Tea of the Week: Republic of Tea Vanilla Almond

On my latest trip to Whole Foods, I saw this tea.  Real vainlla beans in a black tea blend?  I'm a sucker for that.  And real almond bits?  I just had to try it.  And I'm glad I did.  I took the advice on the cainster and brewed it strong.  The tagline for this tea is, "Sweeten the Mind Tea."  The Republic of Tea may be based out of California, but they specialize in "organic and exotic" teas from around the world.

 

Liquor --  Deep mahogany

Aroma --  This tea smells just like an almond cookie.

Body --  Medium

Flavors -- There is a bit of natural sweetness (though it's not as sweet as it smells).  It's got a definate almond cookie flavor, but it doesn't overwhelm the black tea base, which is mellow and smooth.

Other -- This tea is a flavored blend.  It is considered a "dessert tea."

NOTE: I evaluate tea blends on this blog based on what came in the canister, so these tasting notes do not reflect any addition of dairy or sweeteners.

Tea of the Week: Zhena's Gypsy Tea: Hazelnut Chai

I was at World Market a few days ago, where I spotted this unusual blend.  I love hazelnut anything (Ferrero Rocher anyone?).  And I'm a big fan of chai.  This one didn't disappoint.  Zhena's does small batch processing, and their teas are certified organic and fair trade.

Liquor --  Dark russet brown

Aroma --  Spicy and nutty, with highlights on the notes of cinnamon and cloves

Body --  Thick and almost cloudy

Flavors --  You can really taste the cinnamon.  The hazelnut is there  (as are the other spices) but it is more subtle, adding another layer of flavor.  The flavor of the black tea almost disappears, but it does provide a bass note that binds the other flavors together.

Other -- This tea is a flavored blend.

NOTE: I evaluate tea blends on this blog based on what came in the canister, so these tasting notes do not reflect any addition of dairy or sweeteners, even though chai traditionally has them added.

Tea of the Week: Republic of Tea Daily Green Ginger Peach

I usually go for Peach Black Tea, but I happened to see this Ginger Peach Green when I was at Central Market, and I must say it is nice. 

Liquor -- light, but with a warm golden tint

Aroma -- Peach is the overwhelming note, but there is a sweet "greenness" that I associate with green tea

Body -- Light

Flavors -- The vegatal taste of the tea is stronger than the peach, which comes through almost as an aftertaste.