Winter Wonderland from Simpson & Vail

winterWonderlandTea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green Rooibos

Where to Buy: Simpson & Vail

Tea Description:

“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening
In the lane snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland…”

A wonderful blend of green rooibos with cacao and cinnamon and flavored with Bavarian chocolate, cinnamon and hazelnuts. When we sampled this in our store we heard “Best rooibos ever!”, “A new favorite”, “Great everyday tea”. It brews to a golden cup with the delicious aroma and taste of cinnamon baked goodies (we were reminded of apple fritters). Smooth and warming, this blend has the more pronounced taste of cinnamon and hazelnuts, while the Bavarian chocolate is an underlying taste that rounds out the other flavors. Delicious in every season!

Ingredients: Organic green rooibos, organic cacao nibs, organic cinnamon pieces, flavoring, white and blue cornflower petals

Learn more about this tea here.

Tea Description:

I adore and love green rooibos blends. I have considered red rooibos my arch enemy for some time but there is something fresh, soothing, and delightful in green rooibos blends.  I’ve had several Simpson & Vail blends but I have had my eye on their holiday blends for some time.  So when they offered a chance for me to review them, I jumped all over the opportunity!

This particular blend is a green rooibos base with chocolate, cinnamon, and hazelnut.  Um. . .sign me up!

I brewed this up at work and shared a cuppa with a fellow co-worker.  5 minutes later, we were each enjoying this treat.

First sip in and I was looking up and trying to justify buying more of this tea. For 2 oz at $4.25- this tea is a steal!

This flavor profile for this tea is this lush amazing decadent dessert tea that keeps you wanting more and more. My co-worker said it reminded her of apple pie.  Me-it reminded me of a slightly honey cinnamon sweetness with hints of the hazelnut and chocolate towards the end of each sip.  The more the tea cools the more hazelnut and chocolate become pronounced. There are subtle hints of a coconut goodness as well.  Such a great mix of flavors.  And just so good. This would be great to share and enjoy a cuppa with family and friends over the holidays. Another fantastic tea from Simpson & Vail. I really don’t think they have a bad tea to offer! Off to get another cuppa.  This is going to be one I need to have on hand regardless of the time of year! Looks like I’m going to have to stock up on this delight!

Winter Wonderland Tea from Shanti Tea

Winter WonderlandTea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black Tea

Where to Buy: Shanti Tea

Tea Description:

Creamy, spicy, warming with a hint of vanilla and a malty tea base

Ingredients: Black tea, orange peel, clove, cinnamon, ginger root, cornflowers, chrysanthemum petals, natural essences

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

Not only is Winter Wonderland Tea from Shanti Tea one of my favorite teas this time of year but I also enjoy it year-round for the delightful quality and taste, too!

The black tea base is of medium strength and combined well with orange peel, clove, cinnamon, ginger, and a variety of flower petals.  It’s pleasing the palate and the eye!  My favorite part of this flavor combo is the orange.  The spices are just an added plus.  This is warming for the heart and soul and is perfect for sharing with friends when the holiday chill is about.  It has a bit of creaminess, spiciness, and malt to it.  I’m curious what this would taste like with the addition of a speck of mint.  Regardless…Winter Wonderland Tea from Shanti Tea is certainly for me!  Could it be for you, too?  I wouldn’t be surprised.