Oolong Gone

Oolong and herbal blend
Amoda Tea

All organic ingredients: Oolong, hibiscus, lemon peel, ashwagandha root, strawberry leaf, rose buds, licorice root, sweet orange extract.



Oolong Gone serves as my second review of Amoda Tea's November monthly tasting box.



The colors in Oolong Gone are so rich, I could simply put it on display. It looks like a wedding tea. The oolong leaves are a beautiful burgundy. Again, I'm impressed with Amoda Tea's (combined with BlendBee.com) choice of ingredients.

Specifically, the hibiscus. Hibiscus is tart and has a lot of personality, so I'm curious to see if it dwarfs or enhances the oolong, which is usually delicate in flavor. There's also the ashwagandha root, which looks like ginger. Ashwagandha will be a first for me. I notice citrus and hibiscus in a first smell of the tea, so I'm expecting that to lead the flavor.



I would normally never make an herbal tea in my gaiwan, but I'll make an exception for the oolong base. It calls for 4-8 minutes, which seems like a wide range to me, so I'll pick 8 minutes for the full effect. I expect a longer steep to enhance the hibiscus, though.



I'm surprised! I smell the oolong first, in a dusty sweet tone. That sweetness could be enhanced by the rose buds, but it's definitely still oolong. It's a ruby-red color that hints at pink.



The taste is strong with the red hibiscus, but it's much more sweet than tart. The directions suggest a cold brew, and I agree that would be the best way to serve this tea. It's not the straightforward oolong flavor you would expect from your gaiwan, but a fun treat I'd love to have at a garden party.

This tea was provided by Amoda Tea.

Sugar and Spice Black and Rooibos tea

Black and rooibos blend
Amoda Tea

All organic ingredients: Ceylon, rooibos, orange peel, cardamom, cinnamon, all-spice, elderberries, peppercorn, ginger, licorice root, vanilla, brown sugar extract, orange extract.



I stumbled across Amoda Tea on Twitter when they were working on a monthly subscription package. Now, I've gotten a preview with their all-organic November Tasting Box!



It's a slim little box, nicely packaged with four tea blends of different caffeine levels, biodegradable tea filters, and tasting notes.



 
Included are Amoda Tea's new blends: Sugar & Spice, Oolong Gone, Lime Green with Envy, and a Spring Clean herbal.

Since it's the Christmas season, I had to start with the spiced tea. I've never tried a black/rooibos blend before. We have an air stagnation warning and burn ban here south of Seattle, and the dense, low fog is making me crave warmth.



The dry tea smell just leaps from the bag. It takes a couple sniffs to identify orange peel and vanilla as that extra punch to the brown cinnamon. It's deliciously sweet but with cardamom and elderberries to keep it rooted. The ginger and licorice, which is often too strong in blends, are supporting undertones and not overpowering.



I'm brewing the Sugar & Spice in my small Brown Betty. The steeping directions call for freshly boiled water at 4-5 minutes, so I'll go with 5 min. I've pre-warmed my teapot to appease the Welsh tea gods, and my iPhone timer is at the ready. I like my tea strong, so I'm using 2 Tbsp and about 10 oz of water.

Toasted aspects come out in the liquor smell, like cardamom and peppercorn, with cinnamon following. There's a licorice root influence when the tea cools down. It's deep red like rust.



The first taste reminds me that this has rooibos. I had expected a bolder black tea flavor. Orange wafts from the cup. The wet leaves have some visible squares of unfurled black tea, plus the expanded spices and orange bits. It's sweeter tea than I normally drink, so I'd reserve this for after a holiday dinner.

The November Tasting Box is a lot of fun. I'd use it to try new flavors just for fun, or then commit to larger volumes of tea with the free shipping currently offered to subscribers.

This tea was provided by Amoda Tea.

Seattle Chai

Flavored black tea
Perennial Tea Room

Story: "Developed by former Seattle tea blender Frank Miller based on his tea experiences in India as a Peace Corps Volunteer. This blend of tea and spices warms the room with its aroma and flavor."



Tucked into Post Alley in Seattle is the cozy Perennial Tea Room. Teas named "Seattle" got first try since I'm new to the area and loving it.

Two days after Halloween, I'm accepting the Christmas decorations that manifested inside Target. So, this tea came to me at the right time. The dry tea smell leads with ginger and sweet clove. Translation: smells like Christmas.

I dropped 2 tsp into my single-cup Brown Betty teapot. The liquor mouthfeel is less weighty and looks redder/orange-r than I thought it would. It tastes like a light mulled cider. A bit of milk smooths out the spices.

Seattle tea, Seattle plaid and fleece. Yes.

It's a thinner-tasting tea, not black-tea-heavy, and nice if you want something light in the afternoon. I'll add another teaspoon next time to experiment. I'm going to think of this as my Seattle Christmas chai.

If anyone knows of a "Seattle" tea I need to try, let me know here or on Twitter (@TeaNoCrumpets). Seattle: I freaking love it here.

Seattle Breakfast black tea

Black tea blend
Perennial Tea Room
Seattle

Ingredients: Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian black teas in Perennial Tea's trademarked blend.

Not far from the oldest Starbucks location in Seattle is dear little Perennial Tea Room in Post Alley, hidden behind a wooden bench and hanging flower pots. The man welcoming customers and calmly explaining tea origins is an absolute gentleman and an incredible knowledge resource. I could have stayed all day, and maybe they would have let me, since there are two cozy tables with chairs and four tea brews going for customers to try.

Being new to the Pacific Northwest and Pike Place Market, and dangerously close to running out of breakfast tea at home, of course I bought his Seattle Breakfast tea.



The blend has grayish leaves with some honey-colored buds. It smells a bit earthy like Indian teas, maybe both Assam and Darjeeling? I don't know, because I think the blend is a secret. Maybe I will ask my gentleman friend very politely next time.



At the tea room, each tea is on display and available to smell. Teas are packaged in pre-labeled bags with specialized instructions.



Pre-heating my single-cup-sized $2 Goodwill find Brown Betty teapot and Pottery Barn wedding gift mug.



These mug tea strainers complete the experience. I love seeing them in period piece films. Perennial Tea was selling a similar one with longer, more intricate sides and a round metal strainer rest to go with it.



And now, for the taste! It's a smooth, dusty flavor to match the earthy smell of the dry leaves. Expertly blended for flavor that's rich but mellow. Liquor is dark with deep red hue.

It's nearly a shame to put milk in it, but after drinking half a cup I do, and it's the milky light brown color I love to see, with a touch of gray. I enjoyed the tea so much, I decided to cook a full breakfast and brew a second cup. It goes well with a hearty meal, too.



Some color variation in the wet leaves.

I'm at the end of a box of PG tips at home, and while I respect that tea to the ends of the earth, it's been getting a bit malty for me with what I believe is the Ceylon. I was pleased to find this Seattle Breakfast with a more mellow profile than its other breakfast counterparts.

Seattle Breakfast blend is perfect for misty mornings like this.

Why tea people love the Pacific Northwest

Sorry for the silence. I've moved! I'm in the Pacific Northwest. I hope my tea friends are having fun at the Northwest Tea Festival today. Crimson Lotus Tea, I need to meet you! Soon!

There's a moving pod full of necessary (not necessary) belongings to unload today, so I've stayed home this weekend in my new little Craftsman house.

Pittsburgh, you've been great. But now I'm ready to drink all the tea in Seattle.

Yes, Seattle is all about coffee. So why am I convinced that the Pacific Northwest is for tea drinkers?

Reason #1: Evergreens.

Feeling deep? Feeling moody? Of course you are. There are evergreens everywhere, your new dramatic sentinels. Tea people love green that stays green. These evergreens aren't tea plants, but I intend to stare them down every day. Over the rim of my tea cup.

 

Kitchens with farmhouse sinks are great, too. 

Reason #2: Shit grows here.

It was a sad day in Pittsburgh when I finally gave up on the iris bulbs I had planted in the cruel clay soil. Other lucky people managed to grow food in Pennsylvania, but after three years of waiting for those irises to bloom, I swore off gardening forever. Sadness no more! It rains here. Shit grows. I can pluck vegetables without paying tax on them (perhaps only paying tax on the seeds?).

 

 

Zucchini adventures.

 

What is this, chard or something?

Beer. People make beer here. This house's previous owners, did. What to do with these hops? Figure out how to make beer, that's what.

The Pacific Northwest has a strong kombucha following, too. Metronome Coffee serves kombucha on tap!

Woodinville, the "Napa of the Northwest," produces wines such as Chateau Ste. Michelle and beer from Redhook Brewery. Don't forget the amazing Elysian Brewing in Seattle. Costco was selling cases of Night Owl Pumpkin Ale in the $26.99 range up here! That price is unheard of in Pittsburgh. In Pittsburgh, when a beer you like is available for sale, you RUN and get it, and then you hoard it. Pennsylvania state controls the sale of alcohol and that makes things very tricky for drink lovers.

Reason #3: All the coffee/tea shops!

Don't panic: chances are, you are only one mile or one block away from the closest Starbucks. In Honesdale, Pennsylvania, I was an hour away from Starbucks. But now, the height of culture is mine.

 

Self-explanatory Starbucks visit.

 

Cardamom Apple Rum Latte from Metronome Coffee

Victrola Coffee Roasters on Pike Street is sold at Metronome Coffee, so that's what I'm making in my French press these days. Because yes! In the misty mornings here, coffee just makes sense. I hadn't bought coffee for the house in half a year, then suddenly I need it. I can't explain it. It's just this place.

World Spice Merchants in Seattle is like a tea shop, but for spices. Each spice has 1 oz displayed in a glass jar for you to smell and get a sense of volume. Carry a pad and pencil with you and write down your order for the clerk to measure out. They sell tea, too.

Tea Ave, specializing in Taiwanese oolong, is north in Vancouver.

Crimson Lotus Tea in Seattle specializes in puerh. Which means I have a lot to learn from them. Which means I'm taking a drive north, soon.

 

Pacific Northwest, I love you.

Cucumber Cantaloupe Oolong

Oolong blend
52Teas

Ingredients: Organic oolong tea, freeze-dried cucumber pieces, all-natural organic flavors.



Cucumber-cantaloupe dominates the scent of the dry tea. It has beautiful, long pieces of tea. In the vibrant yellow-green liquor, an attractive earthy oolong scent emerges alongside the melon.



The oolong and melon together taste like something I could eat! The liquor is barely astringent and very fresh, similar in experience to an oolong with natural floral notes, but with cantaloupe instead of flowers. It recommends a 3-4 minute steep time, but I prefer it for longer than 4 minutes for more depth from the oolong .

Does it steep twice? I wasn't sure if the natural flavors would come out in a second infusion, but I gave it a try and ended up with an oolong cup with a bare hint of melon. It worked!

Coconut French Toast with Cardamom Maple Syrup Black tea

Black tea blend
52Teas

All organic ingredients: Black teas, crushed cardamom pods, dried coconut flakes and natural flavors.

Is it possible for two breakfast flavors, one tropical flavor, and one spice to work together in a tea? YES. And 52Teas can do it.



I'm skeptical of coconut in tea, but the perfectly proportioned coconut shreds enhance the french toast flavor. The tea has a round mouthfeel and almost a little astringency at the finish.

 

Breakfast in a cup! It's like a warm home. Another surprising flavor combination from 52Teas. They should be called 5 million teas.

Lemon Cheesecake Bar Houjicha

Blended green tea
52Teas

Ingredients (all organic): Japanese green tea, lemon balm, lemon verbena, lemongrass, natural flavors.



The new management of 52Teas took Kickstarter by storm to put together excellent rewards packages. I'm excited to try Lemon Cheesecake Bar Houjicha as my first from 52Teas!



I fell in love when I opened the package. It smells exactly like cheesecake! If you know me, you'll know I love anything that smells like cake. If you didn't, now you do.



The infusion color is a warm, autumn yellow like roasted hay. The flavor is strong in lemongrass which seems to be giving the tea its heavier mouthfeel. The lemon balances out the roasted flavor, which I have found to be too strong in another houjicha before.

 

I don't normally drink much lemongrass, but the complementary flavor blend makes this tea enjoyable. Especially when the liquid is really hot. It'll make a killer iced tea, too.

White Monkey Paw

White tea
Margaret's Fine Imports

Area of Origin: China, Fujian Province, Wuyi Mountains

This tea came with Margaret's Level 2 tea class! If you haven't yet, search her on Groupon since she's usually offering 50% off class price.

An now, to the tea.



The dry tea smells marine at first, but on closer inspection, I notice a red fruit such as strawberry, or even honey. It has seaweed in the taste, similar to what I notice in Bilo Chun.

I make it iced, but I wouldn't recommend the cold brew. It's technically a white tea, but I can't help but think of it as green.

Vata (air balancing) Ayurvedic herbal tea

Herbal blend
Margaret's Fine Imports

Ingredients: Chamomile, saffron, licorice, ginger root, fennel seeds, rosebuds, spearmint, rosehips, lemongrass, tulsi (holy basil), natural orange flavor.

I can't say that I drink this tisane, but I was immediately convinced to buy it for my husband after I smelled it in the store. It smells like fresh sweet air, despite the chamomile.

I'm washing my hands of reviewing this tea since I don't like chamomile. But! I just had to show you the beautiful rosebuds.

Golden Monkey

Black tea
Margaret's Fine Imports

Country of origin: China.

A dry earthy smell up front and a little apricot on the finish. I like it as a late morning or afternoon tea. Dry mouthfeel, smooth, and warming.

I enjoy the pretty tips. "AssamGreenTea" just told me that handcrafted Indian Assam tea can have a similar appearance to this: some golden tips and twisted strands with a wiry appearance. Thanks, AssamGreenTea!

Black Dragon Pearls

Black tea
Margaret's Fine Imports 

These darling tea pearls smell lightly of apricot and musk. It has tippy golden pieces. Two balls per mug is not enough, so I've added a third. A sweetness emanates from the cup, followed by a tobacco taste.

It has the slightly sweltered taste of a yellow tea, but without the hay flavor. I just let the tea sit in the bottom of the cup. It would be great in a teapot.

 

I think I enjoy tea more when it has fun shapes.

Pipers Chai

Pipers Tea and Coffee
Flavored black tea

Ingredients: Black tea infused with black pepper, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, cardamon, ginger, and vanilla and orange flavor.



Strong on the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, this chai is practically a Scandinavian magic Christmas dust.

 

It's impossible to steep this tea poorly. With sturdy leaves, its robust black tea backs up the spice, making it drink incredibly smoothly with a round finish.

Chai is well-loved during colder weather for its warmth of flavor, but I think the hottest day of summer is also the perfect time.

Use code ALLTEA10 for 10% off your order at www.cupofpipers.com.