Showing posts with label teavivre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teavivre. Show all posts

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Mugged: Keemun and Monkey Picked Oolong [Teavivre]



Subject: Teavivre
Mugged: Organic Superfine Keemun Fragrant Black Tea and Monkey Picked Ma Liu Mie Tie Guam Yin Oolong Tea
Rating [see key]: Both 4+


A person's fervent love of coffee often spills into other drinks, and given the history, it's very natural that most coffee fans would also sip the occasional cup of tea. Personally I love all sorts of tea, with my adoration clinging strongest to the traditional camellia sinensis varieties (i.e. non-herbal). And because traditional tea has so many manifestations, cultivation styles and variations, there's always the prospect of trying out a different kind of tea.

The two latest additions to my list of teas tried came from Chinese tea purveyor Teavivre who sent out several samples of a Keemun Black Tea and a Taiwan Monkey Picked Oolong. I steeped each according to the recommended directions through numerous infusions and enjoyed each.

Keemun Fragrant Black Tea is a common tea, though most folks don't know they consume it. Most often, it is found as a component of blended black teas like Earl Greys but it can certainly stand well on its own. My infusions of this Keemun produced a dark amber hew ripe with notes of cola, agave, pine, raisin and mineral water. The tea was deep at times and overall deliciously satisfying.

The Monkey Picked Ma Liu Mie Tie Guam Yin Oolong Tea (try chanting that thrice while skipping around the credenza) also proved delicious. Grown in the mountains of Taiwan, the tea had subtle notes of champagne, spinach, apple and wheat grass. A distinctly mellow and pleasant tea.

If you're in the market for a deep fruity black tea or a subtle-yet-sweet oolong, give either of these Teavivre teas a sip.


note: tea was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback.



Sunday, April 22, 2012

Mugged: White Peony [Teavivre]





Subject: Teavivre 
Mugged: White Peony I Bai MuDan
Rating: 4+ [see key]





White tea has always seemed like the most exotic of teas to me, with its reputation as the tea of emperors and a drink not really known in the western world until relatively recently. Others reasons that contribute may be it's method of harvest (hand selecting the best buds and leaves), the toted health benefits or maybe it's just the higher price tag. 

Yet regardless of the economical or historical factors that elevate white tea, it certainly offers a delicious style of tea that black, green and oolong do not match. Recently I had the pleasure of sampling a bag of White Peony from Teavivire. The bag was full of large, dry leaves with the usual white tea look of little processing. In my infusions, the peony offered a splendidly smooth, light-bodied tea. Flavors were reminiscent of champagne, lily, sage and slight leafiness. A mildly acidic and flavorful cup of tea. 

While I wouldn't rank this as a top shelf white tea, this White Peony still offered a pleasant infusion. If you're seeking a delicious white tea, seek out this one.


note: tea was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback. 

Mugged: Tai Wai Oolong [Teavivre]





Subject: Teavivre 
Mugged: Tai Wai Oriental Beauty Oolong I Bai Hao
Rating: 4+ [see key]




Oolong to me is the "shades of grey" between green (unfermented) and black (fermented) teas. Having a lot of different flavors and profiles, I can't say I've had many oolongs that have identical properties.

Recently I was able to add Teavivre's Tai Wai Oriental Beauty to my list, the last of the four teas I was sent to review. The buds offered a tea with pear, hibiscus, carrot, bit of dandelion and spearmint. To succinctly put it, the tea was overall smooth and subdued; a nice tea that would pairs swell with light fare.

If you would like a decent oolong that has muted yet varied flavors, give this beauty a try.


note: tea was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback. 

Monday, April 09, 2012

Mugged: Bailin Gongfu Black Tea [Teavivre]






Subject: Teavivre 
Mugged: Bailin Gongfu Black Tea
Rating: 5+ [see key]





The other week I decided to grab a Malta to accompany my entree at a local Caribbean eatery. Having never really consumed a full bottle in one sitting, I was surprised at how intense it was. Had it been scaled back a bit, it would have been much better.  

But I finally found the flavor of malt in a well-balanced medley, albeit in a slightly unlikely place: Teavivre's Bailin Gongfu Black Tea. In my infusions, this black tea proved to hold a truly sweet, malty flavor accompanied by a milky mouth-feel, a subtle smokiness, light cocoa and a twang of cinnamon. While this naturally sweet and hearty tea made for a delicious beverage, if you have an aversion to malt you might not be as satisfied. 

Still, whether you're a malt-lover or hater, give this tea a try. It's a perfect compliment to any breakfast or dessert course, proving both satisfying and sweet.


note: tea was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback.

Mugged: Dragon Well Green Tea [Teavivre]


 



Subject: Teavivre 
Mugged: Premium grade Dragon Well Green Tea
Rating: 5+ [see key]



 
Anticipation is sometimes almost as good as the object anticipated. Personally, I don't want to think like that but in looking back, I definitely do seem to cherish the planning and waiting for something positive ahead. 
 
On that note, today begins a four part, long-time-coming review of Teavivre's wares that I've been anticipating for some time. I had hoped to get these reviews out sooner but circumstances held me at bay. And of the four teas I was sent to review, I chose to tackle their green tea first.
 
The Premium grade Dragon Well had a much fresher appearance then most greens I've sampled, with flat and vibrantly-colored straight leaves. Though the tea offers a very light color, the flavor is very distinct. The lovely flavors of honey, light spinach, sesame, grass and grapefruit leap from the cup, demonstrating smooth yet sassy infusions that proved both refreshing and soothing. 

Amongst the green teas I've had, this one definitely ranked high as a solidly delicious green tea. Personally, I would utilize this Premium Dragon Well for both hot or cold infusions (the cold could be beautifully accented with some honey or mild citrus). 


note: tea was provided free of charge and the above review is objective feedback.