David’s Tea: Bonus Tea – Apple Custard

Apple Custard
Winter Collection

DD#1 - 3/5
DD#2 - 2/5
Bruce - 3/5
Me -  2/5
(family average - 2.5/5)

Fruit Infusion
With apples, golden raisins, chamomile and a creamy hint of vanilla, this rich tisane is sweet, decadent and smooth.  With this in your cupboard, who needs dessert?

This one was just ok as well.  It garnered a family average of 2.5/5. 

Sweetener of choice, agave

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – How We Rated The Teas

Tea		Family Avg		Bruce	Me	DD#1	DD#2
Green & Fruity		4.625		5	4.5	4	5
Sweet Apple Cider		4.625		4.5	5	4	5
Orange Blossom		4.375		5	4	4	4.5
Midsummer Night’s Dream		4.375		4.5	4.5	4.5	4
Garcinia Goodness		4.25		5	4	4	4
Yes, We Cran (Organic)		4.25		4	4	4.5	4.5
Salted Caramel		3.875		4	3.5	4	4
Santa’s Secret		3.75		4	3	5	3
Lime Gelato		3.5		3.5	3	3	4.5
Hot Tropic		3.5		3.5	4	3	3.5
Maple Sugar		3.5		4	3	4	3
Pom Springs		3.25		3	3	2	5
Sugar Plum Forest		3.25		3.5	3	2	4.5
Forever Nuts		3.125		1	4	4	3.5
Secret Weapon		3		3	3	3	3
Pumpkin Chai		3		4	2	4	2
Ginger Pear		3		3	2	3.5	3.5
Organic Blood Orange Pu’erh		2.5		3	2	3	2
Cranberry Pear		2.5		2.5	2	2	3.5
Main Squeeze		2.375		3.5	2	2	2
Cinnaberry		1.125		1.5	1	1	1
Roasted Gyokuro		1		1	1	1	1
Sleigh Ride		1		1	1	1	1
Snickerdoodle		1		1	1	1	1
Apple Custard		2.5		3	2	3	2
Eggnog		4		5	5	5	1
Matcha Matsu		2.75		2	2	2	5

Merry Christmas

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 24 – Sugar Plum Forest

Sugar Plum Forest
Winter Collection

DD#1 - 2/5
DD#2 - 4.5/5
Bruce - 3.5/5
Me -  3/5
(family average - 3.25/5)

Rooibos
One sip of this tea and you'll have visions of sugar plums dancing in your head.  Not to mention apple, hibiscus, ginger and warm winter spices.

This one was all over the board.  DD#1 didn't like it giving it a 2/5.  I gave it a 3/5 as it was ok.  Bruce gave it a 3.5 and DD#2 liked it the most giving it a 4.5.  Family average 3.25/5.

Sweetener of choice, Turbinado sugar

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 23 – Garcinia Goodness (Organic)

Garcinia Goodness (Organic)

DD#1 - 4/5
DD#2 - 4/5
Bruce - 5/5
Me -  4/5
(family average - 4.25/5)

Pu'erh Tea
We all sometimes need a little after-dinner relief.  Reach for this citrusy tea.  It combines pu'erh and garcinia - traditional metabolism boosters.

Tried this one straight, we didn't really like it.  Added turbinado sugar & it was still ok.  Added a little milk and WOW!! the ratings jumped.  Family average 4.5/5

Sweetener of choice, Turbinado sugar & a little milk

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 22 – Maple Sugar

Maple Sugar
Fall Collection

DD#1 - 4/5
DD#2 - 3/5
Bruce - 4/5
Me -  3/5
(family average - 3.5/5)

Black Tea
With apple, cinnamon and real maple sugar, this sweet all-natural black tea blend is a warming hug on a chilly fall day.

This is a black tea.  DD#1 & Bruce liked this enough to give it a 4 but only after adding agave and a little milk.  DD#2 & myself gave it a 3, saying it was ok!  Family average 3.5/5

Sweetener of choice, agave & a little milk

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 21 – Forever Nuts

Forever Nuts

DD#1 - 4/5
DD#2 - 3.5/5
Bruce - 1/5
Me -  4/5
(family average - 3.125/5)

Fruit Infusion
It looks all normal when it's loose.  But steep it and you'll see that it's nuts - a hint of beetroot turns it a crazy shade of pink.

DD#1 & myself liked Forever Nuts and gave it a 4.  DD#2 was a close second with 3.5.  Bruce didn't like this one at all and gave it a 1/5.  Family average 3.125/5

Sweetener of choice, agave

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 20 – Santa's Secret

Santa's Secret
Holiday Collection

DD#1 - 5/5
DD#2 - 3/5
Bruce - 4/5
Me -  3/5
(family average - 3.75/5)

Black Tea
Ever wonder how Santa manages to deliver all those presents in just one night?  Probably with this blend of black tea, peppermint leaves and spices - all sprinkled with really little candy canes.

This tea was actually quite nice.  Adding turbinado sugar & a little milk was just the added touch.  Everyone liked it, DD#1 loved it giving it a 5/5 .  Santa's Secret garnered a 3.75/5 family average.

Sweetener of choice, Turbinado sugar & a little milk

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 19 – Cinnaberry

Cinnaberry

DD#1 - 1/5
DD#2 - 1/5
Bruce - 1.5/5
Me -  1/5
(family average - 1.13/5)

Rooibos
Blueberry and cinnamon is a classic combo for a reason, the blend of berries and warm spice is cozy, comforting and just plain nostalgic.  It's like a hug in a cup.

The rooibos guy did not like this one, only giving it a 1.5.  We could not taste the blueberries & it was far too cinnamon-y.  What is with the ton of cinnamon??

Sweetener of choice, Turbinado sugar

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 18 – Cranberry Pear

Cranberry Pear

DD#1 - 2/5
DD#2 - 3.5/5
Bruce - 2.5/5
Me -  2/5
(family average - 2.5/5)

Black Tea
This is a sweet and rich fruit tea.  With black tea, tart cranberries and crisp pear, it makes for a uniquely satisfying cup.

Another black tea that was not that great.  DD#1 the black tea drinker did not like this one but DD#2 the one that likes green tea thought this one was ok, giving it the highest score of all of us.  Not of the must buy list.

Sweetener of choice, turbinado sugar

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 17 – Snickerdoodle

Snickerdoodle
Fall collection

DD#1 - 1/5
DD#2 - 1/5
Bruce - 1/5
Me -  1/5
(family average - 1/5)

Rooibos
This sweet, satisfying all-natural blend tastes like a freshly baked cookie, with a warming hint of cinnamon sugar.  It's snickerdoodle dandy.

No one liked this tea, it garnered a 1/5 family average.  It tasted like the cinnamon hearts candy & was too cinnamon-y.  Even the rooibos guy didn't like it & that's saying something.

Sweetener of choice, agave

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 16 – Sleigh Ride

Sleigh Ride
Holiday Collection


DD#1 - 1/5
DD#2 - 1/5
Bruce - 1/5
Me -  1/5
(family average - 1/5)

Fruit Infusion
Cinnamon, apples, raisins, almonds, and hibiscus combine for a tea that is sweet, tart and earthy.

We really did not like this one.  With a name like Sleigh Ride we thought it would be a Christmas-y taste but this one had too much going on.  NOT on the keeper list.

Sweetener of choice, Turbinado sugar

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 15 – Ginger Pear

Ginger Pear

DD#1 - 3.5/5
DD#2 - 3.5/5
Bruce - 3/5
Me -  2/5
(family average - 3/5)

White Tea
The combo of sweet pear and spicy ginger is more than the sum of its parts-especially in this deliciously comforting, perfectly balanced white tea

This tea garnered a 3/5 for the family average.  I am not sure what we didn't really like about it, could be the ginger taste.  Now this would be good when you are not feeling well.

Sweetener of choice, agave

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 14 – Hot Tropic

Hot Tropic

DD#1 - 3/5
DD#2 - 3.5/5
Bruce - 3.5/5
Me -  4/5
(family average - 3.5/5)

Fruit Fusion
Calling all beach bunnies . . . . this is a most excellent blend of tropical fruit, coconut and spices.  It's sweet and mega creamy, just like a totally primo Pina Colada.  Cowabunga!

I really liked this one.  Bruce & DD#2 liked this as well.  DD#1 said it was just ok.  You do taste the coconut and I am ok with that, as I am not fussed on coconut.

Sweetener of choice, agave

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 13 – Salted Caramel

Salted Caramel

DD#1 - 4/5
DD#2 - 4/5
Bruce - 4/5
Me -  3.5/5
(family average - 4.88/5)

Black Tea
This is a rich black tea, strewn with toffee, coconut, caramel and a touch of French sea salt.  It's guaranteed to seduce your taste buds.

Tried this one without anything in it.  Not so great.  We then put turbinado sugar & a little milk.  WOW!! that made it great.  Solid 4/5 for the green tea lover in the family and that's rare.  I actually gave it a 3.5/5 which is high as I do not like black tea.  Family average  4.88/5

Sweetener of choice, Turbinado sugar & milk

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 12 – Roasted Gyokuro (Organic)

Roasted Gyokuro (Organic)

DD#1 - 1/5
DD#2 - 1/5
Bruce - 1/5
Me -  1/5
(family average - 1/5)

Green Tea
Unlike your average gyokuro, this tea is slow-roasted during processing, which gives it notes of rich, toasty brown butter and a uniquely nutty aroma.

This green tea garnered a 1/5 from the green tea lover in the family.  Was not nice at all.  Quote of the night: "It tasted like roasted grass"

Sweetener of choice, honey, made it taste worse!

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 11 – Pumpkin Chai

Pumpkin Chai
Fall Collection


DD#1 - 4/5
DD#2 - 2/5
Bruce - 4/5
Me -  2/5
(family average - 3/5)

Black Tea
This autumn treat has it all.  Cinnamon and cloves, plus the sweetness of caramel and pumpkin candy.

DD#1 & Bruce really liked this one, they really like black tea.  DD#2 & myself do not like black tea so this one garnered a 2 from each of us.  Family average 3/5

Sweetener of choice, Turbinado sugar & milk.

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 10 – Midsummer Night's Dream

Midsummer Night's Dream
Fall Collection

DD#1 - 4.5/5
DD#2 - 4/5
Bruce - 4.5/5
Me -  4.5/5
(family average - 4.38/5)

Herbal Infusion
This citrus y-mint tea is refreshingly magical, with sweet apples, cool spearmint, tart gooseberries and petals of marigold and rose.

Another tea from the Fall Collection that was an absolute hit in this family.  Why do they have to discontinue the ones we really like.  We will be waiting for them to return next fall.

Sweetener of choice,  Turbinado sugar

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 09 – Sweet Apple Cider

Sweet Apple Cider
Fall Collection

DD#1 - 4/5
DD#2 - 5/5
Bruce - 4.5/5
Me -  5/5
(family average - 4.63/5)

Fruit Fusion
This fresh-from-the-orchard blend tastes just like a hot, comforting cup of old fashioned apple cider.  the only think missing is the cinnamon stick.

We all love this tea.  Unfortunately it was a tea from the Fall Collection so it is no longer available.  We will have to wait until next fall to see if it returns.

Sweetener of choice,agave

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 08 – Lime Gelato

Lime Gelato

DD#1 - 3/5
DD#2 - 4.5/5
Bruce - 3.5/5
Me -  3/5
(family average - 3.5/5)

Green Tea
With its fresh, fruity aroma and smooth flavour, this delicious mix of fruit, yogurt, and green tea will bring you right back to your first gelato.

As you can tell DD2 likes green tea, giving this one a 4.5.  The rest of did like Lime Gelato when we put agave in it to sweeten it.

Sweetener of choice, agave

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 07 – Yes, We Cran (Organic)

Yes, We Cran (Organic ) 
Fall Collection

DD#1 - 4.5/5
DD#2 - 4.5/5
Bruce - 4/5
Me -  4/5
(family average -4.25 /5)

Fruit Infusion
With warm spices and tart cranberries and rosehips, this beautiful deep red blend is a rich and fruity fall favourite.  Cran you dig it?

This one was extremely nice.  Everyone really liked it.  First we tried it with turbinado sugar and didn't like it, but try it with agave and WOW!!  This one is a keeper but sadly it was from the Fall Collection.  Will have to wait and see if it comes back. 

Sweetener of choice, Agave

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 06 – Green & Fruity

Green & Fruity

DD#1 - 4/5
DD#2 - 5/5
Bruce - 5/5
Me -  4.5/5
(family average - 4.63/5)

Rooibos
Revel in the tropical flavours of papaya, apple, mango and peach blended with smooth-drinking green rooibos

Bruce loves this one but he loves rooibos.  I really liked this one as well giving it a 4.5 but then I am beginning to really like rooibos tea.  Both DD's liked this one, one giving it a 4 and the other a 5.  Family average 4.63

Sweetener of choice, Agave

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 05 – Organic Blood Orange Pu'erh

Organic Blood Orange Pu'erh

DD#1 - 3/5
DD#2 - 2/5
Bruce - 3/5
Me -  2/5
(family average - 2.5/5)

Pu'erh Tea
This tart and fruity pu'erh blends hibiscus and citrus extracts with the mellow sweetness of licorice root.

DD#2 & myself were not fussed on this tea.  Bruce only gave it a 3 rating and he generally likes pu'erh tea. DD#1 also gave it a 3 rating which was surprising, she doesn't particularly like pu'erh. 

Sweetener of choice, turbinado sugar

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 04 – Pom Springs

Pom Springs

DD#1 - 2/5
DD#2 - 5/5
Bruce - 3/5
Me -  3/5
(family average - 3.25/5)

Green Tea
In this all-natural blend, we combined pomegranates with green tea, apple, rhubarb, rosehips and hibiscus.  It's deliciously fruity and undeniably good for you.

DD2 loved this one but she loves green tea.  Bruce & I thought it was ok.  Bruce thinks it would be better with turbinado sugar.  DD1 thought it tasted too much like cherry medicine.  Family average 3.25 for Pom Springs.

Sweetener of choice, Agave

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 03 – Main Squeeze

Main Squeeze

DD#1 - 2/5
DD#2 - 2/5
Bruce - 3.5/5
Me -  2/5
(family average - 2.38/5)

Mate
With the juicy flavour of orange, papaya and pineapple, plus the high-energy of yerba mate, this blend will leave you feeling alert, refreshed and ready for anything.

Us girls did not like this tea.  Hubby gave it a 3.5 so the family average is 2.38.  This one will NOT be on our keeper list.

Sweetener of choice, Turbinado sugar

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 02 – Orange Blossom

Orange Blossom

DD#1 - 4/5
DD#2 - 4.5/5
Bruce - 5/5
Me -  4/5
(family average - 4.38/5)

Rooibos
This is a subtly sweet orange and rooibos blend, all kissed with vanilla bean creaminess.

We all liked this tea giving it a 4.38 average.  Bruce loves rooibos tea so he gave it a 5/5.  He says this tea will replace the orange rooibos we buy at Wegmans in the US.

Sweetener of choice,  turbinado sugar

David’s Tea DIY Advent Calendar – Day 01 – Secret Weapon

Secret Weapon

DD#1 - 3/5
DD#2 - 3/5
Bruce - 3/5
Me -  3/5
(family average - 3/5)

White Tea
This delicious blend of white tea, almonds and licorice has a burst of sweet goji berries, a legendary Chinese superfood.

Not a favourite for any of us.  This tea was just ok garnering a family average of 3/5

Sweetener of choice, agave