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Dec 31

Yunnan Noir from Adagio Teas

Adagio Teas,Black Tea,Tea Review,Unflavored Tea 8:00 am | No Comments

Yunnan Noir from Adagio TeasI love Yunnan teas,  the best are sublime and even the lowest grades can be quite good.  Generally they are a good example of a nuanced tea, with their characteristic notes of spice, wood and cocoa.

I generally drink the gold ones, so this was new to me.  I wasn’t sure what the ‘noir’ would mean.  In French, noir means ‘black’.  In mysteries that is the hard-boiled, often ugly ones.  What is it in tea?

The dry tea gave off a muscatel, earthy aroma.  The leaves were definitely different from any Yunnan tea I’ve had before.  They almost looked like some Oolong teas, with their tightly rolled little bundles of gold and black, complete with a tiny stem.

I brewed them up with boiling water for 4 minutes, but about half way through I took the lid off to sniff.  I was glad I did, the leaves were huge!  I quickly dumped them out into the pot so they would have more room t move around.  The scent had shifted to something heavy and dark, very, very woody.  Oh dear, I thought, is this going to be unpleasant?

However, the tea was much gentler than it’s brewing aroma suggested, especially when I put in some more hot water after the first sip, which was indeed a bit much in the strength-before-taste department.  There was my Yunnan,  with its faint hint of spice, a bit of cocoa and yes, some woodiness thrown in.

The directions say to use a heaping teaspoon per 8 oz. cup.  I used only a bit more and the strength of the tea was far too much to be able to appreciate it.  I would really recommend using just a straight teaspoon, unless of course, you’re going to take the “Strong Man of Tea” challenge.

Here’s what Adagio says about it:

Black tea from the Yunnan province of China, the birthplace of tea itself. Much of the tea in this southern province is a large leaf variety. Mountains veiled in mist, with clean water and rich soil form ideal growing conditions and contribute to the unique flavor. Our Yunnan Noir is a hand-rolled tea, with leaves tightly curled into a ‘black snail’ shape. The aroma is sweet with hints of honey and spice. Savory and winey on the palate, with smooth, deep fruity astringency, tremendous depth of flavor, cinnamon bark and nutmeg in the finish. Terrifically textured cup of tea.

This is pretty close to my experience, but only after diluting it somewhat.  You can have that too, just use less tea than they recommend.  I guess the ‘noir’ is what happens when you use too much dry leaf and the brew goes to the “Dark Side”.



Marlena A.
Marlena A.
http://teafortoday.blogspot.com/


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Dec 30

Green Rooibos Citron from Adagio Teas

Adagio Teas,Flavored Tea,Rooibos,Tea Review 11:00 pm | No Comments

  • Type Of leaves: Green Rooibos
  • Name Of Tea: Green Rooibos Citron
  • Available From: Adagio Teas

Green Rooibos Citron from Adagio TeasWhen I opened the pouch of this tea, I was blown away by how good it smells.  It smells sweet and lemony, reminding me a bit of a delicious lemon curd.

And that scent translates into the flavor as well.  It has a very lemon-y kind of flavor with notes of sweet orange.  It is sweet, yet tangy, and there is a hint of creaminess to the cup as well.

But this isn’t quite what I expected from this tisane, I expected the flavorings here to be of the citron fruit, which is similar to a lemon but with more of a bitter taste to it.  I personally don’t mind this to be more of a lemon-orange taste, because, I prefer it over citron; however, this tisane does suffer from a misnomer that may confuse some customers.

I am not ordinarily one to be thrilled with a rooibos base in a blend, but, with this tisane, I think that rooibos is a good choice.  It has a light, fruity character that melds well with the notes of lemon and orange.

Adagio Teas describes this tisane as

Citrus flavors of lemon and orange paired with the light bodied natural fruitiness of green rooibos will carry you away to orange groves and lemon trees. Great hot or iced this naturally caffeine-free juicy, uplifting blend will bring a ray of sunshine to your cup.

I recommend steeping this for a long period of time (I steeped it for 10 minutes).  Rooibos does not have the tannin levels that tea leaves do, so it doesn’t become bitter with extended steep times.  This tisane just becomes sweeter and more flavorful as it steeps.  It is a very enjoyable tisane with a pleasant sweetness – it would be a great dessert tisane because it tastes just a little bit like lemon meringue pie!  YUM!



liber-teas
liber-teas
http://hungryinportland.com


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Dec 30

Taiwan Jin Xuan Milk Oolong from Teavivre

Oolong Tea,Tea Review,Teavivre,Unflavored Tea 8:00 am | No Comments

  • Type Of leaves: Oolong Tea
  • Name Of Tea: Taiwan Jin Xuan Milk Oolong
  • Available From: Teavivre

Taiwan Jin Xuan Milk Oolong from TeavivreTaiwan Jin Xuan Milk Oolong from Teavivre showed up today at my doorstep.  In the signature silver resealable pouch, as they always do, I found an unique and frankly shocking little oolong.

I read the package, and really didn’t think about what it had said, until I opened the inner sealed pouch.  Immediately I was greeted by a plethora of sensory stimuli in the array of color and fragrance. Tightly rolled (by hand) balls the size of small peas bounced merrily into the palm of my hand, and I was amazed to smell MILK!

Yes, I had to look around and be sure that I was really smelling milk, and not left it out again. I have been around a lot of tea, and this one truly surprised me.  There was also a hint of grass and a delicate floral undertone to the nose of the dry leaves and buds. The leaves are bright green and have hints of golden brown through out the whole bag.  Upon looking closer at the pouch, I noticed that this Oolong was picked in June of this year, a tribute to Teavivre’s never ending menu of wonderful teas and the care put into bringing them to us.

Teavivre describes this tea as:

Classic Taiwan Oolong Tea

*  Grown and produced in Alishan, Nantou, Taiwan
*  Evenly and tightly rolled tea leaves
*  Pale yellow-gold tea liquor
*  Natural unique milk and osmanthus aroma
*  Low caffeine (less than 10% of a cup of coffee)
*  3-4 teaspoons for 8oz of water. Brew at 212 ºF (100 ºC) for 1 to 3 minutes

Teavivre’s Jin Xuan Milk Tea is another kind of fine classic Taiwan Oolong. It belongs to a category of tea often called “Milk Oolong”. However, this Jin Xuan Milk Oolong is special and unique because its milky aroma is natural, it is not manually added milk when process as other milk teas. The first three infusion of this tea will have obviously milky scent, whereas this scent will gradually reduce for the next cups.

Brewing this one up revealed a pale yellow, clear liquor that smelled of cream and a light hint of fresh cut greenery.  The leaves opened to reveal yet another little surprise. Open, the leaves are a bright green, and whole. Larger than you would expect, about an inch or so long and half again as wide.

The liquor serves as a showcase for this amazing little sipper, enhancing the whole cup by displaying the spectrum of greens that gently sway in the cup.  The taste is light and perfumed with the natural flavor that this oolong has.  Teavivre does not use any enhancement of the milk flavor, as do some others, relying on nature to bring out the nuanced and subtle notes that are this simple and elegant treat.  The flavor of the milk, and the light refreshing crispness, make for a cup worthy of the Imperial courts.

A second and third brew slightly lessens the milk aroma, but that is to be expected. What I wasn’t ready for was how much more the crisp, and airy the tea becomes.  Unlike most oolong, Taiwan Jin Xuan Milk Oolong is lightly fermented, giving it more of a green tea nose and body, without the earthy and bolder notes of other oolongs.  That said, don’t let that deter you black tea drinkers out there. This tea stands up with the best of the best all by itself.

A bit of a sweetener will serve to enhance the flavors and bring out the lovely creamy tones.  As I sipped this, I suddenly waxed a bit nostalgic.  When I was little, my Grandmother would always serve me warm milk if I had a nightmare, or was simply to wound up to go to bed. Thinking to myself the whole  time, that, if I had this tea more often at night, I would be snoozing like I was 7 again.   There is no need to add cream or milk.  Duh! It’s kinda already there. Well, at least the taste, and frankly, I tried it, and the lighter more delicate notes are simply just lost.  Iced, I frankly didn’t try it. Why? To be honest, cold tea with milk (or milk flavor) just didn’t appeal to me.  Try it tho. It may surprise you.

Another tid-bit here. Jin Xuan Milk Oolong is a baby in the tea world. Only having been brought to inception in the 1950′s, and recognized in the tea world in 1981.  The process took 30 yrs to perfect, and Teavivre once again has gone above and beyond to bring you a high quality and unusual little cuppa.  I have to add that, as a tea drinker, this one will leave an impression on anyone, but is also a great change of pace and flavor sure to carry this to a high place in your favorites. I did mine.



PNytewing
PNytewing
http://www.scorpionphoenix.com


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Dec 29

Organic Wild Berry Green from Tea District

Flavored Tea,Green Tea,Tea District,Tea Review 8:00 am | No Comments

Organic Wild Berry Green from Tea DistrictOrganic Wild Berry Green from Tea District arrived at my door in the customary black resealable pouch, the signature pouch that Tea District sends out their samples in.  I opened this one, and was greeted with a mouth watering blast of fresh berries and a floral aroma that had my attention right away.

If any of you have read any of my other posts, you’ll know that I’m usually a big flavored or fruit blend. I almost NEVER use any sweetener so I think that you’ll find this review a bit different.  I can honestly say that I couldn’t wait to try this one.  As the water was heating, I looked at the dry tea, and was treated to a brilliant green tea and whole berries. Rich and bold red hibiscus flower petals swam in a sea of fruit and tea. Organic Sencha green tea with Organic hibiscus, freeze dried strawberry fruit, blueberry fruit and natural flavors of blueberry and raspberry promised to make for a sweet and luscious little sipper.

Tea District describes this tea as:

Description: This uplifting and floral blend of Organic Sencha green tea with Organic hibiscus, freeze dried strawberry fruit, blueberry fruit and natural flavors of blueberry and raspberry will make you think otherwise of green teas. Its not so traditional zesty flavor will continue to strike you every time you take a sip with its luscious fruit flavors and aromas throughout.
Origin/Estate: China
Caffeine: Green teas, are unfermented teas and have approximately 20 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup (compared to on average 90 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup of coffee)
Taste: Green tea with a subtle mixture of tropical citrus fruits
Ingredients: Organic Sencha, Organic Hibiscus, strawberries, blueberry fruit, and natural flavors of blueberry and raspberry
Brewing: Water: 180°F / Leaves: 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces / Infusion Time: 3–4 minutes

The liquor brews to a surprising color.  Pink!  Albeit a light pink, but none the less.  Odd, but, makes for a beautiful and mood  enhancing back drop for the stunning greens the tea leaves have. Retaining their color, the leaves open  to a flat and spear like shape.  As the tea brews, the whole blueberries and strawberry pieces engorge and become about the size of large peas.  The hibiscus adds a light floral undertone that lightens up the whole cup. Enhanced with the rich grass flavor of the Sencha, and the elegant and aromatic hibiscus, the fruit flavors sing on the tongue.  A second brew is of course lighter, but not in the least bit understated.  The crisp and more delicate tones of the fruits and Sencha, make for a great 2nd cup.

Tea District recommends using the following method for brewing:  Water: 180°F / Leaves: 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces / Infusion Time: 3–4 minutes.  As this is a green tea, care needs to be used to not brew too hot and bruise the leaves.

Regardless of the time of year, Organic Wild Berry Green from Tea District is a great little sweet treat. Iced, pair this one with a fruit cocktail, or cheese and veggie platter. Hot, this makes a great warm up, and a nice sipper over a good book, or with a bit of cottage cheese and melon. As I said before, I usually don’t go for the flavored teas, but this one just jumped to the top 10 list in this humble reviewers opinion. Enjoy!



PNytewing
PNytewing
http://www.scorpionphoenix.com


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Dec 28

Green Vision from Liquid Jade Tea

Flavored Tea,Green Tea,Liquid Jade Tea,Tea Review 4:00 pm | No Comments

Green Vision from Liquid Jade TeaThis is as crisp and refreshing as any lemon-ginger green tea should be, however it isn’t any ordinary green tea.  Exceptional care has been taken in creating this blend and balancing its notes and flavor nuances to keep this tea very crisp and invigorating to the palate without making it too astringent and keeping the green tea smooth and mellow in the background.

The ginger is lovely, a perfect spiced ginger flavor, and the longer you let this one brew, the more pronounced the ginger flavor and aroma becomes.  So if you are a ginger love you may wish to let this one brew an extra minute or two.

The lemon flavors are produced by the addition of two very lovely lemon flavored herbs, organic lemongrass which has a more grassy and crisp lemon note, and lemon verbena which has a more deeply and authentic lemon flavor with bright green notes.  The combination creates a lovely well-rounded lemon tone that compliments the warmth of the spicy ginger well.

Liquid Jade Tea describes this tea as:

At the root of Liquid Jade is this elegant mix of Indian green tea and herbs. The calm energy that follows a cup of this mix inspired the vision of Liquid Jade, tea for the modern-day scholar. The value of its flavor is in its subtlety. Light, grassy, and full with lemon, Green Vision will draw you into a contemplative lightheartedness.
Ingredients:  Organic Indian Green Tea, Organic Ginger, Lemon Verbena, Organic Lemongrass

What really brings the lemon and ginger flavors together in this tea is the very strong and vegetative Indian green tea that provides a solid and earthy base for the overall blend.   They call this the root of Liquid Jade Tea, and from what I understand is quite beloved by the owners of Liquid Jade Tea.  They obviously took a lot of time and care in crafting this blend, and the results are delicious.

I brewed this tea as I would any other green tea, with water not reaching the boiling point so that the green leaves would not be scorched and bitter, and I added a touch of turbinado sugar which I thought made the lemon flavor much sweeter and the green notes a lot more pronounced as well.  It goes fantastic with sugar, but this one should be served without any milk as the strong citrus and grassy notes in the blend would not mix well with milk or creamer.

Be careful not to overbrew this one as if you let it steep too long it will become bitter and undrinkable.  I found that about 2-3 minutes to steep was sufficient and I used a little over a teaspoon to my 12 ounce cup.  Overall this makes a lovely hot or iced lemon ginger green tea that leaves the palate cleansed and refreshed, and would make a most excellent after-dinner or evening tea.



The Tea Guru
The Tea Guru
http://www.teareviewblog.com


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Dec 28

Violet from Kusmi Tea

Black Tea,Flavored Tea,Kusmi Tea,Tea Review 8:00 am | 1 Comment

Violet from Kusmi Tea

I found my Kusmi Violet tea at a local specialty food store. I was overwhelmed by the rows upon rows of unique (to me!) brands of tea. The purple canister of the Kusmi Violet tea certainly got my attention. When I realized it was Violet flavored black tea I knew that this was the one for me to take home!  I had never had a Violet flavored tea prior to drinking this product. However, I like flavored teas and trying new things so I thought I would give it a try.

When I opened the Tin of Tea the tea was artfully packaged inside in a plastic liner with a silver Kusmi Tea sticker holding it closed. The leaves are of varying sizes and the majority are dark brown with some lighter leaves mixed in. I do not see any obvious violet leaves.

I brewed this tea in my four-cup glass teapot so that I could see the color and watch the leaves unfurl. The tea brews up medium in color for a black tea – almost amber in tone.  The smell has the dark honeyed undertone with the light floral notes of the violet.  I used boiling water and let the tea steep 3-4 minutes.

I did not add any milk and/or sugar to my review. The flavor is very smooth. I can taste the Chinese tea underneath the lovely violet flavor. The taste is similar to other floral teas but violet clearly has its own flavor distinct from rose, jasmine and other flavors.  As the tea cools the Violet flavor gets more pronounced especially at the end of each sip.

Kusmi describes this tea as:

Black tea from China flavored with natural essences of violet.

Tasting advice: delicious plain or sweetened.

TEA PROFILE PREPARATION
Origin: China Time of day: afternoon
Main flavor: floral Ideal water temperature: 185°F – 195°F
Quantity needed: 0,1 oz. Recommended brewing time: 3-4 min

This was a great sipping tea for long periods of time. I made the four cups expecting to share with my husband – instead he got about 1 small teacupful and I drank the rest – while reading, while cooking dinner, in the car, etc.  I really enjoyed this tea and cannot wait to taste both other Violet teas and other products in the Kusmi line of teas.



Ellyn
Ellyn
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ellynfishkin

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Dec 26

Pai Mu Tan Imperial from Tea Sante

Tea Review,Tea Sante,Unflavored Tea,White Tea 8:00 am | No Comments

Pai Mu Tan Imperial from Tea SantePai Mu Tan or Pai Mu Dan Imperial from Tea Sante arrived at my doorstep, in a silver resealable pouch with a fairly non descript  simple green sticker on the front. Basic and simple.  Ok, no worries, I  know that sometimes to save cost, we all have to simplify things.

That said, when I opened up the pouch, I was greeted by a light, crisp, and slightly grass aroma, and the dazzling display of colors that are inside. Ranging from silver to rich brown and all in between, the dry leaves are whole, long and for the most part, flat. White tea is the least processed of all types of tea, and therefore contains the least amount of natural caffeine.  Less than 35mg per 8 oz cup.

The liquor brews almost colorless and clear, and smells faintly floral.  As the leaves brew, they dance in the water, show casing their natural beauty.  Greens and golden browns, the leaves retain their color and even deepen a bit.  Light and crisp, with notes of asparagus and a refreshing lightness, this tea has a slightly citrus after taste. Along side a light garden salad or with fresh fruit, this brew makes for a great palate cleanser.

The second brew of the leaves reveal an even lighter color liquor that has less of a floral nose, but the citrus and asparagus come to bare in the forefront. Almost totally without color, the liquor tastes light, and crisp. The citrus notes nicely enhance the more grassy tones of the asparagus, lending a nuance of flavor sure to sing on the tongue.

Tea Sante describes this tea as:

Country of Origin: China.
Region: Fujian Province.
Grade: Grade #1.
Altitude: 2000 – 4000 ft above sea level.
Manufacture type: Naturally withered and sundried.
Cup characteristics: Clear slightly pale cup with a fresh aroma and a smooth velvety flavor. Delicate jammy notes reminiscent of Keemun .
Infusion: Pale yellow.
Ingredients: Luxury white tea

Pai Mu Dan is what is known as a Chinese white tea. White tea is the least processed of all types of tea, and therefore contains the least amount of natural caffeine, and the most health benefits. Pai Mu Tan has a delicate flowery taste to it, and steeps quite a light color. White tea is quite delicious and refreshing without any sweetener!

As with all white tea, care needs to go into each brewing of this tea.  Too hot water will make for an unpleasant astringent cup, and bruise the delicate leaves. Tea Sante recommends that you use the following brewing instructions. The secret is to use water that is about 75-80’C. Place 1-2 teaspoons of leaves in your cup and let the tea steep for 3-6 minutes.

No reason to use any sweetener or milk here. This understated little treat is a standalone. I believe the phrase is “If it isn’t broke… Don’t fix it.” Let the tea speak for itself this time.  Iced, this can be a real cooling way to recharge after a hot day, but cold white tea is not typically served. If you MUST add something to sweeten with, try a few pieces of melon, or dried apricots. As to cream or milk… One word… Don’t!  These mask the subtle tones and cover the citrus.  Why loose out on such a wonderful and light way to reduce your caffeine intake, and deny yourself the experience of this white tea?



PNytewing
PNytewing
http://www.scorpionphoenix.com


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