Mao Jian

Mao Jian fro DavidsTea

Ingredients: First pluck green tea from Henan Province, China.


Only available in stores, I noticed it completely by accident, hiding on the back shelf under the tea shelves. Barely advertised, and not mentioned at all by the sales clerks (even when I asked to know what was new), who seemed more interested in insisting that I try the new summer teas.

Taking a sniff from the bag once I got home instantly reminded me of when I used to work in a pet store... Alfalfa. A sickly-sweet kind of grassy scent, which I still can't decide how I feel about.

Once brewed, I found it definitely has the asparagus/artichoke scent that the description talks about. It puts me off a bit, thinking of drinking something that looks a bit like wee and smells like asparagus. (this is how my mind works)
But Yoshi seems to like it because he currently has his face dunked in my mug as I type this before I have even had a single sip.

Pleasantly -and greatly- surprised!
I can see why the little bird won't leave it alone. Very sweet, amazingly fresh, light green. I love it.


I recommend everyone give this a try before it isn't fresh any more!
Get your butt to a DavidsTea if you love a light green.


 Happy Steeping,

~K



I am struggling to drink around my bird. He refuses to get off the lip of my mug while I'm trying to drink. He nudges at my nose and eye as I tip to drink.
Honestly, tea lovers, I don't recommend a pet that loves tea as much as you do.

Oolong Supreme

Oolong Supreme from DT

Ingredients: Dang Cong Oolong tea from Wudang Mountains, China.


As someone who absolutely loves oolongs, I was so excited when I heard that DT was bringing in two new, high quality ones. Today, I decided on supreme, because it certainly gets your attention with a name like that.

I steeped for three minutes (I like strong oolongs) with water as close to 80 degrees as I could manage. I really need to get myself a fancy, temperture setting kettle... but I have priorities at the moment that, sadly, do not involve tea. So, for now, I have to use a thermometre.

Wow! This tea.
It's a smooth, roasted nuttiness that just throws me for a loop trying to describe (was that a good enough description?). From the roasted flavour, I was honestly expecting a very strong, lingering bitterness - there isn't any. Nothing but deliciousness.
It can make the palate a little dry, so I would recommend going for two minutes steep time instead. You won't lose any of the amazing flavour, and will make the experience all the more enjoyable.
This dryness could also be attibuted to how hot it has been all week, making me feel incredibly thirsty almost constantly, but I still recommend starting with lower times and seeing how you feel.

SO BEAUTIFUL

It is beautiful outside, and though a little too hot for someone of my disposition to enjoy with a hot drink in hand, this tea is something to definitely enjoy in the cooler comforts of the indoors.

I will definitely be getting myself more.
Excellent work, DT. You made this oolong fan super happy!



Happy Steeping,
~K

Black Jasmine Pearls

Black Jasmine Pearls from DavidsTea

Ingredients: Organic black tea pearls from Hunnan Province, China, scented with jasmine blossoms


You would not believe the size of these balls!
But seriously. These are giant pearls, at least compared to the dragon pearls I reviewed some weeks ago. You could play marbles with these... if you knew how to play marbles, who knows how to play marbles?!

I used two pearls in my steeper (I don't want to call it "my 'the steeper'", that sounds stupid).
I left it for the suggested time, expecting to see a black tea kind of liquor (I hope I'm using that correctly)... but it was incredibly light. But once I popped that sucker on my cup and watched what was apparently hiding at the bottom mix with the rest and create a beautiful mahogany colour. There is the dark tea I was expecting!

Now on to flavour. And talk about flavour! DAMN. Move over, Dragon Pearls, you just lost your place on the favourites list.
Dark but smooth and silk. Like silk, flowers and honey. Yes, this surprisingly light black tea has a smooth, sweet linger of honey. The jasmine is super light, just the right amount. Mmm-mm!
And if that sounds good, get this... THE SECOND STEEP IS EVEN BETTER!!

This is amazing. AMAZING.
Now, this tea is on web special (and FORTY percent off) so you had better hurry if you want to get your hands on it. HURRY! YOU MUST HAVE THIS TEA!! Or not, more for me!!! HAHA



Happy Steeping,
-K

White Peony

White Peony from DavidsTea

White tea from Fujian Province, China.

 I got this as one of my three free samples that you get with every DavidsTea order.

You hear "Peony" and you think floral, right? Those huge, ant-covered pretty flowers in nearly every garden across the country? That's what I thought.... It's what I was expecting. But, nope.

Managed this right before the weather turned

This is a really hard one to describe... but I could NOT stop drinking it. So, it's yummy; that's what matters, right?
The first infusion I did for the whole five minutes of the 2-5 suggested. Mm-mm! It is light, but still full of natural, delicious flavour! I described it to Laura like the smell of freshly cut flower stems (I used to work in my aunt's flower shop, so I'm quite familiar with this gorgeous smell). A bright and naturally sweet adventure. DT really hit it on the nose with their description of this tea.

The second infusion I only did for two minutes, and it is certainly strong enough. Tasting a little more earthy this time. Still super good.

I even did a third! Probably less than a minute... This tea just does not stop giving! wow!!

Even Yoshi likes this tea. I got a few vicious nips every time I tried to drink without offering him some first. (Someone needs to be taught some manners!)

Of course, I had just placed a huge tea order on Monday, which arrives tomorrow... and this tea was not on the list. DAMN IT! And I have already used the sample all up. This next list will have to be a Christmas one or something.

Curse being poor!

Anyways...! This is a great natural tea that is easy on the wallet. I definitely recommend it.

HOLY SHIT! I just looked at my Just the Leaf collection, I HAVE MORE WHITE PEONY! 

Sweeeeet

Happy Steeping,

-K

IF YOU HAVE ANY TEA YOU WOULD LIKE REVIEWED, LEAVE A COMMENT AND WE WILL SEE WHAT WE CAN DO.

Raspberry China Oolong

Raspberry China Oolong from Tea Desire

Ingredients: Oolong, raspberry bits and flavour.


Holy shit, an oolong with raspberries!! I couldn't say no. I DIDN'T say no. And I can't tell you how glad I am that I didn't....

Is this not the sweetest thing?

When my order from TeaDesire showed up (with an adorable little hand-written thank you note - aren't they just adorable?!) I ripped the bag open to inhale the most heavenly scent that I wanted to rub all over myself as a perfume and stuff in my mouth and chew right then and there. Reminiscent of raspberry gelato. A powerful scent for a surprisingly mild tea.

I tried several brewing times, the long the better for me. Never gets bitter, and with two perfect spoonfuls in a pot (the perfect spoon is really just a tblsp). Experiment with it. I certainly did.
Nowhere near as raspberry crazy as it smells, so don't fret if you're against that kind of thing. It's a soft, creamy hint of the tart fruit with that awesome-ness of oolong, best enjoyed on the hotter side. It isn't sweet at all, like one would expect from the intense scent. By the gods, is it ever perfect!

Eee! Teapot. My dad's favourite

BY FAR my favourite flavoured tea. I have already finished off half of my 100 gram bag! Addicted? Hell yes!
I love this. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Definitely a favourite. I recommend it to everyone. Except my poor mum, who is allergic to raspberries (so tragic!)

This tea has captured my heart!

Better get your hands on some before I buy them out! ;)



Happy Steeping!

-K




 IF YOU HAVE ANY TEA YOU WOULD LIKE REVIEWED, LEAVE A COMMENT AND WE WILL SEE WHAT WE CAN DO.