Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Reluctant Review: Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice
This is a bittersweet review for a tea I truly enjoy, but one that now needs to be an occasional sip.
I usually shy away from flavored teas, but this blend from Harney & Sons captured my affections. It's perfect for the winter weather. It warms the palate and body. I don't usually like sweet teas, but the cinnamon is so strong it overpowers the sweetness.
I first had this tea as a sample at the New York Coffee & Tea Festival, so I didn't know what the ingredients were. I loved the flavor so much, my friend who tried it with me recently gave me a beautiful tin of the tea bags. I was delighted with the gift, but after inspecting the ingredients listed on the tin, I was disappointed to see that there are artificial flavors in this tea.
I rarely buy products with artificial flavors or colors in them, especially in things I consume on a daily basis. So as much as I love this tea, it went from being a regular indulgence to one that is just occasional. I respect the Harney & Sons company, and I was surprised to see they add artificial flavors to their teas. Since I don't usually drink flavored blends, I haven't noticed this on any of their other teas. I will be carefully reading labels in the future.
This tea is known as one of their most popular flavored teas. I can understand why- the play of spicy and sweet is just right, and hints of orange and clove are perfect for chilly weather. The spices linger on the tongue long after the tea has been sipped. Now I know this is because of the artificial additives, and not just the natural spices. The sweetness should have given it away, but I was too taken when the spiciness to notice.
As much as I love the taste of this tea, it is now in the same category as bubble teas- something I have when I'm in the mood for a sweet drink. This can be my winter alternative to bubble tea. The attractive tin will also brighten up my office. If you enjoy spicy blends and don't mind artificial flavors, definitely give this tea a try.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Japanese Shade-grown Black Tea "Ise" from Lupicia
Japanese black teas are harder to find, so I was thrilled to receive the black tea from Lupicia. Lupicia is based in Japan but they have stores all over the world. I didn't see this tea on their US website which made me even happier to try it. Japanese black teas are supposed to be more delicate, and I was eager to experience it.
The dry leaves are flat with a texture similar to Sencha. They are soft and fragile. As soon as I opened the package I was greeted with the scent of chocolate covered raisins. Sweet, fruity, with cocoa and a bit of toasted earthiness. The brewed tea is delicate and subtle. Reminds me a bit of Kukicha because of the dominant roasty-toasty notes. This tea doesn't have any astringency, just mellow smoothness. The color is a muted golden yellow, different from most other black teas. Everything about this tea is subtle and gentle compared to the usual expectations of black tea. It is a lovely tea to drink in the afternoon, to relax and take a breath away from the day.
Because this tea is so delicate I wouldn't recommend adding milk as you could with other types of black tea. It is a perfect tea to unwind with. I enjoyed this tea very much, and will be on the lookout for other Japanese black teas in the future.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Darjeeling Tea Boutique Green Tea
I was excited to receive an intriguing cloth-bound package in the mail. It was tea mystery waiting to be unwrapped. It is definitely one of the most uniquely packed shipments I've received. Inside were two teas from Darjeeling Tea Boutique, and I couldn't wait to try them. Today's review is for the Green Tea from the Puttabong estate.
The dark dry leaves are sweet and slightly floral. The brewed aroma is subtle sweetness and notes of cooked asparagus and spinach. The tea is gentle and refreshing with reminders of those dark leafy greens. Spinach comes back to mind, and also kale. Even with the green vegetal taste it is a light, delicate tea perfect for the late morning or afternoon. I could see this being pleasant as an iced tea in the summer. I don't have much experience with green teas from Darjeeling, and I am very happy to have tried this one.
The owner Niranjan is directly involved with the company, and he takes great pride in his tea. The tea ships directly from Darjeeling which is as about as close to the source as you can get. You can learn more facts about the Puttabong estate here. The other sample I have to try is a 1st flush Darjeeling. Review will be coming soon. I noticed Dajreeling Tea Boutique also offers white teas from Darjeeling estates, something I've definitely never tried before. I will have to place an order soon.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Visit: Miansai Tea Bar
Miansai is a handmade accessories shop known for their nautical rope and hook bracelets. A fashionable friend mentioned they recently opened a shop in SoHo that includes a tea bar up front featuring a large selection from Tea Chai Té. I was unfamiliar with Tea Chai Té, which is a family run company based in Portland. The menu at the Miansai tea bar is quite varied with black, green, and puer blends, along with herbals, yerba mate, and rooibos as well. They also have kombucha on tap or bottle, which also comes from Tea Chai Té. I tried the lavender white tea kombucha which was very delicate compared to most kombuchas I've tried. On a sunny warm day I would definitely have gone for a cup. But considering we are still experiencing arctic weather, I decided on something a bit warmer.
The tea bar is in the front of the light and airy store, so you can't miss it. There are miniature copper mugs holding each tea for you to smell, before choosing your brew. You can also sample the kombucha. I chose the ginger puer, since the spice would be very warming on this chilly day. A large cup of tea is $4.00 before tax, which seemed reasonable given the quality. While my tea was brewing I took a look around the store which is filled with tempting hand-crafted accessories. As much as I'd love to take home a hook bracelet, my wallet steered me back to the tea bar just in time for my cup to be ready. There is a small bench if you decide to sit and sip, and the store does have a relaxing atmosphere. But you are in the middle of SoHo so I'd recommend window shopping as you enjoy your tea.
Little cups to smell the leaves |
The ginger puerh has the satisfying earthy, mushroomy flavor that reminds me of old polished dark wood. It has an aged, but sturdy feeling. To me it also smells like an old Chinese herb shop that has secrets to reveal. The ginger tingles and compliments the musty puer flavor. Definitely a nice cup.
Miansai Tea Bar: 33 Crosby St. NY, NY- Recommended for a quick cup
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Review: Happy Earth Tea Happy Breakfast Blend
Everyone's talking about the cold polar weather we're experiencing around the country. The best way I can express it is with a recap of my morning, along with a review for one of my favorite breakfast teas. This morning it was 4 degrees with an added wind advisory. I had to walk both of my children to school, and the schools are about 1/2 a mile apart. Opening the door my daughter let out a yelp, and declared her nose was frozen and her 'boogers' were too. The air was crackling with dryness. Walking a few minutes in the wind, we couldn't feel our cheeks. My toes were numb and I was wearing boots and two pairs of socks! When it was my son's turn for school, I had to push his stroller up a hill, and it was almost impossible to breathe in the frozen dry air. But we made it, and while I was thawing on the train all I could think of was a cup of hot tea. I was dreaming about the Happy Breakfast Blend from Happy Earth Tea. I didn't want any ordinary breakfast blend, only Happy Breakfast would do.
I like a breakfast tea that is super strong and flavorful. I often over-steep black tea in the morning when it's not strong enough. I need something bold, malty, and punchy. I usually go for English blends for breakfast since they tend to fit this description. I also found an Australian afternoon tea from T2 I find perfect for breakfast as well. But now I don't need to look further than Happy Earth Teas!
This blend contains organic Assam and Yunnan tea. Right from the first sip, I can feel my body warming and waking. The tea is quite earthy and malty, with a little bit of smoke and raisin sweetness. It is smooth and strong, the perfect cure for a frigid day. Whenever I drink a tea like this, I'm reminded of whiskey, leather, and tobacco. A dark richness. It's got everything I'm looking for. I highly recommend this blend if you enjoy a strong breakfast tea. It will make your breakfast very happy.
Happy sipping, and stay warm!
I like a breakfast tea that is super strong and flavorful. I often over-steep black tea in the morning when it's not strong enough. I need something bold, malty, and punchy. I usually go for English blends for breakfast since they tend to fit this description. I also found an Australian afternoon tea from T2 I find perfect for breakfast as well. But now I don't need to look further than Happy Earth Teas!
This blend contains organic Assam and Yunnan tea. Right from the first sip, I can feel my body warming and waking. The tea is quite earthy and malty, with a little bit of smoke and raisin sweetness. It is smooth and strong, the perfect cure for a frigid day. Whenever I drink a tea like this, I'm reminded of whiskey, leather, and tobacco. A dark richness. It's got everything I'm looking for. I highly recommend this blend if you enjoy a strong breakfast tea. It will make your breakfast very happy.
Happy sipping, and stay warm!
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