pick it up again

30-46 I’ll probably finish my cup, but this tea isn’t to my taste OR it’s just overwhemingly mediocre. Life’s too short for bad tea.

11-29 This cup is in the sink now and I will never willingly consume this again. If you see a tea rated this way, I probably followed it with mouthwash.

0-10 Please say a prayer for the cup I destroyed in the process of disposing of this tea in the quickest manner possible. I may need tea therapy before I drink a similar tea again.

Location

Wisconsin, US

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http://atinyteapot.tumblr.com/

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