37 Tasting Notes
This is one that I hadn’t had since I bought it from Samovar sometime last year. I had originally made it per the package instructions, but it came out MUCH too sweet for my liking. Instead of boiling it for several min then adding sugar and milk, then bringing to a boil again, I just steeped it for about 6 min along with 1/2 tsp of the Vanilla Dian Hong and added a splash of milk.. no sweetener. Came out perfect.. Also, steeped it a second time for about 8 min and drank it straight.. it was definitely more mellow and just as good if you don’t want the extra calories.
Preparation
This is one my all time faves.. felt like adding a splash of creme brulee creamer for my first morning cup. I think I like it better than with the hazelnut. Re-steeped a few more times and drank it straight. Made for a steady morning pick-me-up without the edge.
Preparation
Enjoyed Ryokucha first thing this morning as it has been highly noted that it could be considered a meal in itself… I can see that it comes from the matcha powder and brown rice which add the creamy/roasty mouthfeel.
About the roasted brown rice.. I was initially put off by what smelled like rice burning while it was brewing…I wonder if I’m brewing it too hot (tho it says 180-190 degrees on the canister) BUT it has sucha sweet & creamy green taste that I shall definitely be keeping this one in the morning lineup. Goes great with my everything bagel/cream cheese.. I can see it pairing well with other breakfast foods.
It’s also labeled as a coffee converter ;)
Preparation
I received some of this a few weeks ago along with some Ryokucha and Peppermint Yerba Mate… had been drinking it straight (which is still mighty tasty), then a few mornings ago I thought…
? what if I put in some flavored creamer?I had a variety of creamers in the fridge (hazelnut, gingerbread, vanilla caramel..) with the hubby still drinking coffee and I being a recent coffee convert … Tried a tiny bit of creme brulee creamer..like a 1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon for a full 16 oz. pot. OMG. SOGOOD. ..and not overwhelming. Though I can see how putting in anymore than that would greatly take away from the tea.
Gives me the familiar mouthfeel of a creamy cuppa jo, but still tasting the mellow vanilla marshmallowy flavor of the tea… Fantastic alternative to coffee discovered!
I waited all day to drink tea, and since it’s now bedtime I decided on this caffeine-free Nocturnal Bliss. I do like that it has a strong lemon-y flavor without being to sweet or too intense… though it depends on your steeping time. The first time I drank this it was steeped for about 6 min and it was a bit overpowering. I’ve learned to use more tea and steep for less time in order to avoid thickness or bitterness without missing out on any flavor. Turned out lovely this time, and just right for the moment.