Grape Expectations

Another sample from Virginia! This tea had a very subtle grape flavor, which I was not expecting based on my experience with DT’s blueberry jam. I was grateful that it wasn’t too overpowering. It smelled quite grape-y and when first brewed, the initial taste with each sip was grape. Like I said, it was very subtle, so it was more like a memory of grape. Then the green base would come through, which tasted savory with grass and hay notes. However, once it cooled, I could taste the green base more strongly with hints of grape floating in the background. This tea was decent, but I probably wouldn’t buy more as I am not a huge lover of grape flavored things or green teas. It was fun trying it though!

Sipdown (165/171)!

From the fabulous VariaTEA. Upon smelling the dry leaf I knew that a cold brew was the way to go with this one: it smelled like Grape Smelly Markers or Grape Kool Aid, and to me that’s not a flavour you have hot.

So I drank this last night while watching and crying over The 100: it was sweet and tasty in an obviously candy-like, artificial way but I liked that quality of it – probably because I like fake grape flavours to begin with (because they’re not “raisin-y”) and because the green base was well masked. If you were hoping for a natural grape flavour this probably wouldn’t be the best blend for you, though.

It was a nice one shot cold brew that I’ll probably remember fondly; but not something I feel at all compelled to seek out again, which is probably good because this guy’s a Limited Edition blend and I think most stores are out of it by now.

Grape Expectations is a lovely green tea with a very light fruity flavor. The green tea leaves are very fragile, so if you do not prepare it carefully, it won’t taste good. In my opinion it is better hot than cold, but it wonderful for springtime because of the light body and subtle fruity flavor. I wouldn’t say it tastes very much like grapes, there is just a general fruity note.

Starting off the morning with fruit and some fruity tea!

Meh. This tea is not bad. In fact, it smells delightful, and it goes down fairly well. However, it does not taste especially interesting, and certainly doesn’t taste like raisins or grapes. I won’t be sad to see this one go.

Icing it brings out the grape taste slightly more than serving it hot, but not enough to satisfy my taste. Super disappointing.

The first time I made this tea, I steeped it for too long and it was very bitter, so I tried it again, and made sure to do it properly and the verdict, after two extra tries is that this tea tastes like what grape scented playdough smells like. I was very disappointed.

Can’t base my review on much since I just tried a sample in the store, but…I have mixed feelings. I bought a small amount because it SMELLS so good. The taste as a sample was a bit of a let-down, so I’ll have to write a more complete review after my first cup I make myself. Don’t know if I’ll get around to trying it iced, since I bought so little (the stackable tin…24g of tea, so about 5 cups?). We’ll see.

Verdict so far: great smell, less great taste.

Increasing rating for this a little. Cold-brewed this last night with a bit of honey to sweeten – so good! Much better than the hot version. The sweetness makes the grape flavor come out more, perfect for summertime

Back from the future in-laws! I went prepared this time, with my Timolino and some tea, but I didn’t have any the entire time I was there. I’m thinking of getting an electric kettle for my fiance’s mom so that she can make tea more easily and I will be able to make tea when I go over. (I swear, my own selfish desire to feed my tea addiction did not play into the formation of this idea at all …)

Anyway, I was desperate for tea when I got home. In keeping with my goal of trying the whole spring collection before I place another DAVIDs order, I made some Grape Expectations. (Insert pun-filled joke about this tea’s name and my hopes for its taste here.)

Dry and brewed, this tea smells like grape Tootsie Pops. Hooray! I like those! That’s the flavor I usually pick if I have to eat one! The taste of the tea, however, is sadly lacking. It’s edging on bitter and floral. It sweetens as it cools, but the bitter edge becomes more pronounced as well. Ick. I’m going to sweeten the second steep and see if that helps any.

So far, I’ve been mostly disappointed with the spring collection, which is just depressing. I was really hoping I’d find at least one tea that I absolutely loved. Maybe I’ll have better luck with Cool Cucumber. :-/

(Edit: Second steep with sugar is all bitter nastiness. Yuck.)

This morning I’m needing an energy boost. We have a lot to do today. I received this sample maybe a month ago and have finally decided to try it now that we are moved. Wow as soon as I opened the package, BAM! Grape! It does smell quite like artificial grape but I love grape. It smells like grape pop or grape freezers mmmmm!
Steeped it smells so much like natural grape! I’m amazed ! It’s like perfect! I am ver impressed by this tea, definitely exceeded my expectations. I will be purchasing this soon.