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Being a huge fan of the David’s Tea Cherry Blossom (I look forward to its seasonal release each Spring), I held off on trying this for a very long time. I credit a hint of laziness on my part (I was looking for a tea sachet, over looseleaf), regardless, this only recently found its way into my cup.

Although far more subtle than the David’s Tea version (a LOT less sweet), it is quite enjoyable. A chief differentiator is also that this is a green tea, as opposed to DT’s being a white tea. It’s this soft grassy flavor, with a hint of cherry florals.

A simply delightful cup.

Chocolate, coconut and vanilla, what more could you want? This tea is a great way to start your day, being both decadent and powerful enough to get you going! Perfect blend, the chocolate isn’t as overpowering as it can be in many other teas; it makes a cameo, rather than commanding the spotlight.

I love throwing this one in for good measure, every now and then. It seems to call to me when I’m feeling rundown, or in need of a good ole detox. True to its name, I always finish the cup feeling a little better than when I started it.

I feel like the Pitcher Perfect packs that David’s Tea put out this year, aren’t even fair. Every summer, I kill myself, and waste so much tea, in the cold-brew process. This is finally a thing of the past! I bought one of their steeping pitchers, and try a new pitcher pack each week (although at this point I’m merely recycling my faves). So easy, and delightful!

This happens to be one of the aforementioned favorites. Although, I’m by no means a watermelon-person, this flavor paired with mint provides the perfect refreshing treat on a humid city summer day.

This is usually my “first tea of the workday”. It was recommended to me years ago at Harney, because I was obsessed with Paris at the time. Similar in flavor, this one is now my idea of a great cup of tea to get me going in the morning.

A few things to mention here. I put off trying this tea for so long, despite knowing it was one of their most popular teas. Although, I had grown up loving everything and anything that had to do with the word “cinnamon” I’ve drifted away from it in recent years. I’ve come to find the artificial cinnamon flavor to be nauseating. However, this tea was available at a work event I attended about a year and a half ago, and I figured I may as well give it a try, since none of the other flavors available tickled my fancy.

WHAT HAD I BEEN MISSING!? It was in tea bag-form and was the most delicious thing I had ever tasted. In the coming months I found myself drinking multiple cups of it a day. I had feared I would reach a point where I would become sick of it, and ruin it for myself for forever, but although I came close, I still have not reached that point.

Many things have changed since that day; I have a new job, that’s a mere 10-minute walk from the Harney & Sons Soho Store, I moved around the corner from David’s Tea on Bleecker Street, so I am constantly surrounded by amazing quality teas (isn’t that the dream??) However, I’ve also been negligent in my activity on Steepster, and for that I apologize. Fear not, I have been enjoying my fair share of fabulous teas, and have plenty of reporting back to do. Starting here, I still save this for my late afternoon tea. I have a cup of it at about 4pm at work, and look forward to this break every day to reflect and get me through the remainder of my day!

I find myself torn with this tea.

In reading the description I was so excited to try, even though I had never actually had star of anise before. I got so excited I almost bought it without even smelling it at the David’s store (new location on 6th ave!!) However at the last minute I noticed that licorice notes were in the description and that can go either way with me. However, it still smelled delicious enough, so I had to give it a try.

We have a small teaball at work, and although not my usual, preferred method, I couldn’t wait to try it. It was a challenge just packing what appeared to be a good representation of the blend into the teaball. I decided to stick with the tealeaves and coconut in the ball and allow a single star of anise to float freely in my cup. It looks very fancy!

I love the initial flavors, however the aftertaste reminds me of mints I had when I was younger (and despised). They were chalky white, but when you sucked on them a black, bitter/licorice-tasting and seed-like filling was in the center. I just can’t shake the comparison.

I think I need to try a few more cups before I make this decision – I do so want to like it!!

Once again! Spoiler alerts!

I am backlogging here. As previously mentioned, I may be going about this advent calendar thing all wrong. However, I have chosen my path and decided to stick with it.

Before we get to the tea I would like to relay this very positive experience about DavidsTea. I had placed a very large order earlier in November (part holiday gifts, part holiday teas to get me in the spirit!). I kept checking the status, as the 24 days of tea were ordered and I was getting anxious as December 1st inched closer.

Nearly 10 days after the order had been placed, it had yet to be shipped. I called DavidsTea to check on the status. The customer service agent couldn’t have been more helpful or nice. He informed me they had a processing error, which continued to accept orders of the 24 Teas of Christmas, long after the quantity in their stock had been spoken for. He then told me he would call down to the shipping department and make sure it was sent out that day (as they had received more of the calendars).

True to his promise, he called me back not ten minutes later. He told me they were sending it out immediately, and I had the shipping confirmation before I hung up the phone.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE when a company I’m fond on proves to be a pleasure to deal with. I understand there are always extenuating circumstances and the possibility for hold-ups, but such attentive and congenial representatives just further my love for DavidsTea!

This tea was the perfect kick-starter to the holiday season! Welcome December! It sums up the holidays in a cup: cool peppermint, and sweet deliciousness – it’s a real delight!

So…before I proceed I will admit that this post may contain spoilers (if you have also purchased David’s 24 teas of Christmas).

I always forget the proper execution of Advent Calendars!! I thought about it for a while and then decided I would use this adorable DavidsTea version to count down to Christmas. This means I started with #24.

Today’s edition (#23) was a delicious Vanilla Oolong. This is somewhat ironic because I just purchased David’s Vanilla Orchid Oolong as well, after realizing I hadn’t gotten any new oolongs for a spell. This one was simply delightful. Subtle warm vanilla hints in an otherwise traditional oolong.

My family’s Christmas party was last night. We had a house filled with neighbors, family and friends. It’s always great having an opportunity to catch up with people around the holidays. It really sparked the holiday spirit, and this morning, reflecting on this with a warm cuppan was a great way to start my day!

I simply love this time of year, and few things match it so perfectly as this tea. It sums up everything I love: the crisp, brisk air, the emblazoned leaves crunching underfoot. There’s nothing better than taking a deep breath and enjoying it, putting on an burnt orange sweater and warming up your hands and heart with this perfect fall companion.