My Overall Impression (Score of 88.5%)

I’m loving the holidays.  There’s something about the lights, the tree set up and feeling the weather move towards winter that makes me want to drink stronger teas.  I purchased this package not sure on what it would bring.  I do not take milk in my brew (I do not care for the taste and mouthfeel).  Therefore, looking at this one where it suggests creamy notes, I was not sure where this would take me.

All of the teas that I’ve tried from Tiesta have been gems and this one is the best.  First immediate thought – Orange Whip!!  If you don’t know that reference, click on the link. 😊  This smells and tastes exactly like an orange creamsicle with a hint of vanilla boldly added.  I was absolutely amazed at what this tea showed when brewed.  The flavor is the same with the great orange reference but exceptionally smooth.  It’s big with the tannins and acids but exceptionally smooth.  Just simply a wonderful brew that you need in your pantry.

The price on 12/11/23 is $14.95 for 4 oz (w) or 113 grams.

Broken down:

• 113 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 37 brews
• 37 brews from package = 40 cents per brew

Typically, I double steep all my teas (use the tea twice) so I can get 74 cups or approximately 20 cents per cup.  I do not think you can get a better deal for a tea this quality.  The flavor does not diminish on the second brew and most likely, a third brew could be obtained.

Aromas

• Opening the package, it’s definitely an earl grey from the bergamot aromas with the addition of the corn flowers.
• Once brewed, STRAIGHT UP ORANGE CREAMSICLE aroma.
• This shows changing notes of the cornflowers, peony and citrus rind.

Flavors

• This is a great starter for someone who has never had earl grey. Since the tannins are well integrated into the brew, it’s not strong but very inviting.
• Orange Creamsicle with hints of citrus pepper, ginger, nutmeg, eucalyptus citrus zest.
• This is a dry brew with strong acidity and tannins. However, it has an exceptionally smooth creamy mouthfeel (silky) that coats your palate (like heavy cream residue).

Scores

• Aromas (4.5/5)
• Flavors (8.7/10)
• Overall impression (4.5/5)
  • Total score = 88.5 percent (17.7/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• I would brew this as an iced tea in the summer and serve this with a citrus based salad, grilled chicken or pork.
• This would be a great tea to infuse into olive oil. I would then use this as a base for dressings or to coat a chicken breast with this oil, salt and pepper for grilling.
• I love dark chocolate. Last week, I made chocolate crinkle cookies and paired this tea with it after reviewing.  It was an incredible match.  Think of the chocolate orange that you break on the counter during the holidays into segments?  Another great pairing.  Now that I think of it, dark chocolate anything would probably work with this.
• At this time of year, you will start to see recipes for citrus cakes. This would pair amazing with this.
• Lastly, just enjoy this one while putting up the tree, playing uno with the family or watching the snow fall. 😊