Today is day seven. I have some catching up to do, because, well, I had a bad case of food poisoning, so I’ve been out of commission for a couple of days. I’m glad that I had a couple of posts already prepared and scheduled, so that you didn’t miss out on the countdown fun!
Almond Biscotti
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Della Terra Teas
Tea Description:
Swimming like the swans did on the 7th day of Christmas sounds a little too cold for me. But, if you must…
Warm up with this Almond Biscotti green tea. Just like the name implies, a baked, deliciously almond green tea is what you will have on this magical day!
Taster’s Review:
This is my first cup of tea since my aforementioned bout with food poisoning. I’m sure that my tummy could have handled the tea (and my caffeine withdrawal sure would have appreciated some) but I just didn’t have the wherewithal to prepare a cup of tea, or sit at the computer and write reviews … or to do much of anything else for that matter.
But that’s enough of that. Let’s get on with this yummy tea. This is the first green tea from this year’s Christmas box, most of the tea until now have been flavored black teas. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s just an observation. That’s part of what I do. I observe things – particularly things that are tea related – and then I share my findings with you.
When I looked inside the pouch, I could see a lot of coconut, and the aroma was very coconut-y. I might even say that it was more coconut than it was almond. But once brewed, the aroma becomes a balance between coconut and almond.
The flavor is very much a balance between the two as well. The flavor is sweet, nutty, creamy, and I do get some of that “biscotti,” baked cookie-like flavor. This tea delivers just what it says it will with the name – the taste of Almond Biscotti!
I taste green tea flavor in there, too. A slightly vegetal and slightly savory note that contrasts with the sweetness of the almond-y, coconut-y, cookie-esque flavors.
A very satisfying blend!
Honey Nut Biscotti from Kally Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Kally Tea
Tea Description:
Ciao a tutti! Here is a treat that tickles the senses. Taste the authentic Italian baked biscotti, with hand roasted pistachios, and a little honey flakes adding a touch of sweetness, all blended into a mix of rich Indian and Ceylon black teas. Baked goods! Oh Mama Mia! What can be better while sitting in your own café?
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
This tea smells so good. It smells like freshly baked cookies!
It has a taste that reminds me of freshly baked cookies as well. Sweet with a delicious nutty flavor, and even a hint of that rich, bread-y taste that makes me think of home made cookies.
The black tea is a flavorful blend of black teas. The description suggests that it is a blend of Ceylon and Indian teas, which leads me to automatically think Assam. And there is a certain malty tone in the background that also suggests that there is Assam in the blend. However, I find that it is a bit lighter than a typical Assam, so if there is Assam in this blend, it hasn’t been added with a heavy hand. I’m kind of torn with that, as I think that some more Assam would enhance the richness of the cup, but, I really like the way it tastes now.
The nutty flavor is well pronounced with the presence of both pistachio and almond, but, I am finding the honey to be a stronger flavor. I can also taste the coconut which gives the cup a sweet, creamy flavor and ties the “baked goods” flavor together quite well.
There is also an intriguing floral tone in the background that I did not expect to find. I like it. And after reading a bit more about this tea, I see that chrysanthemum is one of the in ingredients … which explains that floral note I’m tasting! I like the way the chrysanthemum enhances not only the honey notes, but also adds depth to the nutty tones.
I like that I am not having to search for flavors here, that they present themselves in a very enjoyable way. This represents the first tea from Kally Tea that I’ve tried, and it’s a good one. I look forward to trying more from them.
Almond Sugar Cookie from Simpson & Vail
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Simpson & Vail
Product Description:
Heavenly! That’s the best word to describe this black tea blend. You’ll think you’re in a bakery when you open the bag and the aroma of nutty goodness wafts out. The brewed tea is divine – with no calories!
Ingredients: Black teas, almonds, flavoring and safflower blossoms.
Taster’s Review:
Wowza! As I sit here, preparing to write this review, my favorite tea mug is filled to the brim with this tea. The aroma is almost too much to take. It smells like freshly baked cookies, and it’s making my stomach growl! My tummy thinks that cookies are sitting in front of me, not tea!
So, finally, I must cave in and take a sip. YUM!
There are several “almond cookie” type teas out there, but I can’t recall any that I’ve tried that were better than this one. The flavor is sweet – but not too sweet – and there is a baked cookie kind of taste to it too. It’s slightly buttery. The black tea base is strong without overpowering the sweet almond flavor.
And it is the almond that is the star of this cup. From the aroma that is experienced before even taking that first sip, right down to the last sip and the aftertaste, the almond is front and center. It is sweet, nutty and has a pleasant roasted/toasted kind of taste to it.
I think that the perfect temperature for this tea is hot, but not freshly-brewed, still piping-hot hot. Allowing this tea to cool ever so slightly will allow some of the cookie taste to emerge without losing any of the almond or black tea flavors. The slightly cooled tea tastes like a bit like my favorite almond biscotti that has just been dunked in black tea. Delicious!