March 21, 2008

Mighty Leaf Tea sent me three sample teas. One black (Orange Dulce), one green (Green Tea Tropical), one tisane (Chamomile Citrus). It's from their "Artisan's Choice" three-pack. I got the single three-pack last night.

This morning I tried the Orange Dulce. I'm not thrilled. It's not a "pure black" tea: it's a blend. It's got green tea, black tea, jasmine, citrus, and "natural flavors." I think the jasmine overpowered the flavor of the rest of the tea. It's almost like I could taste the flower as if I had pulled it the branch! Maybe it would do well with sugar? I like to drink my tea without adding anything in order to get the full flavor. I only got the one pouch, so maybe I'll try it next time.

And speaking of pouch, I didn't expect the teas to come in "silken pillow pouches." I thought I'd get loose tea...oh well...not a big deal. I imagine the pouch is nylon, though...it was "loose" tea, I suppose, since it had room to unfurl in the bag. I had hoped the tea would be loose in the pack sans bag...I had my diffuser all ready.

Another thing about the tea is that I don't know what kind of black tea or green tea is used in the blend. Not sure where it was grown, or any other details about it.

Lastly, the aroma was pretty powerful, but I don't think it added to the experience of the tea. It almost took away from it. :-( I'm being pretty hard on this one.

March 18, 2008

Today, I had some horrible oolong tea in a bag from some Chinese restaurant that's been sitting in my desk for way too long, it would seem, since the tea was so bad. It had no flavor, smelled bad...ultimately, I couldn't drink it. The brand is "Kari-Out Company" White Plains NY...ick!

I haven't had a lot of tea lately, and it is very depressing. Mightly Leaf Tea says they will send me some samples, and they think of this as 'a conversation'...which is cool with me. I didn't realize that I've become a tea reviewer, but that's kinda what's happened. "The only way to get to be an expert wine drinker is to drink a lot of wine," I've heard it said, so I imagine the same applies to tea.

I also don't like that I feel limited to the Assam Gold Rain. It's just too strong, or something. I have other moods and feelings about what tea to drink. Maybe I should have more of the Christmas tea...