David’sTea 24 Days of Tea – How We Rated The Teas

How We Rated The Teas 

Lemon Pound Cake		3.00		3.0	3.0	3.0
Caramel Shortbread		3.00		3.0	3.0	3.0
Carrot Cupcake		3.00		3.0	3.0	3.0
White Cranberry Bark		3.00		3.0	3.0	3.0
Forever Nuts		2.67		2.5	3.0	2.5
Raspberry Cream Pie		2.67		3.0	2.5	2.5
Buddha's Blend		2.50		2.5	2.0	3.0
Walnut Orange Scone		2.50		2.5	2.5	2.5
Alpine Punch		2.33		2.5	2.0	2.5
Organic Saigon Chai		2.17		2.0	2.0	2.5
Organic Cinnamon Rooibos Chai		2.17		2.0	2.0	2.5
Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait		2.0		2.0	2.0	2.0
Organic Silk Dragon Jasmine		2.0		2.0	1.0	3.0
Chocolate Macaroon		1.83		2.5	1.0	2.0
Let It Snow		1.67		2.0	1.0	2.0
Glitter & Gold		1.67		3.0	1.0	1.0
Coffee Pu'erh		1.67		3.0	1.0	1.0
Organic North African Mint		1.33		1.5	1.0	1.5
Organic Cream of Earl Grey		1.33		2.0	1.0	1.0
Sleigh Ride		1.00		1.0	1.0	1.0
Santa's Secret		1.00		1.0	1.0	1.0
Hot Chocolate		0.66		1.0	0.0	1.0
Candy Cane Crush		0.33		1.0	0.0	0.0
Organic The Spice is Right		0.00		0.0	0.0	0.0

Merry Christmas

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 24 – Santa's Secret

Santa's Secret

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

Ever wonder how Santa manages to deliver all those presents in just one night? Well here’s the hush-hush formula. He uses a special combination of Chinese black tea, peppermint leaves and spices – all sprinkled with real little candy canes. It’s both energizing and remarkably soothing. All Santa needs is one cup and his motto changes from “ho ho ho” to “go go go."

No one liked this one.

Sweetener of choice: Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 23 – White Cranberry Bark

White Cranberry Bark

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

Hooked on that decadent white chocolate bark packed with tart cranberries? You’re not alone. Get your holiday fix with this tantalizing fruit infusion. With juicy red berries and creamy white chocolate stars, it’s a mega merry way to end any holiday feast. Just brew a pot for your favourite people, serve with a side of decadent treats and prepare to get jolly.

This one was absolutely great, garnering a family average of 3.  Great with or without sweetener.

Sweetener of choice:  none or Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 22 – Candy Cane Crush

Candy Cane Crush

DD#2 - 0/3
Bruce - 1/3
Me - 0/3
(family average - 0.33 )

What do skating, snowball fights and sledding have in common? They all call for tea. And this decadent blend is like a minty wonderland in a cup. Think creamy white chocolate drops. Rich, comforting black tea. Crushed peppermint candy cane pieces. And tons of cute little snowflake sprinkles. One sip of this sweet, icy-cool blend is all it takes to get you smiling from ear to ear – especially if you add it to your next mug of holiday eggnog. Could this tea be any more festive? We think not.

If you liked Mint Chocolate Rooibos, you’ll love Candy Cane Crush.

Whoa!!  This one was wayyyyyyyy to peppermint-y.  Two teaspoons of turbinado sugar were added to this, it did tone it down a bit.  Bruce says it now tastes like the peppermint patty chocolates.  As far as I am concerned peppermint & tea DO NOT go together.  Family average 0.33

Sweetener of choice: Turbinado sugar

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 21 – Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate

DD#2 - 1/3
Bruce - 1/3
Me - 0/3
(family average - 0.66 )

We take hot chocolate pretty seriously around here. It’s gotta be rich, decadent and mega-creamy. And after searching high and low for the ultimate hot chocolate tea, we finally found the perfect blend. We took a flavourful base of pu’erh and black tea, then we added real cocoa nibs and fudgy chocolate chips. The result? An uber-chocolately blend worthy of the name Hot Chocolate. Dark, sweet and totally satisfying, it’s the perfect winter treat.

If you liked Chocolate Orange, Cocoa Boost or Red Velvet Cake, you’ll love Hot Chocolate.

Chocolate & tea DO NOT go together, need I say more?  Family average 0.66

Sweetener of choice: Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 20 – Carrot Cupcake

Carrot Cupcake

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

You know what never fails to remind us of fall? A carrot cupcake. And we’re not the only ones who think so. Thanks to their natural sugar content, carrots have been used to sweeten cakes since the medieval times. And this decadent, creamy rooibos blend tastes just like your favourite carrot dessert. It’s got cinnamon and ginger for an extra zing of warmth. Plus carrots and apple to get that perfect fruity balance. Still not convinced? The rich cocoa shells and natural whipped cream flavour will change your mind. Yeah, we knew you couldn’t resist…

We love, love, love this one.  Tastes just like a carrot cupcake.  Another family favourite & a keeper.

Sweetener of choice: Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 19 – Organic The Spice is Right

Organic The Spice is Right

DD#2 - 0/3
Bruce - 0/3
Me - 0/3
(family average - 0 )

Is there any flavour combo more comforting than orange and cinnamon? There’s something about it that’s instantly comforting – like warm spice cake or a glass of hot punch. But nostalgia isn’t the only thing giving you that warm fuzzy feeling. Cinnamon is said to have warming properties, and one sip of this spice-laden green tea is all it takes to get that cozy fireside feeling going. Add some sweet orange peel and a zingy hint of chili pepper, and you’ve got a zesty blend that warms you up from the inside out.

No one liked this one.  It was way too cinnamon-y.  We all gave this one a ZERO!

Sweetener of choice:  Nothing helped this one.

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 18 – Organic Cream of Earl Grey

Organic Cream of Earl Grey

DD#2 - 1/3
Bruce - 2/3
Me - 1/3
(family average - 1.33 )

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.
Pairs perfectly with our Organic Vanilla Agave.

If you liked Countess of Seville or Earl Grey Rooibos, you’ll love Cream of Earl Grey.

Bruce liked this one with Turbinado sugar & a tad of milk.  DD#2 & I really did not like this Cream of Earl Grey & I usually don't mind Earl Grey.  I believe the formula has changed it is NOT the same.

Sweetener of choice: Turbinado sugar & a tad of milk

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 17 – Caramel Shortbread

Caramel Shortbread

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

Shortbread cookies are the star of every dessert table. They’re rich, sweet and filled with buttery goodness – who can say no to that? So it goes without saying that this classic holiday treat makes for a seriously delicious tea. Our version has all the melt-in-your mouth richness of shortbread baked into a blend of willow bark, caramelized almond and cherry. Resistance is futile.

If you liked Caramel Corn, you’ll love Caramel Shortbread.

This one was Wow when there was no sweetener in it but when we added agave is turned into WOW!! & it garnered a 3/3 from each of us.  Definitely a keeper!

Sweetener of choice: Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 16 – Sleigh Ride

Sleigh Ride

DD#2 -1/3
Bruce -1/3
Me - 1/3
(family average - 1.0 )

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.

NO definitely not a tea any of us liked.  As DD#2 & Bruce said it was too beetroot-y, is that a word.  Family average 1.0

Sweetener of choice:  Agave, did try Turbinado sugar as well.  Did not help

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 15 – Raspberry Cream Pie

Raspberry Cream Pie

DD#2 - 2.5
Bruce - 3.0
Me - 2.5
(family average - 2.67 )

 It’s no secret raspberry cream pie is the star of every dessert party. This springtime treat has a habit of flaunting its flaky crust, creamy filling and fresh raspberry topping. And we fall for it every time. Beautiful on the outside and satisfyingly sweet on the inside, this decadent rooibos blend is no different. With white chocolate, raspberries, rose petals and pink sugar sparkles, there’s simply no resisting it. And with next to no calories, this is one indulgence you can feel good about.

This one did need the agave but did not have the WOW factor that the Lemon Pound Cake had but still one of the better teas.  Family average 2.67

Sweetener of choice: Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 14 – Lemon Pound Cake

Lemon Pound Cake

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

If you ask us, lemon pound cake is an unbeatable teatime snack. Buttery, tangy and not too sweet, it’s the perfect complement to our favourite cuppa. So, why don’t we have it more often? The answer is all in the name…The traditional recipe calls for a pound of sugar AND a pound of butter. No wonder it tastes so good. Luckily, our version is a little bit lighter – without sacrificing on flavour. We take a base of smooth-drinking oolong, then add fresh lemongrass, fruity lemon and a decadent touch of creaminess. Now that’s a treat you can enjoy all day, every day.

If you liked Citron Oolong, you’ll love Lemon Pound Cake.

This tea was just okay until we added agave, then it turned to WOW! & garnered a 3/3 from everyone.  Family average 3.0

Sweetener of choice:  Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 13 – Organic Cinnamon Rooibos Chai

Organic Cinnamon Rooibos Chai

DD#2 - 2.5/3
Bruce - 2/3
Me - 2/3
(family average - 2.17 )

Cinnamon is so much more than just the tastiest spice around. According to aromatherapy principles, it supposedly enhances your ability to concentrate. Plus it has a clean and refreshing taste your breath will thank you for. In in this cinnamon-packed rooibos tea, its benefits truly shine. Amazing hot, iced or as a spicy tea latte, it’s a delicious new way to enjoy a classic spice.

If you liked Chai & Mighty, you’ll love Cinnamon Rooibos Chai

This one was a 1 until we added agave.  It really bought the taste of the chai out.  The family average 2.17

Sweetener of choice:  Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 12 – Coffee Pu'erh

Coffee Pu'erh

DD#2 - 1/3
Bruce - 3/3
Me - 1/3
(family average - 1.67 )

Pu’erh has come a long way since its heyday as a tribute tea to Chinese emperors a thousand years back. It’s still got that legendary taste, but the new “cooked” varieties are really something special. Our blend helps mark this milestone by combining pu’erh with coffee bean, vanilla and almond flavour. Even your coffee-addict friends will go crazy for it. .

If you liked Mocha Latte, you’ll love Coffee Pu'erh.

Bruce absolutely loves this one, but as you can tell not us!  Family average 1.67

Sweetener of choice: Turbinado sugar with a tad of milk

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 11 – Alpine Punch

Alpine Punch

DD#2 - 2.5/3
Bruce - 2.5/3
Me - 2/3
(family average - 2.33 )

This is the kind of tea we imagine they serve in fabulous ski chalets in the Swiss Alps. With apple, cinnamon, ginger and the heady scent of almonds, it’s warm, comforting and totally decadent. What better to sip after a long day of skiing, sledding and snowball fights? Just cozy up in front of the fire and warm up with this sweet, fortifying brew. And if a little splash of brandy makes it in there too, all the better.

We all tried this & did not like it BUT when we added agave, WOW! that changed everything.  Family average is 2.33

Sweetener of choice:  Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 10 – Walnut Orange Scone

Walnut Orange Scone

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

Craving a sophisticated treat? You can’t do better than a plate of warm buttery scones. Whether you serve ‘em straight up or with a side of jam and cream, those melt-in-your-mouth delights are a delicious way to class up any party. This dainty sippable version balances white tea, warm walnut and bright orange rind. And like a freshly baked scone, we love it best early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

Wow! This one is really good especially after we added the agave.  We had put a smidgen of Turbinado sugar in, but when added agave. Wow!

Sweetener of choice:  Agave & a bit of Turbinado sugar

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 09 – Forever Nuts

Forever Nuts

DD#2 - 2.5/3
Bruce - 2.5/3
Me - 3/3
(family average - 2.67 )

 It looks all normal when it’s loose. But steep it and you’ll see that it’s nuts. Within seconds, this tempting jumble of almond slices and chunks, apple bits and cinnamon bark starts turning a crazy shade of pink. Why? Because it contains a hint of beetroot. That’s what gives this rich almond tea its earthy depth and its all-natural signature colour. Deliciously nutty, decidedly addictive. Caffeine-free.

If you liked Apple Cider or Pistachio Ice Cream, you’ll love Forever Nuts

This is one of my go-to teas & a staple in our tea cupboard.  Love forever nuts!

Sweetener of choice:  Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 08 – Buddha's Blend

Buddha's Blend

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

We don’t like to brag, but we’re pretty sure we just found the key to achieving nirvana. It’s easier than you might think – you’re actually just a cup away. You start with a fresh, delicate mix of white and green tea. Then you sprinkle in a few jasmine pearls for their sweet, floral perfume. Next, you add the unexpected fruity aroma of some beautiful white hibiscus blossoms. Finally? You sit back, relax and take a sip. Heavenly...

If you liked Countess of Seville or Jasmine Crème Brulée, you’ll love Buddha's Blend.

This tea is one of DD#2's go-to teas.  She loves this one, it is a staple in our tea cupboard.

Sweetener of choice:  Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 07 – Organic Saigon Chai

Organic Saigon Chai

DD#2 - 2.5/3
Bruce - 2/3
Me - 2/3
(family average - 2.17 )

In the 1950s, Saigon cinnamon was one of the finest spices on the market. But then came the Vietnam War, and exports ground to a halt. Half a century later, it’s finally comeback time. Prepare for dark, sweet perfection. This blend of Assam tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves and pink peppercorns is on another level of delicious. Try it iced, Viet-style, with sweetened condensed milk.

If you liked Chai & Mighty, you’ll love Saigon Chai

We were all surprised that we liked this one as it is a black tea.  It did need agave.  

Sweetener of choice:  Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 06 – Organic North African Mint

Organic North African Mint

DD#2 - 1.5/3
Bruce - 1.5/3
Me - 1/3
(family average - 1.33 )

Explore Northern Africa, from its souks to its deserts, with this intense combination of spices and mint. It combines organic green tea and peppermint with organic cardamom, ginger, licorice root, fennel clove and black pepper. Deliciously sweet, with all the romance of the Maghreb.

If you liked Moroccan Mint or Spearmint, you’ll love North African Mint.

Woah! Never again!! This one was disgusting, it is up there with  Lapsang souchong tea.  I would have given this one a 0 if I could!

Sweetener of choice:  Agave - brought out the mint flavour & made it less bitter

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 05 – Glitter & Gold

Glitter & Gold

 DD#2 - 1/3
Bruce - 3/3
Me - 1/3
(family average - 1.67 )

This deep dark Chinese tea is like a gorgeous starry night, glimmering with gold star sprinkles that shimmer as they steep. Take a sip and the slow suggestion of clove 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?

Bruce loved this tea.  DD#2 & myself did not, we did like it a bit more when agave was added but not enough to add a point

Sweetener of choice:  Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 04 – Organic Silk Dragon Jasmine

Organic Silk Dragon Jasmine

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

 Made from premium green tea, our Silk Dragon is a limited-edition treasure. To create it, night-blooming jasmine is gathered in the morning and kept cool all day. In the evening, when the flowers burst open and release their scent, they are placed with the tea until midnight. This is repeated with fresh flowers over the course of five nights, infusing the tea with a most magical flavour.

DD#2 loved this tea, but she loves green tea, this one she will buy again.  Bruce said it was very smooth.  Me, I just do not like green tea.

If you liked Jasmine Crème Brulée, you’ll love Silk Dragon Jasmine.

Sweetener of choice:  None

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 03 – Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait

Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait

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

The ancient Chinese used it in medicine. The medieval Europeans traded for it along the Silk Road. And today we love it in pies, sauces, muffins or just plain, dipped in a little sugar. But the best way to eat rhubarb is with sweet, ripe strawberries. Like in this refreshingly fruity, deep red tisane. It tastes as bright and juicy as a fresh-picked berry, with a tart  rhubarb punch and a subtle hint of yogurt creaminess. We love it hot or iced, or as the base for sweet, zippy sangria. Now that’s a beautiful thing. Caffeine-free.

Bruce liked this one with his sweetener of choice Turbinado sugar.  DD#2 liked this one as well but her sweetener of choice was agave.  I sided with DD#2

Sweetener of choice:Turbinado sugar or Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 02 – Chocolate Macaroon

Chocolate Macaroon

DD#2 - 2/3
Bruce - 2.5/3
Me - 1/3
(family average - 1.83 )

There’s nothing more nostalgic than a coconut macaroon. We’re not talking about the super-trendy French cookies here…for us, it’s all about the bake sale classic: chewy, golden coconut cookies dipped in rich dark chocolate. And with black tea, toasted coconut, cacao nibs, pecans and rock sugar, this rich, nutty blend is just as good as the real thing. The only difference? You don’t have to wait for a bake sale to get a taste.

If you liked Buttered Rum, Chocolate Orange, Pistachio Ice Cream or Red Velvet Cake, you’ll love Chocolate Macaroon.

Bruce liked this one.  DD#2 gave it a 1/3 but when we added Turbinado sugar she upped it to 2/3 but that being said she would not buy it again.  She has too many other green teas she loves!  Me, chocolate & tea should NEVER be mixed!

Sweetener of choice:  Turbinado sugar

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 01 – Let it Snow

Let It Snow

DD#2 - 2/3
Bruce - 2/3
Me - 1/3
(family average - 1.66)

 
Frightful weather ahead? Slip on your favourite ugly sweater and warm up with this delightfully creamy green tea. With festive notes of white chocolate, cinnamon, clove and custard, it’s the perfect way to add a touch of cozy to your day. Serve it straight up in a teapot big enough to share or spiked with brandy for a sweet and spicy winter warmer. Not cozy enough for you? Whip it up as a latte and top with an extra dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. It’ll nog your socks off!

Sweetener of choice:  Agave