Brand: Lupicia
Type: Flavored Black
Brew Time & Temperature: Used it to make a latte this time
Leaf Appearance: I think CTC black tea with small chunks of herbs added
Color: Light creamy-brown, opaque (because milk)
Smell: Like most chai, but I couldn't really smell the pepper; the loose leaf did have the pepper smell though
Recommended with/as: As is, milk, sweetener
Rating: 8.5/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
Rush review today, since I'm going to yosemite with family. Anyway, pepper in chai sounds super weird, but surprisingly, it was pretty good. Even though I brewed it a super long time, I think it turned out well. The spice from the pepper and cardamon mix very well with the sweetness from the honey and the creaminess from the milk. Unlike most chais, this one is less spicy and more balanced (unlike the one I got from Red Blossom, which is very spicy no matter how much milk or sugar I use), which I liked. To be honest, I'm not that good at reviewing chai (or at least lattes), but this one is pretty good.
Other notes:
Nothing today, just going to Yosemite.
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Sencha 'Tanegashima"
Showing posts with label Week 12. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Week 12. Show all posts
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Friday, April 17, 2015
Day 83: Sencha 'Tosa'
Brand: Lupicia
Type: Green
Brew Time & Temperature: Tried using the gaiwan today, since I need practice with brewing greens
Leaf Appearance: Medium-sized dark green leaves, grass-like
Color: Very bright yellow, clear
Smell: Vegetal, seaweed, a tiny bit sweet
Recommended with/as: As is
Rating: 8/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
So, lately I've been trying to brew greens in gaiwans. As of this review, I've tried it with Sencha Tanegashima and this, and I'd say it's been decent (could be better). So, take this review with a grain of salt since I may have used too much leaf, brewed too long, too hot, etc.
Anyway, to the review! For most of the brews, it was a bit bitter but I think that may have just been the amount of leaf (I just used all the leaves in tea bag). At first taste, it was brothy and savory, and eventually became slightly sweeter by the end. The after taste is a little bit sour, with a little bit of seaweed. It also had a bit of astringency, making both my mouth and throat dry, but not so much that it tasted terrible. However, it did get a bit sweeter over time, and also more green and less yellow (it helped that I lowered the brew time after the first few brews). Overall, it's a decent green tea that may have been worsened by my terrible brewing (heh). I have had better green tea, though. I think I got about 8-10 brews out of it before it got too weak.
Other notes:
Damn it, I'm pretty sure I dislocated my arm or at least hurt the joint/ligaments pretty bad. I was throwing some stuff and since my arm can pop out of the joint (I don't know why, it's just been that way since elementary school), it came out in the middle of throw and twisted in a really bad way. I'm gonna wait until tomorrow to see if it gets better, but it's been hurting all day as bad as it did when I screwed up that throw.
Other than that, today was also pretty decent. I turned in the project, did a test on To Kill a Mockingbird (which went decently, but a part of it was super hard because it was vague), and then after school cooked fried rice and made chai tea with my friend. We just ended up watching anime (Danmachi) while eating, and I was reminded why I hate watching fanservice-y anime alone (the only exceptions are Kill la Kill and maybe TTGL). I can't wait for monday though, since I'm going to Japantown with a bunch of my friends for a field trip!
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Chai Bag Cardamon & Pepper
Type: Green
Brew Time & Temperature: Tried using the gaiwan today, since I need practice with brewing greens
Leaf Appearance: Medium-sized dark green leaves, grass-like
Color: Very bright yellow, clear
Smell: Vegetal, seaweed, a tiny bit sweet
Recommended with/as: As is
Rating: 8/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
So, lately I've been trying to brew greens in gaiwans. As of this review, I've tried it with Sencha Tanegashima and this, and I'd say it's been decent (could be better). So, take this review with a grain of salt since I may have used too much leaf, brewed too long, too hot, etc.
Anyway, to the review! For most of the brews, it was a bit bitter but I think that may have just been the amount of leaf (I just used all the leaves in tea bag). At first taste, it was brothy and savory, and eventually became slightly sweeter by the end. The after taste is a little bit sour, with a little bit of seaweed. It also had a bit of astringency, making both my mouth and throat dry, but not so much that it tasted terrible. However, it did get a bit sweeter over time, and also more green and less yellow (it helped that I lowered the brew time after the first few brews). Overall, it's a decent green tea that may have been worsened by my terrible brewing (heh). I have had better green tea, though. I think I got about 8-10 brews out of it before it got too weak.
Other notes:
Damn it, I'm pretty sure I dislocated my arm or at least hurt the joint/ligaments pretty bad. I was throwing some stuff and since my arm can pop out of the joint (I don't know why, it's just been that way since elementary school), it came out in the middle of throw and twisted in a really bad way. I'm gonna wait until tomorrow to see if it gets better, but it's been hurting all day as bad as it did when I screwed up that throw.
Other than that, today was also pretty decent. I turned in the project, did a test on To Kill a Mockingbird (which went decently, but a part of it was super hard because it was vague), and then after school cooked fried rice and made chai tea with my friend. We just ended up watching anime (Danmachi) while eating, and I was reminded why I hate watching fanservice-y anime alone (the only exceptions are Kill la Kill and maybe TTGL). I can't wait for monday though, since I'm going to Japantown with a bunch of my friends for a field trip!
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Chai Bag Cardamon & Pepper
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Day 82: Benico
Brand: Lupicia
Type: Flavored Black
Brew Time & Temperature: 3 minutes, boiling
Leaf Appearance: Small, relatively thick black tea leaves with chunks of berries (strawberry?)
Color: Golden orange; clear
Smell: Candied berries, floral, sweet
Recommended with/as: As is
Rating: 7/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
The smell of this tea is actually really nice. I can't really think of a specific thing it smells like other than febreeze; it does smell like berries and is sweet, but not too overbearing (it's not too artificial, either). Also, it tastes somewhat like it smells, which I thought was good since I liked the smell. You can definitely taste the berry, but it isn't very sweet. Rather, it is a tiny bit bitter and has some of the tomato taste of Rose Hip Tea. However, it's not as tomato-y (?) or tangy. It's smooth, with little astringency, but to be honest, it's a bit of a bland tea. After the berry taste at the beginning, the taste kind of dissipates into a weak tang. Overall, it's eh.
Other notes:
Well, I turned in my project online today and I got a 4% similarity rating, which was nice. I know I don't plagiarize, but every time I have to use a plagiarism checker I feel like I did- I don't know why. Other than that, though, this day was pretty uneventful other than a doctor's appointment, movie night for my history class, and more studying. I have to bring the huge model/board in tomorrow, so that'll be fun, and also there's going to be a final on To Kill a Mockingbird. Fun.
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Sencha 'Tosa'
Type: Flavored Black
Brew Time & Temperature: 3 minutes, boiling
Leaf Appearance: Small, relatively thick black tea leaves with chunks of berries (strawberry?)
Color: Golden orange; clear
Smell: Candied berries, floral, sweet
Recommended with/as: As is
Rating: 7/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
The smell of this tea is actually really nice. I can't really think of a specific thing it smells like other than febreeze; it does smell like berries and is sweet, but not too overbearing (it's not too artificial, either). Also, it tastes somewhat like it smells, which I thought was good since I liked the smell. You can definitely taste the berry, but it isn't very sweet. Rather, it is a tiny bit bitter and has some of the tomato taste of Rose Hip Tea. However, it's not as tomato-y (?) or tangy. It's smooth, with little astringency, but to be honest, it's a bit of a bland tea. After the berry taste at the beginning, the taste kind of dissipates into a weak tang. Overall, it's eh.
Other notes:
Well, I turned in my project online today and I got a 4% similarity rating, which was nice. I know I don't plagiarize, but every time I have to use a plagiarism checker I feel like I did- I don't know why. Other than that, though, this day was pretty uneventful other than a doctor's appointment, movie night for my history class, and more studying. I have to bring the huge model/board in tomorrow, so that'll be fun, and also there's going to be a final on To Kill a Mockingbird. Fun.
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Sencha 'Tosa'
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Day 81: Marron Chocolat
Brand: Lupicia
Type: Flavored Black
Brew Time & Temperature: 3 minutes, boiling
Leaf Appearance: A mix of curled black tea leaves and CTC tea; there are chunks of hazelnut too
Color: Dark copper/brown; clear
Smell: Like hot cocoa, sweet and a bit roasted
Recommended with/as: As is, milk, sweetener
Rating: 8/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
Well, today I'm doing 2 reviews since I missed yesterday's, so this one might be a bit short. Anyway, this tea, compared to Lupicia's other chocolate flavored tea (Au Chocolat), is a much more darker chocolate flavor. There's a slight bitterness, which in my opinion goes well with the chocolate flavor; I'd say it's similar to, maybe, dutch cacao powder? The hazelnut does add the roasted taste to the tea, along with a very subtle nuttiness- however, it's nothing like nutella (the only thing that comes to my mind when you bring up chocolate and hazelnuts, other than Ferrero Rochers) as it isn't very sweet. The tea base also adds to the dark flavor of the chocolate, which I liked. Overall, it's a good chocolate flavored tea- try it with milk and sweetener! I'm kind of split between this and Au Chocolat, however. They're both equally good; I'd say Au Chocolat is more of a sweeter chocolate tea and mixes better with other tea, but this tea is fine on its own and more complex.
Other notes:
Woohoo! The project (the model, at least) is officially done. At the time of this post, I'm editing the paragraphs and hopefully that will be done later tonight. I'd say the model is good, but I could have added more to the map and cut it better (the way it's cut makes it a bit jagged, and not fit well in the box. The box isn't even also, and there are some gaps). I'm happy though since I'm finally done with that crap- now I just have to study for the AP Bio final and the English in-class essay!
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Benico
Type: Flavored Black
Brew Time & Temperature: 3 minutes, boiling
Leaf Appearance: A mix of curled black tea leaves and CTC tea; there are chunks of hazelnut too
Color: Dark copper/brown; clear
Smell: Like hot cocoa, sweet and a bit roasted
Recommended with/as: As is, milk, sweetener
Rating: 8/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
Well, today I'm doing 2 reviews since I missed yesterday's, so this one might be a bit short. Anyway, this tea, compared to Lupicia's other chocolate flavored tea (Au Chocolat), is a much more darker chocolate flavor. There's a slight bitterness, which in my opinion goes well with the chocolate flavor; I'd say it's similar to, maybe, dutch cacao powder? The hazelnut does add the roasted taste to the tea, along with a very subtle nuttiness- however, it's nothing like nutella (the only thing that comes to my mind when you bring up chocolate and hazelnuts, other than Ferrero Rochers) as it isn't very sweet. The tea base also adds to the dark flavor of the chocolate, which I liked. Overall, it's a good chocolate flavored tea- try it with milk and sweetener! I'm kind of split between this and Au Chocolat, however. They're both equally good; I'd say Au Chocolat is more of a sweeter chocolate tea and mixes better with other tea, but this tea is fine on its own and more complex.
Other notes:
Woohoo! The project (the model, at least) is officially done. At the time of this post, I'm editing the paragraphs and hopefully that will be done later tonight. I'd say the model is good, but I could have added more to the map and cut it better (the way it's cut makes it a bit jagged, and not fit well in the box. The box isn't even also, and there are some gaps). I'm happy though since I'm finally done with that crap- now I just have to study for the AP Bio final and the English in-class essay!
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Benico
Day 80: Grapefruit Green
Brand: Lupicia
Type: Flavored Green
Brew Time & Temperature: 2 minutes, boiling (I just brewed the tea bag in a cup instead of a whole pot today)
Leaf Appearance: Small, grass like green tea leaves with large chunks of grapefruit
Color: Golden yellow/orange; clear
Smell: Citrusy, sweet
Recommended with/as: As is, iced
Rating: 8.5/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
Man, I have had my fill of tea today. I got home, made a pot of chai, then had a pot of the marron chocolat tea, and now I'm having this before I go to bed. Anyway, after the last grapefruit tea, I'm so-so on this tea. For some reason, though, I did really like the smell of the both the brewed and unbrewed leaf. I hate eating the actual fruit, but I love the smell (it's probably the citrus smell). As for the actual taste, I was surprised at how balanced the tea base and the grapefruit were. Upon tasting, you're met with the mellow, grassy taste of the green tea, which then slowly (at first) changes into a tangy, citrus taste. It stays in your mouth long after drinking, and can become very sour if you drink a lot. It's smooth, and even though it's a green tea and can get very sour, it doesn't make your throat or mouth dry at all. Overall, I like it! If you don't like sour things I guess you shouldn't have this tea, but this was a pleasant experience, different than the other stuff I've had lately.
Other notes:
Note: I did this review AFTER Day 81's (Marron Chocolat), so take that into account when you read this. Oh hell yes, I have just finished my history project (11 PM). See Day 81 for what I think about the model. The writing, on the other hand, is pretty decent (I did write a lot and do a lot of research, but I think it could have been better). I'm mostly just hoping that the model will give me the points for the writing. I'm so glad that's done, and now tomorrow I have to do a bunch of studying + watch a movie with my friends for history class. Oh, also, today I did hang out with that girl that I talked about earlier for a while after school. We walked, got donuts, and talked while eating. Looking back, I think this was the first time since middle school that I've spent time with a girl alone for friendly stuff, instead of schoolwork. So, yeah, there's that.
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Marron Chocolat
Type: Flavored Green
Brew Time & Temperature: 2 minutes, boiling (I just brewed the tea bag in a cup instead of a whole pot today)
Leaf Appearance: Small, grass like green tea leaves with large chunks of grapefruit
Color: Golden yellow/orange; clear
Smell: Citrusy, sweet
Recommended with/as: As is, iced
Rating: 8.5/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
Man, I have had my fill of tea today. I got home, made a pot of chai, then had a pot of the marron chocolat tea, and now I'm having this before I go to bed. Anyway, after the last grapefruit tea, I'm so-so on this tea. For some reason, though, I did really like the smell of the both the brewed and unbrewed leaf. I hate eating the actual fruit, but I love the smell (it's probably the citrus smell). As for the actual taste, I was surprised at how balanced the tea base and the grapefruit were. Upon tasting, you're met with the mellow, grassy taste of the green tea, which then slowly (at first) changes into a tangy, citrus taste. It stays in your mouth long after drinking, and can become very sour if you drink a lot. It's smooth, and even though it's a green tea and can get very sour, it doesn't make your throat or mouth dry at all. Overall, I like it! If you don't like sour things I guess you shouldn't have this tea, but this was a pleasant experience, different than the other stuff I've had lately.
Other notes:
Note: I did this review AFTER Day 81's (Marron Chocolat), so take that into account when you read this. Oh hell yes, I have just finished my history project (11 PM). See Day 81 for what I think about the model. The writing, on the other hand, is pretty decent (I did write a lot and do a lot of research, but I think it could have been better). I'm mostly just hoping that the model will give me the points for the writing. I'm so glad that's done, and now tomorrow I have to do a bunch of studying + watch a movie with my friends for history class. Oh, also, today I did hang out with that girl that I talked about earlier for a while after school. We walked, got donuts, and talked while eating. Looking back, I think this was the first time since middle school that I've spent time with a girl alone for friendly stuff, instead of schoolwork. So, yeah, there's that.
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Marron Chocolat
Monday, April 13, 2015
Day 79: Fantasy
Brand: Lupicia
Type: Flavored Black
Brew Time & Temperature: 3 minutes, boiling
Leaf Appearance: Small black leaves with long, rolled yellow fllower petals
Color: Dark copper; clear
Smell: Sweet berries and honey (as it says in the description)
Recommended with/as: As is, milk, sweetener
Rating: 7.5/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
Gonna do this review quick since I'm doing that history project right now. I was going to do it earlier, but birthday celebrations and piano and stuff got in the way.
So, I've already had this tea before and I thought it was decent. But now, it does seem kind of bland or at least not very realistic. At first, you get the regular taste of black tea, followed by the berry taste, finishing off with the honey and caramel (mostly the honey). There isn't much bitterness, but it does leave a bit of a weird feeling in the mouth afterwards (not the dry feeling though). It's smooth, but the fruit/berry taste is a bit bland; it's not very sweet and reminds me somewhat of syrup (cough syrup maybe, but its not THAT artificial). The caramel and honey do give it a bit of a sweetness at the end, which I enjoyed. I couldn't try it with milk, but since the tea was a little bit weak, I'd suggest it without milk. However, I would suggest it with sweetener (especially honey!), since it would probably bring out the fruit flavor a bit more. Overall, it's a decent fruit flavored tea, but I've had much better.
Other notes:
Man, this was the best birthday I've had in a really long time. My friends made me a card and some shortbread (get it- because I'm short). Also, one of my friends got me a tea tray and a full chinese tea set which is amazing- I used it today while we ate my birthday dinner(?) and it is great. Just a note, but I gotta get her something back or make her some food soon since she really went above and beyond with this gift. I also got like $90, which was good.
Other than birthday stuff, I did get a bit of stuff done today. The history paragraphs are fully cited with a works cited and everything, so now I just need to edit those, format them (I want to make it look like a field report or something), and finish the map/board. I didn't get the boards done since I was busy, but I think I'll get that done tomorrow. I also signed up for volunteering (woo!) at the registration booth at California Extreme for both days, Saturday and Sunday. Even though it's in July, I am really looking forward to that since it gives me free admission and also since it's a volunteering job. Maybe I'll actually get stuff done this summer!
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Grapefruit Green
Type: Flavored Black
Brew Time & Temperature: 3 minutes, boiling
Leaf Appearance: Small black leaves with long, rolled yellow fllower petals
Color: Dark copper; clear
Smell: Sweet berries and honey (as it says in the description)
Recommended with/as: As is, milk, sweetener
Rating: 7.5/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
Gonna do this review quick since I'm doing that history project right now. I was going to do it earlier, but birthday celebrations and piano and stuff got in the way.
So, I've already had this tea before and I thought it was decent. But now, it does seem kind of bland or at least not very realistic. At first, you get the regular taste of black tea, followed by the berry taste, finishing off with the honey and caramel (mostly the honey). There isn't much bitterness, but it does leave a bit of a weird feeling in the mouth afterwards (not the dry feeling though). It's smooth, but the fruit/berry taste is a bit bland; it's not very sweet and reminds me somewhat of syrup (cough syrup maybe, but its not THAT artificial). The caramel and honey do give it a bit of a sweetness at the end, which I enjoyed. I couldn't try it with milk, but since the tea was a little bit weak, I'd suggest it without milk. However, I would suggest it with sweetener (especially honey!), since it would probably bring out the fruit flavor a bit more. Overall, it's a decent fruit flavored tea, but I've had much better.
Other notes:
Man, this was the best birthday I've had in a really long time. My friends made me a card and some shortbread (get it- because I'm short). Also, one of my friends got me a tea tray and a full chinese tea set which is amazing- I used it today while we ate my birthday dinner(?) and it is great. Just a note, but I gotta get her something back or make her some food soon since she really went above and beyond with this gift. I also got like $90, which was good.
Other than birthday stuff, I did get a bit of stuff done today. The history paragraphs are fully cited with a works cited and everything, so now I just need to edit those, format them (I want to make it look like a field report or something), and finish the map/board. I didn't get the boards done since I was busy, but I think I'll get that done tomorrow. I also signed up for volunteering (woo!) at the registration booth at California Extreme for both days, Saturday and Sunday. Even though it's in July, I am really looking forward to that since it gives me free admission and also since it's a volunteering job. Maybe I'll actually get stuff done this summer!
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Grapefruit Green
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Day 78: Rose Hip Tea
Brand: Lupicia
Type: Herbal & Black Blend
Brew Time & Temperature: 3 minutes, boiling
Leaf Appearance: Very small black, curled leaves with orange-red, opaque chunks of rosehip
Color: Light ruby (mostly pink, with a tiny bit of orange); clear
Smell: Floral (roses), citrus, a bit like tomato
Recommended with/as: As is, iced
Rating: 7/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
God, I hated the smell of the dry loose leaf. It's hard to describe, but all I can think is that it was too perfume-y. The brewed version was a bit more tolerable though (it did smell a lot like tomatoes, like other reviewers have said). As for taste, I did notice the tomato that was in the smell; it added a bit of tanginess to the tea, along with a little bit of sweetness. However, that was really it- I couldn't notice any other taste other than the tang (the tea base had a little bit of a roasted/earthy taste but it's very hard to notice). It also had a tiny bit of astringency that made my mouth and throat a little bit dry.Overall, it makes for a pretty colored tea, but not a good tasting one; I'd prefer it if there was actually a rose taste. It is better than tomato soup, however.
Other notes:
Today, I mostly just worked on the writing portion of the history project that's due Friday (10/12 paragraphs written!). So that means I just need to make the wooden frame for the map, edit the paragraphs, add in citations, and make the works cited, and I'll be all done. Also, a girl I like (a different one that I haven't really talked about) and I kinda confirmed today that we like each other, so there's that. I won't go more in depth since she reads this occasionally, but if she is reading today's post, hi.
My birthday is also tomorrow, so I got that going for me too.
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Fantasy
Type: Herbal & Black Blend
Brew Time & Temperature: 3 minutes, boiling
Leaf Appearance: Very small black, curled leaves with orange-red, opaque chunks of rosehip
Color: Light ruby (mostly pink, with a tiny bit of orange); clear
Smell: Floral (roses), citrus, a bit like tomato
Recommended with/as: As is, iced
Rating: 7/10
Tasting notes and thoughts:
God, I hated the smell of the dry loose leaf. It's hard to describe, but all I can think is that it was too perfume-y. The brewed version was a bit more tolerable though (it did smell a lot like tomatoes, like other reviewers have said). As for taste, I did notice the tomato that was in the smell; it added a bit of tanginess to the tea, along with a little bit of sweetness. However, that was really it- I couldn't notice any other taste other than the tang (the tea base had a little bit of a roasted/earthy taste but it's very hard to notice). It also had a tiny bit of astringency that made my mouth and throat a little bit dry.Overall, it makes for a pretty colored tea, but not a good tasting one; I'd prefer it if there was actually a rose taste. It is better than tomato soup, however.
Other notes:
Today, I mostly just worked on the writing portion of the history project that's due Friday (10/12 paragraphs written!). So that means I just need to make the wooden frame for the map, edit the paragraphs, add in citations, and make the works cited, and I'll be all done. Also, a girl I like (a different one that I haven't really talked about) and I kinda confirmed today that we like each other, so there's that. I won't go more in depth since she reads this occasionally, but if she is reading today's post, hi.
My birthday is also tomorrow, so I got that going for me too.
Next on the 100 Days of Tea: Fantasy
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