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.

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.

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. 

Pipers 50 Greys

Flavored black tea
Pipers Tea & Coffee 

Ingredients: Black tea, bergamot oil, vanilla, cornflower blossoms.

The dry tea smells heady like a complex perfume. I've impressed a number of coworkers after holding the tea tin up to their faces and giving them no choice but to smell. Wouldn't you like to work with me?



Full cornflower blossoms accentuate the rich colors of the dry tea. The liquor looks lighter than I expected during infusion, so I'm curious to see how it will turn out.



Pipers 50 Greys makes a beautiful red cup. Its softness lends a smooth taste that lingers. Bergamot is strong in the aftertaste, with a touch of tangerine. I really feel the L-theanine calm with invigoration.



This is the refill 100g bag of tea to use in their white corked pots.

I usually drink black tea with milk, but this Pipers 50 Greys is so smooth, I love it on its own. I've been consistently impressed with Pipers.

Road trip to Kentucky, anyone?

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

Black Jasmine Cream

Blended black and green tea
Margaret's Fine Imports

Ingredients: Green tea, black tea, and jasmine flowers with jasmine and vanilla flavor.

Earl grey drinkers will love this creamy jasmine tea. It's enhanced with jasmine flavor, so the aroma packs a punch. I avoid flavor-added tea, but I guess I just can't shake it.

The floral taste has some astringency, followed by the sweetness of vanilla. You wouldn't think so from the description, but it works with milk when hot. It's hearty like a black tea, but the touch of green tea accommodates the jasmine. It appears to be a mix of CTC and twisted leaves.

A Margaret's employee recommended trying it iced. I think I will!

Castle Black Game of Thrones tea

Flavored black tea
Margaret's Fine Imports

Ingredients: Black tea, ginger, elderberries.

Game of Thrones Season 5 ends tonight! I'm counting down the minutes. To keep me occupied, I have this Castle Black inspired tea from Margaret's Fine Imports' Game of Thrones inspired line.

If you haven't seen the show/read the books, Castle Black is where brave men (or ex-derelicts) in black clothing (and handsome capes!!) wait for enemies, guarding the realms of men. And if you haven't seen it, hurry because spoilers will start in a couple hours!



Now to the tea. This Castle Black tea is a great breakfast blend! Ginger can be a strong flavor, but it's very smooth in this tea, and it's settling on the stomach. Ginger goes well with breakfast, as we see with The Republic of Tea's Downton Abbey Grantham Breakfast Blend tea.

The large ginger pieces look very nice against the richly dark black tea. The taste is warm with a spice.

I like to think the men on the frozen Wall drink it in their dented metal mugs.

Pure Ceylon Leaf Tea

Black tea
Taylors of Harrogate

Area of origin: Sri Lanka.

This is a brisk, English breakfast-type tea with a lot of flavor. It is described as a rosy tea, so I was pleased to see a reddish brown liquor. Some of the pieces are fine so I expected dust in my tea, but it holds together well. It almost looks like used coffee grounds.

It's a touch sweet, but with astringency too. I like it with a lot of milk. Or for fun, I mix it with some cinnamon chips and maybe an Assam for a cinnamon breakfast.

"A delicate and aromatic tea."



Leaves vary in size.

"A fine quality crop with a delicate flavour and rosy colour."

Inner pouch for freshness. I bought it right when it expired but... it's still very good.

Sandakphu hand-rolled black tea (#65)

Black tea

Nepali Tea Traders

Area of origin: Sandakphu. 

I'm increasingly impressed by Nepali Tea Traders' black teas. This hand-rolled tea has a striking appearance as a result of the careful processing. There are very noticeable white hairs on the tips. (See more here.)



The tea is not bold like many black teas are, allowing me to taste the nuance. The light, floral experience is what I usually expect from a green tea. It has a wisp of a buttery feel on the tongue, and an apricot finish. It's a little too light to be something I'd want every day, but it's still a lovely tea.

The instructions call for one teaspoon, but I'll estimate better and use two teaspoons in the future since the leaves are so large.

This sample was provided by Nepali Tea Traders.

Next I'll review a citrus-y white tea from Nepali Tea Traders.
  

Sherpa Breakfast (#63)

Black tea
Nepali Tea Traders

I'm mostly familiar with Assam as a base in breakfast tea, so I was thrilled to try a breakfast tea from Nepal. I love this Sherpa Breakfast! It uplifts, but politely. It has that signature breakfast taste, but with a new complexity and smooth mouthfeel I'm really enjoying. Great without any additives. However, I can tell you I tried it with milk as well--creamy and wonderful!

For brewing, I used my porcelain teapot at 3 minutes and a handful of seconds.

It's an autumn flush, which would explain its special flavor. I'm delighted to see it can be infused more than once. The second time I used 4 minutes. Both infusions were delicious. You get a lot from this black tea.

The end result is light in color with a distinct breakfast taste.

This sample was provided by Nepali Tea Traders.

A lot more on Nepali Tea Traders to come! But first, I'll show you a beautifully formed Chinese tea.

Celebration Longan black tea (#59)

Flavored black tea
Mighty Leaf Tea

Ingredients: Black tea, longan fruit.

This Celebration tea is what I hoped Nicholas' China Lychee Congou would be. It's a nice black tea with a hint of the earthy longan fruit, excellent without any additives. Lychee tea served hot usually doesn't really work for me, but the longan is just a touch milder, which is nice. I love this fruit iced, so if the weather ever finally warms up, I'm going to make a big jug of it.

Their packaging is nice. Same image on each bag, but I like it. I appreciate the neutral gradient at the top of the bag.

Warm brown color.

 

Sizeable pieces with some stems.

I'm excited about tomorrow's review: a fresh jasmine green tea from Pipers.

Darjeeling Himalaya Autumn Flush (#57)

Black tea
Dobra Tea

This tea has a light, dusty scent that I was tempted to describe as nutty, but not quite. It's more like a soft peat smell.

It steeps perfectly at the recommended instructions on the bag at 2.5 minutes. I started drinking it at 2 minutes for a light but distinct flavor, but I've started using 3 minutes for an even rounder, stronger flavor--which is what autumn flush is all about!

The liquor is a rich warm color: a coppery amber. The dry tea has the signature fall color expected in a Darjeeling. The steeped leaves are brown with a bit of green.

Great for mid-morning or afternoon. I've been enjoying it at work every day! I will need a refill soon.

I admit: this review was inspired by The Darjeeling Limited.

Next I'll review one of the sampler teas from Margaret's Level 2 tea class: a milk oolong.

Nepalese Himalayan Masala (#56)

Spiced black tea
Nepali Tea Traders

Ingredients: "Black tea lightly spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and other spices traditional in Nepal."

Here is the 2-teabag sampler from Nepali Tea Traders! Sign up for their newsletter and get yours.



I love the warm smell of clove from this. It steeps a beautiful honey brown color. It is light-bodied with a subtle but pleasant spice. It does have something about it that sets it apart from a standard chai. It must be the cinnamon and "other spices traditional in Nepal" the website mentions. 



I need to go to Nepal. For a pretend trip, do these two things:

A) Drink this tea from Nepali Tea Traders.

B) Read this book: Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal, by Conor Grennan.

I hope to try more of their tea!

Next I will tell you about the Level 2 tea class at Margaret's Fine Imports I attended.

Cream Earl Grey (#55)

Flavored black tea
Margaret's Fine Imports
Metropolitan Tea Company

Ingredients: Luxury black tea, cornflower petals, natural flavors.

This is my favorite earl grey ever! It's the morning tea I buy over and over again. I've been holding off reviewing it because it's hard to express how good it is.

It's often my first tea of the day. The creamy vanilla touch makes it different from other earl greys. The floral aspect emerges in the aftertaste.

 

Drinking it with milk makes it even more creamy, or use fresh lemon juice and it'll smell like cookies!

Even my black-tea-blend cat loves the smell.

 

Many coworkers of mine also love this tea. It doesn't matter how hectic the morning commute was, or how crazy the day is; this tea always makes it better.

As Professor Elemental says, "Everything stops for tea!" 

Next I'll review a spiced Himalayan tea from Nepali Tea Traders.