24 Days of Tea

A log of each daily tea in my DAVIDsTEA Advent Calendar.

[24daysoftea]

This deep dark Chinese tea is like a gorgeous starry night, glimmering with gold and silver sugar crystals that shimmer as they steep. Take a sip and the slow suggestion of cinnamon will warm your body. Your toes will tingle and your mind will turn to fireworks, falling stars, late-night seduction. It’s basically magic. (Is it getting hot in here, or is it just the tea?)

Steep Time: 5 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Sweet and cinnamon-y

Liquor: Brown that glimmers and shimmers with a scent of cinnamon

Flavour: Subtlety sweet with notes of cinnamon

And old favourite, and one that took me many tries to actually get a chance to taste. Liked it so much I bought some. Still remains a favourite. While the sweetness means it's not one I turn to unless I'm in the mood for something a bit more sweet and dessert like, it also makes it more of a treat than your standard everyday teas.

[24daysoftea]

Want to get away from it all? Somewhere exotic, perhaps? Try heading for a little place called Kokomo, where the sun is always hot and the drinks are always ice cold. Where fresh green tea mingles with the fruity, tropical flavours of pineapple, mango and papaya. A place where every aroma is intoxicating and every sip ends in a smile. Yes, this magical place really exists…and we’ve got your first class ticket right here. Down in Kokomo, you’ll be falling in love.

Steep Time: 4 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Light and fruity

Liquor: Green and fragrant

Flavour: Light and fruity

I discovered this tea this summer when it was one of the teas of the month. I was instantly a fan. A fruity and fragrant green tea with lots of flavour it was delicious both hot or iced. Just the right amount of fruit made it a fun alternative to straight green tea.

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[24daysoftea]

One sip of this tea and you’ll do anything to get your hands on more. In fact, we’re a bit worried about letting people get a taste. There might be riots. Looting. Traffic jams. It’s a lot of responsibility! But who can blame you for going crazy over this delicious white tea? It’s fruity. It’s refreshing. It tastes just like a ripe piece of mango. In short, it’s total madness.

Steep Time: ~5 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Spicy and sweet

Liquor: Orangey pink, with a slightly fragrant aroma.

Flavour: This is a really nice, subtle yet still fruity tea. Something I could see enjoying before bed. It also would make a brilliant refreshing iced tea.

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[24daysoftea]

Forever Nuts is an spice-based herbal tea made with almond slices, apple bits, cinnamon bark and a hint of beetroot. Deliciously nutty, decidedly addictive. Caffeine-free.

Steep Time: 4 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Spicy and sweet

Liquor: Pink with a light sweetness

Flavour: Sweet and sour. Slightly tart with a hint of fruitiness.

A DAVIDsTEA classic. Delicious, light, and caffeine free. It's got a nice hint of almond flavour. And because it's caffeine free it means it's perfect bed.

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[24daysoftea]

Blueberries might just be the greatest fruit around – after all, they’re the star ingredient of North America’s favourite muffin. And hundreds of years before moms were making them into jams, jellies and cakes, blueberries were called “star berries” and revered for their healing powers. Another little known fact about blueberries is that they make for one great cup of tea – when you blend them with black tea, elderberries, cornflowers and stevia, it’s the perfect companion to your morning toast.

Dry Leaf Nose: Blueberry. Lots and lots of blueberry.

Liquor: Dark and fruity.

Flavour: Blueberry. It tastes like blueberry. Did I mention there's a lot of blueberry going on?

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[24daysoftea]

Have you heard of the barbegazi? According to Swiss lore, they are a group of furry little men that live high in the Alps. They are known for their long, icy beards and enormous feet, which they use to ski down hills and surf on avalanches. But how do they stay warm up in the frozen mountains all year round? We like to think it’s with a fortifying brew like this almond-scented rooibos, with apple, cinnamon, and ginger. If you see some very big footprints next time you’re out hiking, follow them to the barbegazi’s cave and see if they offer you a cup. Limited edition.

[24daysoftea]

Say what you will about winter, but it might just be our favourite season. We love getting good and chilly out in the snow. And warming back up with a comforting drink is even more fun. So we created a cool, creamy drink that brings together everything we love about the season. It has peppermint for a burst of freshness. White chocolate for comfort and warmth. And pretty peppercorns just to make you smile. Sweet, comforting and refreshing, it’s a warm hug and a cool winter’s day – all at once. Limited edition.

[24daysoftea]

Legend has it that Li Ching-Yun was born in China in 1677 and died 256 years later in New York. His secret? Goji berries. Your secret? This hot pink tea filled with sweet, sweet goji berries, rosehips, citrusy lemon oil, apple, melon, marigold and hibiscus. It’s probably the most delicious longevity formula ever. Which is key, since you’ll be popping it for the next two centuries. Caffeine-free.

Steep Time: 5 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Very fruity.

Liquor: Bright pink with an tangy aroma.

Flavour: Sweet and sour. Slightly tart with a hint of fruitiness.

I must admit I was very surprised by this one. I have had Goji Pop before but only ever as iced tea and usually like it quite a lot. 

However, I always found the iced version to be lacking flavour. Surprisingly the hot version seemed to have a great deal more flavour, but also a great deal more tangy sourness. And while I love a good dose of sweet/sour as much as the next guy, as I've mentioned in the past I'm less fond of hot drinks being sour.

That said, it is one of my go to iced drinks and I will continue to drink it iced. I don't think however that I'd have it hot again any time soon.

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[24daysoftea]

When it comes to rooibos, some say green is the new red. Because while red rooibos tastes great, some say the new wave of unoxidized green rooibos is even better. What’s so special? The production process, which is similar to that of green tea, gives it a smooth, fresh taste. Here we’ve topped it up with the tropical flavours of papaya, apple, mango and peach.

Steep Time: 4 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Bright, bold and fruity.

Liquor: Red/Pink (I think, it's in a coloured mug so it's hard to tell) with the bright aroma of fruit mostly peaches.

Flavour: A lovely delicate flavour of fruits, with noticeable peach flavour.

What a lovely and pleasant surprise. They weren't kidding when they said it was fruity (though it isn't exactly green). It reminded me of an old white tea I had that was flavoured with mango and peches both in taste and scent.

It's ever so light and delicate and oh so delicious. A fruity explosion, theres none of that trademark woodiness I've described for just about every other rooibos on the list. There's a touch of sweetness without ever being overpowering.

This is also a tea that would be very conducive to being served iced (remind me to buy it this summer).

I have to say I went in with mild expectations and came out really, really enjoying this tea!

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[24daysoftea]

Falling snow, popping chestnuts, cold hands and noses…yep, winter has arrived. But don’t worry, we have the perfect tea to warm you up all December long. Cinnamon, apples, raisins, almonds, and hibiscus combine for a tea that is sweet, tart, and earthy. And beet pieces make it as nice and rosy as a caroler’s cheeks. So hop in your sleigh, snuggle up, and pass a thermos around. It’s lovely weather for a Sleigh Ride together.

Steep Time: 5 Minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Notes of apple and cinnamon

Liquor: Deep pink with the aroma of apple.

Flavour: Tangy, with hints of apple and other citrus elements.

This is a unique tea in that it doesn't really taste like tea. Were you to give this to someone they might mistake it for a cider or mulled beverage. This is by no means a bad thing but rather an interesting note. 

You can really detect the apple, and the hints of cinnamon are a very nice touch. There's also a nice, subtle sweetness to the tea which I quite like. However, the more you drink it the more and more it starts to resemble apple cider, which is great if you like apple cider, less so if you dislike it.

Sadly, I'm in the second group. That said, sleigh ride is a perfect name for this tea as it would be the perfect beverage to sip and enjoy on a sleigh ride through a snow covered wood. 

Not my cup of tea, but still a very good one over-all.

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[24daysoftea]

Need a system reboot? Got a new years resolution to live up to? Try this tasty blend of traditional ingredients, like rooibos, sencha, ginger, ginkgo, lemongrass, and juniper berries. Trust us, even buying it will make you feel like a new person. Not working? Just go back to bed.

Steep Time: 4 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Notes of lemon and hints of ginger.

Liquor: Deep golden yellow with an aroma not unlike that of cough drops.

Flavour: A somewhat medicinal taste.

Feeling sick? This is probably going to help you, or at the very least taste like it will. This is not exactly something I'd be jumping to drink everyday. It tastes far too medicinal to be an everyday tea.

But for those days (not unlike today) when you're feeling a little under the weather it wouldn't hurt to brew a cup of this to kick your immune system into full gear. Though for that I usually turn to Cold 911.

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[24daysoftea]

Some like it hot....and some like it REALLY hot. If you’re the kind of person who keeps a bottle of hot sauce on them at all times, this little number will be right up your alley. It’s a fiery green tea blend with a big hit of cinnamon, spiked with hot chilli peppers and pink peppercorns. Think of your favourite cinnamon candy, only all grown up. Mama mia - that’s-a spicy tea ball!

Steep Time: 4 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Spicy cinnamon.

Liquor: Greenish/yellow with a cinnamon aroma.

Flavour: Nice, spicy, cinnamon with a bit of a bit.

What a spicy and delicious treat! I've had this one before and always enjoyed it. If you steep it just right its the perfect blend of delicate green tea and hot and spicy cinnamon. And the pink peppercorns and chili bits add a real bite to the tea to wake up your senses. 

It's like drinking liquid cinnamon hearts (only much less painful).

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[24daysoftea]

This is the kind of tea that puts you in a great mood, inspires harmonious relationships and makes you outrageously productive. How did we do it? First we selected our favourite organic and biodynamic black teas from Yunnan, Ceylon and Darjeeling. And then we sipped different variations until we’d created the ultimate balance. Could there be a better way to start your day?

Steep Time: 4 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Tea, mostly.

Liquor: Deep orange and brown. Very neutral aroma.

Flavour: Taste a lot like tea. Not too strong, but pretty much like tea.

I've never been a huge fan of breakfast teas. I generally find that the asalm makes it way too tanin-y and makes my mouth taste like it's been coated in a gross film. Toronto's hard water also does it no favours. 

Lucky for me I was visiting my parents this weekend where the water is much softer resulting in a much lighter, and more delicate flavour. 

And while I can't honestly ever see this becoming my daily morning tea, I must admit if I were ever in the mood for a straight black tea this is one I'd be more than happy to reach for again.

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[24daysoftea]

No one can resist this organic green rooibos tea. Seriously. The aroma is just too outrageously tempting. Creamy, caramel, decadent, rich. And the taste! How can something so sweet be so light and fresh? Plus, rooibos is caffeine free, making it the perfect drink for after dinner or before bed. Could life be more wonderful?

Steep Time: 5 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Very woody.

Liquor: Reddish brown with a woody, rooibos aroma.

Flavour: Typical red-rooibos flavour, rather woody.

I'll admit, I'm not a huge fan of crème brûlée proper, but even still I'm pretty sure it doesn't taste like this...

It's not that it's bad, it just doesn't taste anything like crème brûlée. It just tastes like a pretty regular rooibos tea. Which is fine, but this one is nothing spectacular...

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[24daysoftea]

This deep dark Chinese tea is like a gorgeous starry night, glimmering with gold and silver sugar crystals that shimmer as they steep. Take a sip and the slow suggestion of cinnamon will warm your body. Your toes will tingle and your mind will turn to fireworks, falling stars, late-night seduction. It’s basically magic. (Is it getting hot in here, or is it just the tea?)

Steep Time: ~4 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Sweet cinnamon.

Liquor: Lighter copper colour, with golden sparkles. Light aroma of cinnamon.

Flavour: A slightly sweet cinnamon experience.

Wow, they're really steppin' it up this year. My one complaint with last year's calendar was in terms of variety of teas. It was mostly fairly plain jane, or something with lemongrass (I hate freaking lemongrass). This year (so far) no two teas have been alike! It's great!

Glitter & Gold was one that had alluded me for a long time. I kept trying to get my hands on it and kept failing. One day I got lucky and bought a whole tin (without ever tasting it) and boy was I glad I did. I'm a big fan of cinnamon flavour, and this one has plenty of it.

Remember earlier in the week when I mentioned artificial flavourings, or too much sweetness? Well, if I had one complaint about this tea it would be that it can be a little fake tasting, and sometimes a little bit too sweet. It's right on that fine line, any more and I'd probably really dislike this tea. However this one is just the right amount to not turn you off.

That said, this is by no means an everyday tea. It's really more of a dessert tea, or one for a special occasion. Certainly it's perfect for this festive season of the year. And yes, it's true, it really does glitter.

All in all, definitely a favourite.

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[24daysoftea]

Lovers of Earl Grey adore this creamy alternative to the original blend. You’ll recognize the same high-quality black tea, the same citrus burst of bergamot oil, the same beautiful grey-blue petals. However this version adds a touch of vanilla, and the result is an unexpectedly rich, creamy taste experience. (MK Kosher)

Steep Time: 4 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Hints of bergamot and vanilla.

Liquor: Rich brown, until the milk is added of course.

Flavour: The perfect blend of Earl Grey and Vanilla.

Note: Milk was added.

What can I say? This has been my favourite tea for almost two years now. I drink a cup of it every morning when I first wake up, and sometimes have a second cup when I arrive at work. That's how much I love this tea. 

It's, simply put, the perfect tea. The perfect blend of rich black tea and bergamot, with a dash of vanilla to give it a creamy soft finish. Again, like most of my favourites the added flavour is subtle: it's there but not so much that it overpowers the natural flavours. It's never too sweet (though be warned it can be slightly bitter/off putting if you steep too long), which is key for my enjoyment.

All in all, this one remains a favourite, one that I buy not by the tin, but rather by the 250g bag. It must be good if I can drink it every single day and never get sick of it!

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[24daysoftea]

There’s no better treat than a salted caramel. You won’t find this in your history books, but we’ve heard that Romeo seduced Juliet with a salt-sprinkled toffee. Rich, buttery and sweet with a kiss of salt – who can resist? So it goes without saying that it makes for a seriously delicious tea. This is a rich black tea blend, strewn with pieces of English toffee, coconut, caramel and a touch of French sea salt. It’s guaranteed to seduce your taste buds.

Steep Time: 4 minutes

Dry Leaf Nose: Sweet, almost chocolatey notes.

Liquor: Dark rich brown.

Flavour: Subtle caramel flavour.

Who doesn't love salted caramel? I know I certainly do, so you can imagine my excitement upon opening up this tea this morning.

While I won't say it tastes just like a cup full of melted caramels, this is by no means a bad thing. The fact is when it comes to these flavoured black teas I like the flavours to be much more subtle. It also reminded me of another tea I've tried in the past, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what exactly it was...

That said, this one could probably stand to taste a bit more like caramel, though perhaps with a stronger steep it would accomplish this.

It's always tough to know how long to steep these new teas. My first try I tend to go the shortest time and work my ways up (thankfully there seems to be plenty of tea to make more than one cup). 

But again, it's a really lovely tea, one that's not too sweet or artificial tasting which is exactly what I want. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a desert tea (like, say, Pumpkin Chai) since the flavours are much more subtle, making it a much more well rounded tea. This one is definitely high on my "revisit" list.

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