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Day 12 of our Advent Tea Swap. From amandastory516.

Backlog from December 13th:

This one smells amazing! I don’t get apple per se, but there is a sweetness in the aroma that mixes so nicely with the toasted rice. I let my water cool a bit too much so I’m hoping the flavors come through.

I really love this one! It’s fruity and just a little toasty. Definitely one of my favorite green teas that I’ve tried.

Day 11 of our Advent Tea Swap. From amandastory516.

I’m loving these minty black teas that Amanda sent in her Advent box. This one is really good, though it is different than the Chocolate Mint from Harney & Sons that I had a few days ago. I might try two teaspoons next time just to bump up the richness.

Day 10 of our Advent Tea Swap. From amandastory516.

What a fun tea! There are little candies in here shaped like trees plus sugar crystals and pieces of chocolate. Amanda gave me a TON so I opted for two teaspoons today.

I had someone come up to my desk while it was steeping and they asked if I was having hot chocolate. That is indeed how it smells. The taste, however, is not hot chocolate. I mean, there is some chocolate flavor there, but it’s artificial like an artificial sweetener. It’s cloudy too after steeping which isn’t very appetizing. There’s almost a plastic sort of taste to it also which is strange.

This was such a surprising cup for me because the flavor is so much different than the aroma coming from the dry and steeped blend. I know I’ve seen some reviews where others have loved this tea, but I’m thinking it’s not for me.

Day 9 of our Advent Tea Swap. From amandastory516.

Just a quick note about this one to say that it is delicious. It really does taste like dark chocolate and mint. It reminds me of the Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Mint squares. I just placed a huge order with Harney & Sons, but I’ll be adding this to my next order for sure.

Day 8 of our Advent Tea Swap. From amandastory516.

Our department moved buildings this week and I have been so incredibly busy. I missed my tea time for the last couple of days so I’m making it a priority this morning before I have too many interruptions. I’m so glad today’s tea is a caffeinated one because I feel like I really need it. I’m finding I’m really enjoying the oolong teas from my Advent box. Oolong has never been a favorite of mine, but I’m appreciating it more and more. I’m not picking up cinnamon or rice pudding in this one, but the flavor is solid and just really enjoyable.

Day 7 of our Advent Tea Swap. From amandastory516.

Finally caught up! This tea truly does smell like juicy strawberries and the taste comes through in the steeped tea. I don’t drink much oolong, but whenever I do it’s always a nice surprise to remember how much I do enjoy the roasted qualities of it. I’m enjoying this one just as much even as it cools to room temperature.

Day 6 of our Advent Tea Swap. From amandastory516.

I did a quick search online to see if I could find more information about this tea, but it looks like it’s no longer available. I wonder why since this is a really nice tea, and creative too with the fire and ice concept. It looks like this was released in September so maybe Game of Thrones just lost some of its hype since the finale is done.

I do think the flavor on this is really nice. I definitely get the cooling mint at first sip and feel the tingling spice of the peppercorns at the end. Its a fun idea and comes across well in the tea. I don’t really taste the puerh, but I also don’t really drink it enough to know its flavors intimately.

Not one I’d purchase most likely, even if available, but it’s one I’ll enjoy while I have it.

Now I’m off to enjoy a double date lunch with my brother and his girlfriend, then a surprise Advent activity they’ve set up for us. Have a wonderful day, fellow Steepsterites!

Day 5 of our Advent Tea Swap. From amandastory516.

I’m planning to catch up on my Advent teas this weekend, but I’m currently sipping on the tea for December 5th. I was super excited about the flavor combo on this one – these are two desserts I really enjoy. This tea is delicious, but I don’t taste either creme brulee or beignet. It tastes like straight rooibos. I do enjoy rooibos, so I’m still enjoying this tea, but I wish I could find a way to bring out the dessert flavors in this one.

Day 4 of our Advent Tea Swap. From amandastory516.

I’m falling a little behind on my Advent teas. Just having Day 4 today. I was planning on drinking this last night after work since it is an herbal, but I was so tired that I went right to bed after dinner.

Even though there are plenty of ingredients in this tea, the primary aroma is mint. I like mint, but mint teas feel pretty basic to me generally so I thought I might drink this one without much to say. Oh wow, I was wrong. This may be the best herbal I’ve ever had. I’m not a huge fan of herbal blends, but this is one I want to keep on hand forever and ever. I’m not sure what makes it so special exactly, but there is a certain depth of flavor to it that has me hooked.

This bag is almost empty so I know I’ve been drinking this but apparently I haven’t saved any tasting notes. I used two teaspoons of tea and wow are they fluffy after steeping! They nearly filled up half my brew basket. The taste is more peach candy than juicy peaches which is kind of a bummer, but I’m still enjoying it. In fact, I think this would be a stellar iced tea.