Choicest Tea Rose Black Tea

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the three dollar tins of tea from the Asian market and I usually pick up one when I'm grocery shopping.  One of my favorites is Lotus Foods Co. in the Strip District of Pittsburgh because of its huge selection and inexpensive prices, which goes for tea as well.  Although I've heard mixed reviews about this brand (I mean, it's cheap so it's not guaranteed to be good), I've heard good things about the Rose Black and the Tieguanyin (which was out -_-).  I also picked up a Jasmine Tea which I've heard good reviews about.

Outsides:  Much like the other Choicests, the Rose Black is double sealed with metal and also has a bit of paper protecting the tea when you first open it.  There are a few rose petals scattered in the tea, but it's more uncommon than I would have hoped.  I brewed a teaspoon and a half in 8 oz of 95 degree water for 3 minutes.  The color is actually quite light for a black tea and it has a smells similar to a Keemun in that it has a note of prune to it.

Insides:  So, I'm pretty sure this is a Keemun because of the sweeter taste and the notes of dried plums and apricots.  The tea itself actually has no bitterness but the compromise is a lighter body, so don't be afraid to steep a little longer.  If you're expecting the tea to be very floral, you'll be sorely disappointed.  There is practically no taste of rose and at most, a slight fruity taste.  Still, it's a nice breakfast tea if you want something less robust and I actually think it would make a nice iced tea since it has a bit of natural sweetness.

Tilt:  The tin itself is pretty nice for a tea that cost three dollars and I'm always a fan of these scenic portraits on these tins.  I actually got this because I thought it might be a good tea for cold-brewing and honestly, it's not bad.  I'd like it to be a bit more robust, but I guess i could either blend it with something or hot brew it and then chill it.  For three bucks, I'll work with it.

Overall:  My biggest disappointment is that this tea isn't robust enough for me, but it's still not bad for what it is, plus I'm not upset at having to add more tea leaves because of the amount you get for the price.  It's not perfect, but don't be afraid of picking it up.

My Rating:  Try it!

I'm pretty sure I never had a website for Choicest Teas, but it can be found in pretty much any Asian market.

Zen Tea's Tear of Peony

Hey guys!  Anyone else see the Hobbit?  Apparently Bilbo loves a fine chamomile tea.

The reason why the label is messed up was my fault, not the company's.

 

Today, I have the last of my tender white tea gift-set, the Tear of Peony.  Floral teas used to scare me because well, who wants to drink a flower?  They still cause me a bit of apprehension because some jasmine teas are just too strong.  But the pairing of peony and delicate white tea actually seems like a nice way to balance out the floralness and give the white tea a bit more oomph.  Plus, white tea and flowers just makes you feel fancy.

  

Outsides:  This is the last tea I got in a tin, but apparently you can upgrade you 100 gram orders by adding a tin for 2 bucks!  The only ingredients in here are white tea leaves and GIANT peony petals.  I basically brewed 1 teaspoon and a half on 70 degree Celsius water for about 3 minutes, which is longer than you're supposed to but my temp was a bit low.  The tea has a bit of a yellow tint to it and it smells sweet and floral.

Insides:  This is such a lovely tea.  The white tea provides a nice, delicate base while the peony gives a strong scent and a subtle sweet taste.  It's smooth, subtle and just fancy, although you need a really delicate sweet to go with it.  I'd imagine this being good in the summer with some sweet oranges soaking in it and a bit of sugar.  

Overall:  Very nice.

My Rating:  Buy it!

Zen Tea is a Canadian tea retailer that specializes in mid to high quality tea.  They're having a 50% off sale until Dec 24th if you enter a code on their front page.  

TasTEA Time! Malwa Rosehip Tea.

'Scuse me, dis is not cat food!

What:  Hibiscus Tea with Apple, Rosehips and Briar Rose

Where:  Poland

Why Should I Care:  I like to imagine the tea world as this big, multi-layered ocean.  First people just think of tea as black and...green.  Then you start adding flavors like mint and lemon and berry and you possibly add a new type of tea like white, red or oolong.  Rose flower tea is something you start seeing once you pass those layers of tea-newbdom and start looking at legit tea websites (is this description doing it for you because I'm not even sure what I'm talking about anymore).  My point is that much like Genmai cha, it's not as unique as it sounds although you kinda have to look at specific tea places to find it.

Packaging:  This falls under the annoying loose leaf packaging category   There's a plastic bag within the paper container.  It's not even an easy pour bag, it's just...there.  Just use a metal container.

Non-Taste Senses:  Look at this color!  Yes, that is a very pale pink.  Oh, I brewed it the right time, it's just the cutest thing ever (Yeah, I'm a dork).  There's a light floral scent with a bit of fruit.

Taste:  Oh man, this stuff is awesome!  The mixture of floral and fruit is perfect!  It's a very light tasting tea but that doesn't mean that the flavor isn't bold in its own way, plus it's very reminiscent of lychee fruit.  It's nice chilled but not ice cold and it's really fantastic with sugar

Overall:  I think it's pretty obvious that I'm going to recommend this.  It's unique, light and refreshing.  If you ever need a "date" tea, look no further than this.

My Rating:  Buy it!  The site is about as useful as a wet tissue, but it's there.  Also, what's a Chokeberry?