2170 Tasting Notes
Backlog from October 9th:
This tea smells so strongly of chocolate. It’s unbelievable. The spice is also present, a sweet spice, possibly cardamom. In fact, in the teaspoon I just scooped there is a whole green cardamom pod mixed in with the cocoa nibs and shells and the black tea leaves.
I let this cool 10 minutes according to the package directions. The chocolate is the strongest flavor here and not the watered down chocolate flavor I’ve had in other dessert teas. It’s such a rich chocolate but not quite like a hot chocolate. I can taste the base tea through the chocolate notes.
Second Steep
8 ounces water + 205 degrees + 9 minutes
After the longer steep, I let this cool for 6 minutes. This second cup is much lighter than the first. I no longer taste any chocolate – the spices are much more prevalent. But even those are light. I can just barely taste the cardamom now.
Overall, I think it’s plain to see that I’m a fan of this one. It’s definitely one of the best chocolate teas I’ve had. I didn’t really taste any toffee flavors this time around, but I’m hopeful they’ll be present in future cups. A+ on this one!
Flavors: Cardamom, Chocolate, Spices, Sweet
Preparation
Backlog from October 8th:
This is my first time to try houjicha. It’s definitely an interesting looking tea. The majority of the blend looks like broken twigs. I let this cool 6 minutes per the instructions. I can taste the pumpkin and am certainly picking up on the roasted quality of the tea. This might be good with some agave nectar or maple syrup in place of the honey I’m using. It’s hard to tell if I’m tasting pumpkin or spices since they often go hand in hand. I think it’s the spices I taste most of all. This is kind of strange but I actually prefer this now that it has cooled to room temperature. There is a caramel flavor that I didn’t taste before.
Second Steep
8 ounces water + 180 degrees + 4 minutes
I’m getting more of the spices in this second cup.
Flavors: Caramel, Pumpkin, Roasted, Spices
Preparation
I tried houjicha for the first time this year. The smokiness is a bit much for me, but my husband LOVES it. I found for plain houjicha though, 1 steep was all it could handle before it got too weak. Maybe that’s just my preference though :P
I didn’t notice any smokiness here, but it may have been hiding behind the spices. I know I’ve enjoyed smoky teas before so I’ll be on the lookout for plain houjicha to see if it’s my thing. This one was definitely fun to try. I love all these autumn teas!
I’m finishing off the last bag in the box left at work. I think I may have been one of the only ones drinking it. Enjoying this cup with some pineapple and a morning glory muffin for breakfast. The rest of my teas today will likely be fruity herbals so this was a nice start to the morning.
Preparation
I’ve lightly sweetened this today. The main flavor is hibiscus. It’s not really tart this time around, but there is a drying sensation in the back of my mouth. This is one my husband would love, I’m sure of it. To me, it’s just not that exciting.
Flavors: Drying, Hibiscus
So envious. I don’t recall chocolate being a dominant scent or flavour in this one. I’ll give the leaf more of a shake and steep again.
Maybe that will help! I plan on doing the same to see if I can find some of the toffee flavor.
My memory of this tea is gingerbread with caramelized bits of flavour. Delicious. I am looking forward to another cup or two some time soon.