1752 Tasting Notes
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.
Preparation
I think I’ve finally accepted the hard truth that there is no perfect decaf black tea, although this one happens to be my favorite. I’ll be interested to see if you’re able to land on one that is your “best you can find.”
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!!!
Flavors: Dust, Hibiscus, Tart, Tropical Fruit
Preparation
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.
Flavors: Candy, Strawberry
Preparation
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.
Flavors: Cherry
Preparation
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.
Flavors: Bergamot
Preparation
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.
Flavors: Blueberry
Preparation
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.
Preparation
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!
Flavors: Chocolate
Preparation
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.
Flavors: Honeydew, Mint