Special Feature: Teastore.ca IceWine (Black)

Description (from teastore.ca): No description available.

Review: This is a fantastic blend, and I am going to come right out and admit that every year, when I spend my October weekend in Ottawa, I immediately NY-style walk (ie, fast!) to Teastore to get some of this. I spend some time pining through the ten million tea canisters up and down the wall, and usually submit and ask a staff member to find the Icewine tea.

This year, I was stupid. I only bought 100g, and shipping to the US is $12, which means by the time I buy more, I should probably buy a metric ton to make it worthwhile. As I am writing this, I am drinking my last cup. Perhaps next year I should buy the entire canister, because I never get sick of this. It's fantastic in every way. The black tea is a bit bitter, but it works with the grapey, blueberry-ish flavor of the icewine.

If you don't know what icewine is, it is a Canadian specialty -- much like maple syrup (except for the fact that New England and upstate New York don't produce much icewine). The flavor, which is a pungent but more juice-esque grape flavor, translates in the tea as a cross between grape and blueberry. It's incredible.

I would suggest visiting TeaStore's site, regardless. They have some really interesting teas; you do have to buy a bit to make the shipping worthwhile (I HATE paying for shipping!) but the icewine tea is by far my favorite, and an annual treat for me.

The Good: fantastic flavor, good black tea
The Bad: none!
More Information/Buy: Teastore.ca Icewine

Harney & Sons Keemun Mao Feng Treasure

Description (from harney.com): Keemun Mao Fengs are early season teas from Anhui Province. This one has lovely tips and delicious hints of cocoa and fruity flavors.

Review: This is very pleasant. I am not a huge fan of keemun, because it can be a bit malty and I don't like the flavor; however, this is mild, though has plenty of flavor. It is not strong, or outrageously astringent, but very smooth and slightly sweet. All the same, I am still not completely converted to keemun, and I do believe the Seven Cups stuff I've reviewed is much higher quality and more complex.

This stuff is ok, but it's not great. Imagine what keemun generally should taste like, what you'd expect it to taste like and this is it -- it's not bad, but it's not incredible, either. It directly meets my expectations of being a tea that is mild, non-threatening, but somewhat plain and nothing stellar by a long shot. You want good keemun, Seven Cups has distinctive, complex keemun.

The Good: This tea is just ok. No better, no worse.
The Bad: blah
More Info/To Purchase: Harney & Sons Keemun Mao Feng Treasure

Tea Spring Bai Ji Guan 2007

Description (from teaspring.com): Legend has it that the name of this marvellous tea (White Cockscomb) was given by a monk in memorial of a courageous rooster that sacrificed his life while protecting his baby from an eagle. Touched by the display of courage and love, the monk buried the rooster and from that spot, the Bai Ji Guan tea bush grew. Today, Bai Ji Guan tea bush is one of the five famous Wu Yi's tea bushes. Among all the Wu Yi teas, Bai Ji Guan is the rarest. This is because it requires great skill and effort to produce this magnificent tea and there are not many tea masters that can do it properly today, to begin with. One error and the tea leaves could turn dark-brown like other Wu Yi teas. And from these handfuls of skilled tea masters, only a few of them are willing to process Bai Ji Guan tea. Its wonderful complex taste and rarity makes it one of the most treasured Oolong in the world.

Review: The dry leaves of this tea smell like flakes of dark chocolate. The smell alone reinforces my belief that oolong is the most diverse tea on earth; from flowers to apples to chocolate to maple, this tea can taste and smell like just about anything.

I wish I could say that I believe 50g of this is worth $24.80, but I do not. This is the first oolong from TeaSpring that I've felt has not been worth the high price; in fact, I think most oolongs are steals considering the purity of flavor and aroma; however, this one is just "eh". I might pay half the price for 50g, but not $24+. There is not enough definition; if the tea itself is rare, it may warrant the price, but overall I am not impressed. I think there are many other oolongs out there with more flavor, more character, and just as much complexity.

The flavor in this tea is pleasant, though: woody, and sweet. There is 0 astringency. It's very mellow and smooth. As the description explains, few people can create this soft, yellowy consistency of the dry leaves; so the price is high for a reason. However, flavorwise, I just am not sure it's entirely worthwhile--at least not for me. Good tea, great flavor, but I can think of other oolongs I'd rather enjoy and would be more comfortable paying this much for.

The Good: good flavor, rare; interesting consistency of dry leaves
The Bad: none, but price tag is too high compared to flavor/character
More Information/Buy: Tea Spring Bai Ji Guan

Serendipitea White Raspberry

Description (from Serendipitea.com): Rare in nature, White Raspberries have a delicate sweetness & pleasant, lilting aroma. Having similar characteristics, this White Peony & Raspberry fruit blend is a tribute to Mother Nature & her generosity.

Review: I am going to come right out and say that I don't think this tea is anything particularly amazing. However, I think it would be incredible iced; though it is simply standard flavored white tea when hot. I fail to be impressed by the raspberry flavor or the white tea -- there is nothing wrong with the quality, it does not have a bad flavor; I just don't find it outrageously delicious.

I would suggest this iced, but I would not pay much for it. I think it'd be a great summer treat; maybe even mixed with some liquor; but as a hot tea, it is just bleh.

The Good: good iced, but nothing special hot
The Bad: none
More Information/Buy: Serendipitea White Raspberry

Rishi Shan Lin Xi Gao Shan Cha

Description (from rishi-tea.com): View description here.

Review: This bothers me less than the other oolong Rishi sent me, which I didn't post a review for because it sold out before I managed to get time to taste it. As I've mentioned many times, despite my love for oolong, I struggle with overly soft green oolongs. This one smells overly soft, but the smell is not continued through to the taste; it's light and refreshing, with a bit of a vegetal zip to it.

It definitely has a grassy flavor, combined with light, floral undertones. This tea is fairly fresh-tasting -- Rishi sends some of their oolong double-sealed, and this is one; it's probably a good idea in terms of keeping the taste up to where it should be. I don't think this is a totally killer, amazing, earth-shaking oolong, but it's ok. It's worth a try, it's a decent green oolong that has all of the correct properties and none of the undesirable ones.

The Good: decent flavor, grassy, fresh
The Bad: none
More Info/To Purchase: Rishi Tea Shan Lin Gao Shan Cha

Naivetea Rose Violet Calendula Oolong

Description (from naivetea.com): troll down a pebbly path in a secret garden and enjoy the alluring blossoms. We infused high altitude Alishan oolong with natural rose, violet, calendula, and a bit of jasmine according to production process of traditional infused tea. This tea is a bouquet of refined fragrances; each distinct, yet complimentary to form a melody of scents. Intense floral aroma with hints of oolong. Light and smooth body with a harmonious fusion of flowers and tea leaves. Elegant finish with a natural sweet after taste.

Review: Of the teas I have received thus far from Naivetea, this is probably the least pleasing one. For starters, I am not sure I received enough of the sample to really enjoy full-flavor; either that, or the flavor itself is mild—and not the added flavor, but also the tea. It’s extremely mild; and while that is ok sometimes, I can honestly say this tea doesn’t taste much like anything at all. VERY subtle violet and rose flavors, but not nearly enough to be a memorable tea—for all of Naiveteas’s delicious tea, I’d pick any other one before this—there is simply not enough flavor.

The Good: decent flavor
The Bad: not strong enough; not pronounced; oolong is just OK -- not as good as their other varieties
More Info/To Purchase: Naivetea Rose Violet Calendula Oolong

Culinary Teas Baroness Grey Tea

Description (from culinaryteas.com): Our Baroness Grey tea has excellent Earl Grey notes accented with piquant lemon. Lively and full flavored lemon peel, rose and cornflower petals add citrus and floral notes.

Review: I don’t think I’ve ever tasted this before—though I have seen similar blends. This is VERY lemony and I love it, though I wish the tea itself were stronger—when I first steeped this, I thought I had put too much in the bag; however, it is still very mild in tea flavor, though the lemon is extremely zesty and delicious. It actually tastes more like lemon than anything else, which is fine by me—there is the bergamot flavor, combined with lemon, and smooth, sweet black tea, and I love it. This is one of the best earl grey blends I’ve had in awhile.

I don’t taste many flowers or anything, but the description is correct—there are certainly very slight floral notes. Overall I wish the tea itself were a bit stronger—it is not very brisk or awakening, but the flavor is fantastic and this tea is perfect for any earl grey lover.

The Good: awesome lemon flavor, very refreshing
The Bad: could be a bit more brisk; black tea base could have more flavor
More Information/Buy: Culinary Teas Baroness Grey Tea

Serendipitea Pagan Alms

Description (from Serendipitea.com):Decadent. Both rich & clean, a combination of delightful balance....who can resist an offering of chocolate?

Review: I love Serendipitea’s combinations. The problem with this one is that you have to stir it up (like some of Adagio’s) because the large chunks separate from the small ones. However, the taste is delicious, albeit slight—if you don’t get enough of the smaller bits, you have VERY mildly flavored tea; if you get more of the rooibos it brews a deeper red color with some more flavor.

This looks like it has some kind of apple bits, and has a bit of an apple or strawberry flavor—the chocolate and vanilla flavors also come through, blended with rooibos. I don’t think it’s the best rooibos blend I’ve ever tasted – too mild – I’d much rather drink Mighty Leaf’s Coco Chai Rooibos, which has more vibrant flavors (though, coconut is not in this tea)—but overall this is delicate, sweet and mild.

The Good: pleasant, nice flavor
The Bad: not as vibrant as I would like, considering the flavors involved
More Information/Buy: Serendipitea Snow White

Double Feature: Rishi Glass Tea Pitcher Basket w/ Adagio Huang Jin Bolero

Description (from rishi-tea.com): Our combined glass pitcher with infuser basket is perfect for preparing both teas and herbals. Place the brew basket inside the pitcher and spoon loose tea into the brew basket. Pour hot water over the tea, place the cover on the brew basket, steep, and decant into your drinking cups.

Tea Description (from adagio.com): Huang Jin Gui is an Anxi oolong whose name means "Golden Flower." A lightly roasted oolong our "Bolero" reveals an intensity with hints of honey and flowers you will find enticing and seductive.

Review: This is an adorable little glass pitcher. Unfortunately the last teaware item that Rishi set me managed to break en route to me—so this is its replacement, paired with one of Adagio’s new oolongs. This is an Anxi oolong, lightly roasted. My affinity for green oolong waxes and wanes, and while I used to love the light, sweet, ultra-silky green oolongs, these days they completely gross me out.

Thankfully this is not too sweet, nor is it too smooth. The dreaded teeth floating feeling does not come to fruition with this tea. This, much like the previously reviewed Dancong Aria, could be criticized for being too weak, but again, I dispute that. This has a subtle grassy flavor, with only very mild sweetness. It’s mellow overall, with all flavors subtle. It has a nice, round floral flavor, and an ever-so-slight honey flavor. I am severely impressed by this tea—considering my love-hate relationship with green oolongs, this is a real winner. I love the flavor, it’s not too strong, not too sweet. The complexity of more expensive, higher grade oolong is not there, but for an affordable, smooth and straightforward oolong, this is fantastic.

As for the pitcher: very easy to clean. Clean pours, without making a mess, dripping, etc. I love that this pitcher comes with a top—when steeping oolong, a top always helps. Plenty of space, wonderfully ergonomic, I am a huge fan, and it will be a permanent fixture on my desk.

The Good: great little pitcher, ease of use is a huge plus, tea is delicious, simple and straightforward
The Bad: none and none
More Info/To Purchase: Rishi Glass Tea Pitcher with Infuser Basket | Adagio Huang Jin Bolero

Adagio Dancong Aria

Description (from adagio.com): Our Phoenix Dancong is an oolong from Phoenix Mountain, China. These very special tea plants have been allowed to grow unpruned into large ancient trees and bushes, yielding exquisite, single bush harvests The one we have chosen intrigued us with its hypnotic orchid notes and lingering honey sweetness. A legendary tea experience we are pleased to offer.

Review: I was extremely excited to receive this sampler from Adagio, which included two new oolongs: Dancong Aria and Huang Jin Bolero. Adagio has not, up to this point, had much an oolong selection. Oolong is difficult to get into; there are many nuances—about as many, if not more than green tea—and quality is more difficult to come by. Once you have good oolong, all mediocre oolong tastes bad, and all bad oolong tastes awful.

This dark dancong smells amazing. It carries the burnt honey aroma that many dancongs do—and as it steeps, you watch small bubbles form around the softening wiry leaves. It does not brew dark; a medium-light amber, with a roasted wood smell. It has a very mild aroma, not too sweet, not too heavy or musky.

I was forking through reviews on Adagio’s site, and I did see a comment referring to the tea’s weakness—I am not sure I agree that it is weak in flavor overall, but it is much more subtle than some of their others, and some other dark dancongs on the market. This carries a faint perfumey flavor, but has a sweet, burnt aftertaste—I am sensitive to overly sweet teas, and this seems to have a perfect combination of sweet, roasted and that classic dancong perfume taste.

I would say, if you are looking for a mild oolong with all of the right flavors, this is a surefire winner; if you are looking for a stronger dark oolong with more pronounced taste, I’d keep on looking.

The Good: great oolong -- hats off to Adagio for offering great quality in oolong
The Bad: none!
More Information/Buy: Adagio Dancong Aria

Special Feature: Red Leaf Tea Assam Jungle Cabernet

This tea's review was requested to be expedited--it's a new tea from Red Leaf Tea. This tea, along with two other wine-infused teas, will be reviewed back-to-back for the next three days.

Description (from redleaftea.com): The Assam region of India is well known for its strong, malty black teas and pungent green teas. To the powerful briskness of these teas we have added the sweet and vivid flavor of a bright cabernet wine. Heavily infused prior to drying, the full-bodied cabernet pervades the deep and dark Assam herbs, brightening a black tea that famously stimulates your afternoons!

Review: Hmm...I'm feeling some serious love for this tea. It smells like chocolate -- not like Assam, not like cabernet, but like chocolate. Malty? Yes, to an extent, but not to the extent that it bothers me (most malty things do) -- the flavors, paired together, are perfect. I really am NOT an Assam fan, due to the malty flavor, but man, this is incredible, and so interesting. Cya later, other wine infusions...if you want something really unique and standalone, this is it.

I think the result of the dark wine infusion is this chocolate flavor, and I find that interesting, too...it's not a creamy chocolate taste, but more of the smell, the hint of melted dark chocolate in a double-boiler, in a fondue pot, whatever. This is very intriguing. Over time, while you're drinking this tea, the chocolate flavor transforms to this dark red wine flavor paired with black tea.

This is really incredible. Hats off to Red Leaf -- their excitement over their wine-infused teas -- specifically Pink Sonoma and this one -- is well warranted. This is one of the most unique, if not THE most unique Assam tea I've ever tasted.

The Good: awesome flavor, unique, not too malty or brisk, intense and interesting profile
The Bad: none
More Information/Buy: Red Leaf Tea Assam Jungle Cabernet

Special Feature: Red Leaf Tea Pink Sonoma White

This tea's review was requested to be expedited--it's a new tea from Red Leaf Tea. This tea, along with two other wine-infused teas, will be reviewed back-to-back for the next three days.

Description (from redleaftea.com): We are proud to introduce our newest wine-infused tea, the Pink Sonoma! Thoroughly saturated with the flavor of a light cabernet, Pink Sonoma is based on the sweetness of a strong white tea. We have given this base a powerful floral aroma and body by adding a good measure of rose petals, as well as a light touch of jasmine. Try steeping Pink Sonoma in boiling water for a little over two minutes, at a ration of one teaspoon tea leaf each five ounces of water.

Review: This is delicious. It took me a bit to get into this, because the flavor is not as pronounced as the raspberry, but it is very light, a bit fruity, it honestly does make you think of a white zin, a rose, a light cab wine. I am not sure the taste itself matches up in the same way the chardonnay one does, but regardless, I actually like this one more because it has a more elusive flavor profile that makes you think.

This has an interesting smell, too. You can really smell that light wine aroma when you smell the tea, and the taste comes through nearly exactly as it smells. I honestly think I may end up buying some of this, though white tea is not something I usually purchase. Very pleasant, mild, complex flavor combined with really smooth and delicious, sweet white tea. While I usually recommend drinking white teas iced, I don't think I'd do this with Pink Sonoma. I think the fact that it's hot or warm makes the flavor even more interesting.

This is a really fantastic blend. As I've said before, I fail to be disappointed by Red Leaf Tea's variety, and these wine-infused teas are incredible...this is my favorite thus far. VERY unique, delicate and refreshing.

The Good: awesome flavor, complex and unique. Great white tea, too.
The Bad: none.
More Information/Buy: Red Leaf Tea Pink Sonoma