Jer's Tea Reviews

Stash's Peppermint Herbal Tea

I know, it has no caffeine, but it's 3AM (Eternal), and I don't want to be up forever. Tasty stuff. Straight.

Alvita Ginger-Peppermint

This has been my ride-to-work tea for the past year and a half. At first, I though "Ginger and Peppermint?? Weird" . But it's quite good. The ginger flavor is dominant. Honey.

Stash's Earl Grey Tea.

I've had quite a few Earl Greys, and I think this is my favorite. It's very tasty... reminds me of blueberries, somewhat. Most Earl Greys taste like Froot Loops. Milk and Sugar (or honey).

Celestial Seasonings Morning Thunder

Most Celestial Seasonings teas are herbals, with no caffeine. This one has plenty of caffeine, says so in big bold print on the box. In addition to Black Tea, Morning Thunder contains Yerba Mate, another source of caffeine. Tastes kind of like licking an ashtray, leaves a definite dry feeling in your mouth. But it does wake you up. Milk and Honey or Sugar

The Republic of Tea's RainForest Herb Tea

Another herbal. Yeah, wimpy, I know. I don't care. I tasted a sample of it in a shop in Boston and had to buy some. Apparently, the Republic of Tea is doing it's part to save the rain forests with this one, by giving communities crops to harvest from the forests themselves. Tastes very cinnamony and vanilla-y. Straight.

The Republic of Tea's Wuyi Oolong

This limited edition tea was purchased for me by my girlfriend, and I'm glad she did. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have tasted this wonderful tea. Very smooth. Unfortunately, mine's gone. :( Straight.

Upton Tea's Formosan Oolong Silvertip

Ahhh.. beautiful. Simply beautiful. I think if I could have one tea it would be this one. Very tasty. Doesn't get too bitter when overbrewed, which I have a tendency to do with the other half of my pot. And it's about 2/3 the price of the RoT Oolong above, and not limited. Straight.

Upton Tea's Moroccan Green Mint

Green Tea mixed with Spearmint. I haven't made too many pots of this. As I've stated before, I tend to oversteep my tea. What can I say, I'm easily distracted. This tea is sensitive to overbrewing. Anything more than two minutes, and the flavor becomes very dry. Straight if brewed properly, Honey if not.

Dr. Stuart's Vespers Tea

This tea contains Valerian root. I had heard that Valerian Root tastes awful, but will induce drowsiness. I tried this tea, and was surprised at how good it tasted. Very herby. It's blended well, with lime flower,hops, passion flowers, and fennel. And yes, it made me rather sleepy. Rainforest Honey

Upton's Christmas Tea

This is my friend Seann's favorite tea. Black tea with vanilla,cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. Yummy! Milk + Honey

Upton's China Imperial Grade Lapsang Souchong

Yes, Lapsang Souchong. The famous Smoked tea. Some people enjoy it; some think it's like licking the inside of a chimney. I like it, especially on a chilly grey day. (Which today was in Worcester MA). Upton's L.S. is quite good. Strong smokey flavor. Straight.

Upton's CO2 Decaf English Breakfast

kind of weak, and gets tannic quickly. I use it to blend with other teas, like the Christmas tea or the Chai, when I don't want as much caffeine. Straight.

Tea Time Garden's Chai Masala

A tasty chai blend, with full cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon. A tad bit too much black pepper for me, but perhaps the spices had settled differently in the package. Milk and Sugar

Tea Time Garden's Earl Grey's Herb Garden

At first, I was expecting this to be an bergamot scented tisane. But no, this is black tea scented with Bergamot, and also scented with lavendar and rosemary. The herbs cut the tannin of the black tea, and make this one of the only Earl Grey's I can recall enjoying straight. Straight.

Empire Tea Victorian Rose tea.

A nice blend of flavors. The rose petals mellow out the tannins of the Ceylon tea. I mean, a bit of tannins is good, but too much will just dry out your mouth. (see the Morning Thunder review above). The rose flavor isn't overpowering. Straight.

Drolma's Treasure Lung-Ching

Long thin green leaves. Light mellow brew. Tasty. Straight

And here's what's in my tea cupboard right now:

• Upton's China Imperial Grade Lapsang Souchong
• Upton's Christmas Tea
• Upton's Finest Earl Grey
• Upton's Formosa Oolong Silvertip
• Upton's Hao-Ya "B" Superfine Keemun
• Upton's Chai Spice Tea (Blend No. 443)
• Upton's Moroccan Mint
• Upton's CO2 Decaf English Breakfast
• Upton's Koilamari Estate Assam FTGFOP1
• Upton's Japanese Twig Tea Ku-Ki Cha
• Temple of Heaven China Green Tea Special Gunpowder

All of which I can recommend. As you can tell, I buy a lot from Upton's. They have good Quality, good prices, and they're located three towns away from me, so deliveries are quick. I've even visited their offices.