Chun Mei Green Tea (Zhen Mei)-Teavivre

Here is another sample from the lovely cornucopia sent to me from Teavivre. This reminds me of the Yunnan Emerald buds that I sampled from Teavana. Definitely different leaves from the the Dragon Well. The dry leaves are tightly rolled and have a slightly smoky aroma like charcoal. First steep a pale yellow liquor. Slightly smokey and slightly bitter. The wet leaf kinda reminds me of cooked greens and one of my favorite Christmas songs from Run DMC

The second steep is where it gets interesting. The the liquor this time is a bright orange hue. Definitely smokier and more bitter. Reminds me a lot of green pu-erh. I have not been a fan of green pu-erh so far but this is not as bad as my previous experience with the green pu-erh. Decent cup though.

Twinings Earl Grey

Let’s face it I’m always trying to find a great deal when comes to high quality loose leaf tea. There are times when paying more is necessary(say the Imperial Pu-Erh), but in general with having a mortgage to pay and etc….as late it’s been hard to justify spending a lot on my tea appreciation(some call it a habit). I’ve had in the bagged version and thought it to be excellent, so when I saw this at Big Lots where I found the English Breakfast for 2.50 can I had to try it. So I thought I would make a pot before heading to the in-laws for Sunday dinner. The aromatic bouquet that permeates the nose is wonderful. It’s one those scents that you can walk by…take in…and be up lifted. I think I brewed it just a tad weak, it was still tasty. I have become a fan of offerings accompanied with the oil of bergamot. Not to mention who doesn’t love a good story like the one behind this tea and the Earl Grey himself. This could definitely be one added to the morning brew.

Arizona Black and White Ice Tea

Description from Arizona:
AriZona’s natural black tea drinks offer a large variety of flavors and contain all the antioxidents found in black tea. Some of Arizona’s most popular flavors are made from healthful black tea and AriZona’s white teas are unique and delicious offerings in the market of ready to drink teas

This is one of the hardest iced teas to find anywhere. I first tried it when my wife and I were house hunting and found this at a gas station. It’s quite tasty. Sometimes the green tea with ginseng and honey can be a tad bitter. However the combination of black and white and ginseng plus honey makes it refreshing, not too sweet, and smooth. I hope more places carry this. It is great. I did see this on Sams club website so here’s to hoping.