Thyra's Tea Tasting Party, part 2

Elizabeth’s Caramel Apple Moxie: (black tea, cinnamon bark, ginger root, cardamom, cloves, orange peels, cinnamon, apple pieces, natural caramel flavor, natural apple flavor, natural cinnamon flavor)

Smells like little old lady at the Christmas Tree Shops down the Cape (in a good way – evoking fond memories of Yankee women). Strong aroma but mellow flavor. Might have needed more steeping (3 minutes may not be enough). Definitely getting the caramel flavor, less so the apple. Probably good with sweetener. 

Frasier’s Mustache: (gunpowder green tea, lapsang souchong tea, lemon grass)

Smells like a fencer.... It smells like a peaty Scotch!... Yeah, smells like a fencer. 

Yep, smells like Frasier.

The flavor is much less intense than the aroma (phew!). It’s reminiscent of Scottish breakfast tea, with an earthy tone. There’s a flavor in it that gives it a little bite (lemon?), which is nice. But the aroma gets to be much. 

Mercedes’ Citrus de Califia: (green tea, lemon grass, orange peels, marigold flowers, natural orange flavor, natural lemon flavor, lemon verbena)

The scent is pleasantly lemony. It’s a lovely change of pace after Frasier’s Mustache (like cleaning up after fencer crud with pleasant lemon cleaner!). Super-pleasant. Citrusy without being bitter or sour, no sharp flavors.

It is, indeed, Mercedes the Peacemaker, come to make our Kingdom whole. Wouldn’t sweeten it, but pairs nicely with sweet treats (particularly coconut macaroons). 

Avelina’s Wicked Chai: (black tea, yunnan jig tea, wuyi ensemble tea, cloves, ginger root, ginger, cardamom, natural vanilla flavor, natural cinnamon flavor, cinnamon bark)

Surprisingly mild. Expected to be punched in the face. Good blend of flavors.  Needs more cardamom, and perhaps sugar.

Maggie’s ChocolateChip Mint: (green tea, spearmint, peppermint, cocoa nibs, natural chocolate mint flavor, peppermint leaves)

Ooh! Ooh, yes.  Mmmmm.  The smell makes me happy.

Definite crowd pleaser. Nice clean taste, both of the mint and the chocolate. Good after-dinner tea, or good sick-at-home tea.