Mugged: White Peony [Teavivre]

What does Mugged mean?

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]

What does Mugged mean?

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. 

CC: Bull Run Roasting Co

What does CC mean?

Subject: Bull Run Roasting Co 

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Free WiFi ? : yes

Rating: 6+ [see key]

I must say, if I haven't said it already, that Minneapolis is laid out quite beautifully. Not only were things fairly accessible by multiple means of movement (auto, bike, foot AND bunnyhop) but it was clearly set up to be a liveable town; a beautiful marriage of suburbia and city, with your nice house but a short walk from your corner coffeehouse or eatery. 

Bull Run Roasting Company is one such corner establishment that caught my attention when I was in the fair Twin Cities. Their sharp red exterior gave a pleasant foreshadowing of the cozy interior of wood, brick and orange walls amidst the long corridor inside.

After wandering in and making my way to the counter, I ordered an espresso (the name of the coffee twas not spoken) from their La Marzocco and a drip of their Mocha Java. Pulled short with brown crema, the espresso bore the notes of chocolate, cherry, salt, wheat bread and a little whiskey within a velvety texture; a scrumptious pull that was both vibrant and tasty. The drip held flavors of strawberry, caramel, shortbread, a little nutmeg, a mild earthiness and just the right about of sweetness to make it punch true (i.e. also delicious). 

If you live nearby, I would say I envy thee. And for the transients among us, make Bull Run a stop on your sojourn. 

 

 

WIN EXCELLENT COFFEE!

Thanks to the great folks at GoCoffeeGo, we're fixing to give away a free bag of coffee to one lucky winner! 

To boost some local coffee love, all that we're looking for is your favorite local coffee-serving establishment.

Specifically, we're talking about independent, non-chain establishments (i.e. no Dunkin or McDonalds) that serve up a sensational cup of coffee and/or espresso. Also, if you send a picture that you took of said establishment (kinda like the above one), you get a second entry! Additionally, if we get enough quality pics, we might put them up in an album/slideshow (so make it good!).

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ENTER HERE

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Entries will be received up until 11:59 PM on Tuesday, April 24 EST. Then, one lucky winner will be drawn and they will get to pick any coffee from GoCoffeeGo.com!


Other Rules:
- Contest is only open to those 18 and older with a shipping address in the 50 United States. 
- One email entry and one picture entry per person.
- The coffee establishment must currently be operating and a legal business (i.e. your kitchen doesn't count).
- Pictures must be original pictures and the person entering this contest must have full rights of the image.
- The image sent must be in a jpg or png format. Do not send pdfs or other file formats.
- The availability of certain GoCoffeeGo 'Limited Offerings' for this contest is left to the discretion of GoCoffeeGo.
- The coffee chosen from GoCoffeeGo can vary from 8-16 oz. so if you win, look carefully at the bag weight.
- Misleading or false information can lead to disqualification from this contest. 




 God speed!

Mugged: Bailin Gongfu Black Tea [Teavivre]

What does Mugged mean?

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.