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I was hoping to find a straight decaf black tea to have on hand that would rival the strength of PG Tips. This one seemed to get really good reviews, so I managed to get my hands on a box. It was not an easy one to find for some reason. With all the trouble it took, I have to say that I’m no so happy with it now that I’ve made a cup. The flavor is light and sort of bland. Not complex at all. I know I probably shouldn’t expect much from decaf, but I know there are good decaf blends out there so I do. Might just end up using this one to mix with other blends.

2022 Spring Tea Swap – Day 27 (Bonus Tea!)
From Emilie!

Emilie recommended this as a cold brew, so that’s how I made it this first time around. It’s a beautiful red color, likely from the hibiscus, and has somewhat of a tropical flavor and aroma. It tastes just a tiny bit dusty as some herbals tend to do, but overall it’s refreshing. Maybe just a touch tart. Good for a hot summer day, that’s for sure.

Thank you, Emilie, for a wonderful spring swap!!!

Mastress Alita’s Monthly Sipdown Challenge
June 2022 → An African tea

This blend is made with South African honeybush, so it’s my pick for today’s sipdown prompt. Satori Tea Company is one of my favorites – yes, I know I say this every time – and this blend is a good one. It’s strawberry candy all the way. I love it.

Mastress Alita’s Monthly Sipdown Challenge
June 2022 → An iced/cold brew tea

I steeped up the last of this blend from Emilie to have iced. I used the recipe from August Uncommon’s website for a shandy but subbed orange soda to make the mocktail version.

https://august.la/blogs/news/biarritz-tea-and-weiss-beer-shandy

I have to say, it is not my favorite. I’m not sure if it’s the temperature, but it tastes just like cherry cough syrup. If I ever have this one again, I’ll be sure to keep it hot.

Mastress Alita’s Monthly Sipdown Challenge
June 2022 → A tea from a place you’d like to visit

Oh yes, I’d love to visit Paris one day! Who knows if I’ll ever make it, but it’s fun to dream a bit. This is such a good blend, one of my favorites from Harney & Sons. It’s even more impressive that it’s decaf. So far, I think Harney & Sons wins for the best decaf blends. I haven’t found another company that can match it.

I really enjoyed this one. I did use 8 ounces of water instead of the recommended 10 ounces, so it may have been less flavorful if made as intended. I do still like DT’s Blueberry Jam best, but this is a good decaf alternative.

I used to drink coffee every morning, not very strong but always with a splash of skim milk and a single packet of Splenda. I don’t miss those low carb days. I do sometimes miss the coffee though. I gave it up several years back because my body doesn’t tolerate the high caffeine nearly so well as it used to. I like a good cup of decaf every now and then for the flavor, but I love Teeccino for a full-bodied alternative. It’s the closest substitute for coffee that I’ve found. I recently bought a few new flavors to so I’m finishing off the last of this box of Dandelion Caramel Nut. I’ve also really enjoyed Vanilla Nut in the past.

2022 Spring Tea Swap – Day 26 (Bonus Tea!)
From Emilie!

Emilie sent a couple of extra blends in our spring tea swap, this being one of them. Bird & Blend no longer has this one their website – I’m guessing it’s an Easter blend – but they did have a recipe for a cream egg latte so that’s what I used.

https://www.birdandblendtea.us/blogs/recipes/cream-egg-tea-latte

This was very chocolaty, more of a milk chocolate flavor. I enjoyed it, especially as a latte. I wouldn’t say it’s incredibly unique though, so I don’t think it’s one I’ll look for next spring. I did enjoy it though!

2022 Spring Tea Swap – Day 25
From Emilie!

This is so unique! I can taste both the mint and the melon. It’s very refreshing. I think I’ll add a bag of this to my next AU order. I don’t have many melon teas, but it’s a flavor I really enjoy.