Casey Covel
User's reviews
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Chestnut
I'm not a huge chestnut fan, but this tea is better than I anticipated. It can run bitter, so consider sugar or at least steeping mindfully to prevent astringency. The chestnuts notes infused an otherwise full-bodied black tea with subtle, toasted, nutty notes indicative of campfires or the hearth of home. Quite dry on the aftertaste, it's a great choice for awakening nostalgic memories during the wintertime.
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White Strawberry
Very faint with just a trace of strawberry flavor. I mostly detect the white tea notes in the blend, but perhaps a larger sample size would afford more even flavor distribution (I was given a single sample pouch). I prefer Adagio's White Strawberry Basil.
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Scottish Breakfast
A regular favorite in my house, Scottish Breakfast carries a sweet earthiness that complements any breakfast. For a wake-up call on the taste buds and a burst of energy to carry you throughout your day, look no further!
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Pi Lo Chun
I was surprised by the sweetness I detected in the pouch prior to steeping. Post-steeping, Pi Lo Chun has a sweet, almost floral taste with a semi-smoky, earthy finish. I added in a bit of Acacia honey which lends a lovely vanilla note to each sip--and helps offset the slight grassiness.
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Cinnamon
I suppose any cinnamon-flavored tea would feel weak after trying Adagio's Fiery Cinnamon Spice! If you're looking for something milder with hints of cinnamon, this namesake black tea will likely please you. If you're seeking more robust, hotter flavors, upgrade to the "fiery spice" variant. Regardless, Cinnamon tea is an excellent choice when looking for creative ways to feel cozy and warm in the fall and winter.
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Honeybush Pumpkin Chai
Quite pleasant--the pumpkin accents aren't overly pronounced and the chai spice makes itself gently felt. It's a delicious sip on autumnal evenings when you're looking for a warm cup of company. Best served with a blanket and a good book!
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Rooibos Cocomint
It smells like hot chocolate but tastes like a Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie! Warm and sweet--perfect for satisfying your cravings in the evening while dodging the more fattening desserts. I recommend adding a bit of sweetener, such as cocoa nibs or chocolate chips, to really bring out those accents in the tea; otherwise, the mint can be overly strong by comparison.
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Pumpkin Spice
A great choice for getting into a festive fall mood! This one is heavy on the chai and clove with a hint of pumpkin (good news if you aren't a huge pumpkin fan, perhaps less so if you are). If you aren't expecting a pronounced, pumpkin-spice latte flavor, you'll likely be satisfied with this blend. It's warm and a tad bitter, so a little sweetener goes a long way!
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Cranberry Nut Muffin Green
Surprisingly good! I wasn't sure what to expert when I saw this was a "green" tea instead of a rooibos (which often lends itself better to dessert-themed teas). From the first inhale of the packet to the last sip, this is a flavorful blend that doesn't require sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth. Honey is a great alternative to bring out its richer notes! Enjoy with a side of--you guessed it--cranberry nut muffins for the ultimate experience.
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White Strawberry Basil
Wow, an unexpectedly excellent combination! It's warm and earthy with hints of sweetness and peppery-green notes intermingling. Though I've only had it served hot, I'm sure it would taste incredible chilled, too.
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Rooibos Caramel
Warm, buttery rooibos with a hint of honeyed caramel--YUM! It's a crowd-pleaser, especially on quiet evenings when you're looking for a warm beverage to accompany a good book. The caramel isn't as pronounced as I imagined, mostly lingering in the aroma itself, but a bit of brown sugar helps to coax it out. If you enjoy Honeybush Vanilla, you'll be pleased with this one, just don't expect a strong accent.
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Rooibos Mango
Love mango? Love rooibos? You'll love them fused together. It's a thick, creamy blend of mellow citrus with a blush of beach blossoms drifting in on the floral breeze. Juicy, sweet, and positively refreshing served cold--but can also be enjoyed warm and cozy in the evenings!
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Candy Cane
Fortunately, this festive-titled Candy Cane tea isn't limited only to wintertime release! Almost dark-cocoa in depth and full-bodied in flavor, this blend infuses heavy, sizzling, sweet-mint--great for freshening up your breath AND giving you a caffeine kick to launch into the day. It's powerfully minty, but if you love peppermint leaf tea, that fact will only keep you falling in love more and more with each sip. Even when over-steeped, it's good-natured and unlikely to turn bitter. I love drinking this one in early mornings or afternoons when I need a perk-up. There's something about mint that just does the trick!
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Golden Turmeric Chai
I love chai and I love turmeric, so this blend is a win-win! With that said, I'm more likely to choose Adagio's Turmeric Bliss any given day--the turmeric flavoring comes through stronger and with spicier, gingerier accents for a full, sizzling mouthful. Still, if you love turmeric, it's a great blend that leaves you feeling stronger, healthier, and more invigorated. It lends itself well to custom food-and-beverage creations!
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Lavender Lemon
I'm a lemongrass enthusiast so I could feel my mouth watering while this one steeped (10 minutes is a long time to wait!)
At first, I worried that the lavender would carry too boldly, but instead found it's just barely there, like a whisper of fragrance on an outdoor breeze. The citrus notes feel strongest on the senses, with orange peels toning down the lingering sourness of the lemon. Rose hips deepen the flavor with a gentle floral essence without giving the texture a perfumey note.
If I were feeling unwell or needed a comfort tea, I could see myself reaching for this one, right next to my lemongrass ginger, in the evening. Light on the palate, soothing to the soul.
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Blueberry
I recently enjoyed Adagio's Black Mango tea, so naturally this led to my sampling other fruit-flavored black teas by them. While my heart will always belong to mango, I truly relished the freshness of this blend. The juiciness is neither overly pronounced, nor "watered down." It simply merges with the Ceylon black tea to create a pleasant mouthful that leaves me craving more... until my cup is empty before I know it! Best served hot, it makes an amazing breakfast companion, especially if you're enjoying a stack of blueberry pancakes on the side! Since I had no such stack available to me, I dissolved a bit of brown sugar into mine to cater to my morning sweet tooth. Very flavorful and aromatic, you can bask in the presence of the blueberry fragrance long after the last drop is gone and the cup emptied.
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Berry Blues
One sniff was enough to make me put it in the refrigerator so I could enjoy it chilled. My guess is it's even better iced than hot (at least, here in the Floridian summer!). Beautiful crimson liquor, fruity, and with a wave of berry flavors that wash over the tongue--one moment bracingly tart, the next sweet and juicy. A bit of brown sugar brings out the flavor even further. Don't be afraid to let it steep overlong to extract all the berry goodness!
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Thai Tea
A pleasant, perfectly agreeable Thai tea sure to be savored without complaint. It's a well-mannered blend, not bitter with accidental over-steeping. Smooth and exotic, it's neither spicy nor sweet, just creamy with hints of natural, nutty-vanilla. A lovely choice for morning or afternoon, when you want a high caffeine tea without the bitter essence of assam or the perfumey notes of earl grey.
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Jasmine Chun Hao
An enchanting, delicious, full floral tea that unfurls in your mouth like sweet nectar. Not too heavy on the "perfume" accents, making it the perfect, nuanced steep for a beginner's palate or connoisseurs who prefer subtler notes. An excellent alternative to Jasmine Phoenix Pearls if you're looking for something "lighter."
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Apricot Green
Very pleasant! Not too earthy with an almost herbal-fruity texture and just a hint of "green" to ground it. Light, juicy, floral, and smooth, it's enjoyable from beginning to end, hot or cold. Sure to please even the pickiest green tea drinkers!
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Calypso Green
As a big fan of coconut tea, this one quickly charmed me. All accents carry through from beginning to end with light, breezy notes. Tropical elements (particularly the passionfruit and mango) float near the surface while the coconut provides a soft but firm base (much like sand on a beach) of smooth, buttery fuzziness. The earthy green flavor isn't too forward, which makes this a great choice for newcomers. Perfect for putting yourself in a charming, exotic headspace of tranquility.
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Mango Green
A juicy green tea with pleasantly fruity accents permeating the earth-sweet notes. A bit of acacia honey lent a pleasant vanilla infusion to the overall blend. Will definitely be sipping this one again!
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White Monkey
A perfect green tea for a mature pallet. Slight seaweed essence gives it a unique freshness and a dry finish (and, of course, it's permeated by a clean earthiness). A must-try for green tea connoisseurs.
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Rooibos Jasmine
I'm a big fan of jasmine tea (Phoenix Pearl, etc.) so the possibility of a caffeine-free option attracted me like a magnet. I find it interesting that some reviews call it "too perfumey" and others "too rooibos-y". My packet was definitely on the rooibos side, to the point where I struggled to identify any jasmine at all. The resulting flavor is enjoyable, and fans of rooibos won't have anything to complain about, but I did not detect any of the advertised flavors otherwise. I'll have to try this one again in the future once the blend is revisited and revised.
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Rooibos Nutcracker
Warm and heartening! Rooibos Nutcracker carries the same earthy, nutty sweetness as the Pecan Turtle tea by Adagio, so if you love that one this should be an insta-buy! Woody, hazelnut notes stand centerstage with supporting actors of caramel and cocoa dancing in the background. A perfect evening blend, especially for a cozy, Christmas night.
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Green Chai
The smooth earthiness of green tea blended with the gentle sizzle of chai--DEE-li-cious! Perfect for when I need a little pick-me-up in the evening but don't want the overpowering caffeine kick infused in a traditional black tea. I drizzled in spoon-tip of acaia honey to infuse the final sip with a lightly sweet, vanilla essence.
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Yuletide Toddy
Wow, do not miss this one! Warm or cold, it's a winter-time treat. A cozy blend of sweet and citrusy fruit with a tiny sizzle of Christmas spices to linger on your tongue. Perfect for cuddling up in a blanket to watch a Christmas movie in the evenings. Get it while it's in season!
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Decaf Raspberry
Smooth like an oolong and without the bitter kick of a typical black tea. The flavor isn't as strong as the aroma would suggest. The blend is gentle and welcoming, never overwhelming or sour. Fans of raspberry teas who find the typical raspberry mix too punchy will enjoy this pleasant alternative!
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White Darjeeling
I think I over-steeped it, which will definitely impact my review rating. It's earthy, almost like a green tea with a light fruity aftertaste, but mine came out too bitter to be fully enjoyable. I'll have to try another sample to get the steep time just right!
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White Peach
Light, airy, and very faint with the most delicate traces flavor. I'm still new to white teas, so ranking this one is a bit tricky. Adding a bit of sugar helped coax out the naturally sweet peach notes. I'm looking forward to trying it again!
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Jasmine Silver Needle
I love jasmine and this white tea is a delicate, floral mouthful. Dry on the finish, pleasantly jasmine on taste buds without being overpowering or perfumey.
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Fujian Jasmine Pearl
I've been writing love letters to Adagio's Jasmine Phoenix Pearl tea for the past two years, so when Fujian Jasmine Pearl sashayed into my recommendations feed, it was too alluring to pass up. The 3oz. arrived enshrined in a tiny square tin that spoke volumes of its quality long before the first sip. The tea itself steeps into a lovely golden liquor with a delicate, green elegance in every mouthful. Compared to the Phoenix Pearl tea, the taste contains far more nuance, less "perfume", and a lighter finish. Having tried it for myself, I fully understand why it's usually out of stock. Add it to your wish list, keep an eye on the product page, and press the "add to cart" button the moment it becomes available because this one will continue flying off the shelves. Kudos, Adagio!
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Bella Luna Blue
I knew the moment I had my first sip I was going to regret not investing in a bigger bag--especially because this one only comes by, well "once in a blue moon!" It's deeply juicy and refreshing with the rustic sweetness of lemongrass interweaving the blueberry notes. It's a perfect midnight tea and never fails to put me in a calming, whimsical headspace. I'm glad I stocked up on this one so I have plenty to last me until next time!
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Rooibos Peach
Juicy and hot (but probably just as refreshing cold!), it's an almost equal blend of rooibos red tea and fleshy peach fruitiness. Those who prefer more rooibos than fruit in their blend will especially appreciate this one. Very palatable!
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Yunnan Noir
A romantic experience from beginning to end. It carries a lot of the same flavor I love about Adagio's Black Dragon Pearls, but more subtle. Somehow this tea is never bitter. It's an earthy, dry sip and beautiful to watch steep. It's like drinking art itself.
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Green Rooibos Blueberry
Delicious! Soothing, a tad sweet, and juicy with that beautiful "red" flavor these teas are so well known for. Wonderful hot or cold. Great to sip in the evening!
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Rooibos Pecan Turtle
I've never been a big fan of Turtle chocolates, but this tea has managed to bring the gap! Slightly sweet, slightly nutty--in that earthy, dark brown way--with a hint of salt and occasionally a strand of caramel in the aftertaste. You can't over-steep it, making it the perfect, hassle-free, evening blend for your sweet tooth cravings. A bit of brown sugar brings the flavor out further.
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Summer Night
Like savoring a sweet orange Popsicle at the end of a hot summer's day. Creamy citrus with a hint of minty zest. If your soul craves a balmy summer vacation in the Florida tropics, you'll want to stock up on this one!
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Lychee Rose Green
With one sip or one inhale, I'm reminded of a bubble tea and tapioca pearls (most likely because of the green and lychee overtones). This is a light steep with notes of floral and not-too-tart fruit, alongside green's traditional earthiness. If you like the concept but prefer less of a grassy taste, try Hanagami from the Okami Adagio tea set!
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Melonberry Green
As refreshing as a juicy bite of watermelon! Those interested in green tea for the health benefits (but who aren't fond of the typical grassiness that goes with it) will enjoy this one. It's a sweet, cooling blend that revitalizes with a fruity kick of strawberry, apple, and watermelon. Perfect for the summer!
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Jasmine Phoenix Pearls
I truly didn't expect to like this one, but I think its romantic aroma has me falling in love. This is true wild jasmine flavor--exotic, green, slightly animalic, and naturally pufumey without any fake fragrance additives. Truly one of the best green teas available on Adagio that I will happily re-purchase. If you enjoy pearl teas, don't miss it.
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Cherry Green
Fruity and green. I enjoy the pleasantness of this sip, as it doesn't come across too strong and certainly isn't bitter. I detract a star because the pouch scent comes a little too close to cherry-flavored cold medicine, though I fortunately don't notice that too much in the literal taste. Some may find that element off-putting.
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Earl Grey Moonlight
A staple earl grey tea that will please fans of the flavor. For a slightly sweeter sensation, add a scoop of Adagio's Cream tea to draw out the "buttery" accents.
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Black Dragon Pearls
I'm not usually a fan of musky, earthy teas, but Black Dragon Pearls is strikingly smooth and naturally sweet (with almost cocoa-like undertones). There's no astringent bitterness to be found here. Even if pearl teas aren't your go-to, you'd be wise as a dragon to try this one. You might be surprised!
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Kukicha
It's like a cross between matcha and genmai cha! Kukicha has the grassiness of matcha but the slight nuttiness of genmai cha--the best of both. With my first sip, I always fear that I'll get a bitter aftertaste, but that's never the case. Kukicha is never astringent. It's a light, soft tea and very well balanced. Very definitive "green" tea!
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Kentucky Bourbon
Malty and smoky without being too bitter. There's a nice, caramelly, almost candied char throughout, with hints of smooth vanilla. I've never had whisky, but this blend definitely seems inspired. If you like sultry flavors, you can't go wrong with this one.
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Peach Bellini
Hot, lukewarm, or cold, Peach Bellini is sensational! It's a juicy, refreshing blend of crisp fruitiness and zesty tang. The peach really comes through, with pineapple and strawberry blending everything in-between together. It's my go-to, fresh-from-the-fridge tea after a mid-day workout in the Floridian heat when I need something to cool me off. For best results, serve cold with sugar. Grass skirts and beach setting are optional :)
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Raja Oolong Chai
This is my definitive chai tea--spicy, sizzling, tingle-in-your-mouth warmth with a smooth finish. It's just shy of being too potent, meaning you don't get the same burning heat that you might taste in a fiery cinnamon spice or red peppercorn tea. Instead, the flavor is full-bodied and cloudy-auburn, perfect for kickstarting energy any time of the day. Highly recommended!
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Pu-erh Chorange
An instant new favorite. The chocolate and orange blend seamlessly to create an entirely fresh mouthful experience. It's warm, cozy, rich, and fruity-sweet with darker, chocolatey notes (but without being discernably orange OR chocolate!). It's like I'm "treating myself" every time I steep this one. Neither bitter, nor smoky, nor astringent. Simply agreeable, easy-going, and absolutely delightful. I will absolutely be getting a refill the moment my sample size runs dry (which, at the rate I'm going, will be in just 48 hours).
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Apricot
Lightly flavored black tea with a juicy infusion of citrus orange. The nector-like tang can really be felt in the little wave of extra flavor in the aftertaste.
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Hibiscus
Just WOW! With only one sip this became one of my all-time Adagio Top 10 Teas. The black tea base takes the extreme tangy-tart flavor out of the hibiscus flowers, leaving your taste buds with something full and fruity. Best of all, it's never bitter or dry. It's a black tea that almost tastes like a floral one. I will definitely be getting a bigger bag next time I buy.
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Rooibos Lemon Cloud
The ultimate dessert tea. If you have a weakness for lemon-flavored ANYTHING, put this in your cart. Creamy, sweet, tangy, and caffeine-free, you can enjoy it any time of the day. One of my favorite rooibos blends from Adagio.
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Lemon Meringue Green
If you love lemon meringue pie, this is a MUST-TRY! Bright, fluffy, sweet, and tangy. It's perfect for green tea fans, as well as those who are skeptical about green tea's typical earthiness (which is totally absent here). You'll be pleasantly surprised when your sweet tooth craves another sip!
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Berry Blast Iced Tea
The ultimate summer iced tea, with a brilliant red color perfect for celebrating the 4th of July. It's very fruity but not tart or sour. Cooling and refreshing, with that "ahhhh" kind of satisfaction. Highly recommended!
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Honeybush Blueberry Pancake
Just like my mom's homemade pancakes! The blueberry and "cake" flavor is more prominent than the syrup, so the tea isn't overly sweet by default. Add a little brown sugar to invoke a stronger "maple syrup" flavor. Perfectly compliments your breakfast, but I find myself enjoying it any time of day thanks to it being caffeine-free! If you've got a sweet tooth, don't miss this one.
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Citrus Mint Green
While I prefer lemongrass ginger, Citrus Mint Green is a welcome addition to my lemongrass tea collection! Very soothing with orange and citrus notes, and doesn't taste anything like a cough drop, either. A pleasant tea I will no doubt find myself reaching for during the winter months and allergy seasons. Even if you're not a fan of lemongrass, I recommend giving this one a chance. The mint and citrus flavors definitely take center stage.
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Genmai Cha
Simply fascinating. There is no other tea like it, and any serious tea connoisseur owes it to themselves to try it. Earthy and nutty with traces of brown grain residue that will remind you of unsweetened rice crispies (the aftertaste, especially!). This may very well be one of my favorite green teas, and you can't help feel you're expanding your knowledge of culture and cuisine while you enjoy it. Definitely recommended.
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Earl Grey Bella Luna
I'm not the biggest fan of coconut, so the fact that I'm head-over-heels for this tea is a statement (good thing it's a monthly release instead of an annual one!). The bergamot, coconut, black tea, and creme blend together seamlessly with no one flavor overpowering the others. Thoroughly romantic (in the genre use of the word), it will wake you up at the first pinprick of dawn as color fills the sky, or keep you company when the midnight moon hangs in a star-dusted canopy of ebony. Earl Grey fans shouldn't miss it.
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Mango Melange
Enjoyable hot or cold. It's a fruity blend that retains the "steeped" flavor of a tea. Great during the summer afternoons!
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Ginger Lemongrass
One of my absolute favorite teas. Sharp, punchy ginger intermingled with sweet lemongrass for a smooth, soothing blend I can't get enough of.
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Lemongrass Ginger
Perfection! Steep it for 10 minutes and enjoy the perfect blend of lemon zest, sizzling ginger, and sweet licorice. Never bitter, always soothing and calming. Quickly becoming one of my favorite any-time-of-day teas!
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Golden Flower
Smooth like an oolong, but earthy like a matcha tea. It's light in every respect with hints of floral flavor. Not my preferred cup, but very likely be someone else's!
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White Peony
A wonderful introduction to white tea. It's a light tea with a beautiful golden color. A brush of floral gives it a wholesome, holistic taste. Add a little sugar to sweeten it, or sip it hot and undoctored in all its earthiness.
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Blackberry
There's nothing standard about this standalone blackberry tea. This has quickly become my favorite flavor on the market, and enjoying it in its purest form is a delight. It's aromatic, fruity, and filling. The flavorful aroma lingers in the glass long after the final sip. Also high in caffeine, which makes it the perfect cupful to start the day with.
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Blackberry Sage Oolong
Blackberry is quickly becoming my favorite fruit tea. The sage is pronounced (though not overly so) in this one, which may make a difference in whether you like it or not. I love how smoothly his one goes down--the right blend of oolong and herbal. If you're a fan of blackberry teas, give it a try!
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Honeybush Hazelnut
It's like a Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Chocolate in a cup. Very woodsy and nutty with just a hint of sweetness without coming across too strong. The smell is delightful both before and after the steep. A great beverage to enjoy with your favorite cookies or to wind down with in the evening.
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Daydream
Exotic! A blend of strong flavors like orange, peppermint, licorice, and lavender with the peppermint standing out most. It’s a revitalizing blend that puts a punch in your day and pallet. Those who dislike peppermint may find it overbearing. Excellent hot or cold, any time or the day.
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Fruit Medley
Exactly as I hoped: sweet, tangy, fruity, and juicy. It's positively refreshing when enjoyed cold. In fact, I enjoy it chilled so much that I've yet to try it hot! You can't go wrong with this tea. Perfect for a hot summer or for satisfying a sweet tooth. I enjoy it with some brown sugar.
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Samurai Mate
I've never tasted a tea with so many ingredients, nor a tea where so many ingredients blend together so well! Typically, quantity decreases quality, but this is certainly not the case for Samurai Mate. Cinnamon and ginger sizzle on the tip of the tongue, followed by a flood of smooth lemongrass, mingled with green roobios. Fruity mango, papaya, and pineapple round out the feel-good, energizing sip with a sweet tang. So glad I took a chance on this tea! Don't miss it.
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Vanilla Oolong
Smooth, light, and creamy--as all good oolong tea should be--with a gentle surge of vanilla extract lingering in the aftertaste. A calming, comforting tea that will give you that little coax of energy you might be needing in the afternoon. Don't forget your favorite sugar cookies on the side!
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Blood Orange
Sweet, tangy, and rich without being sour, bitter, or pungent. This tea is perfect for a succulent, caffeine-free evening or ideal for icing and sipping during the summer. As a bonus, it also makes a great Halloween tea due to its name and color! If you're a fan of fruit teas, put this one on your list right away.
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Earl Grey Bravo
A straightforward earl grey tea with hints of zesty orange rind. While I prefer Earl Grey Lavender (which is, admittedly, a very strong floral tea), this one is a much tamer alternative that's perfect for lazy afternoons when a you need a bit of a caffeine kick to get through the rest of the day. This one very much strikes me as an "everyday" tea.
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Raspberry
A straightforward, raspberry-flavored tea that's just shy of tart. Tangy and dark without any unnecessary accents. Aficionados of fruity teas will not be disappointed, but those looking for a more complex blend may find Adagio's Raspberry Patch more their "cup of tea."
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Turmeric Bliss
Simply put: I’m pleasantly surprised by this tea. I’m not a fan of sweet potato, but this tea is simply astounding. It’s soothing, calming, and refreshing all at once. Ginger came foremost to my tastebuds but the other flavors blend together to create the perfect evening sip. Highly recommended, especially for the fall season!
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Fiery Cinnamon Spice
Accurately described, this "fiery" tea will sizzle on your tongue and set your taste buds buzzing. It's a highly concentrated, spicy tea with 110% emphasis on the cinnamon sensation. No flowery or fruity accents here. I detract a single star because while the initial flavor kicks into high gear, the lingering taste is a bit thin, as though the strongest flavors of this tea literally zip across your taste buds. Even so, few Adagio teas capture autumn's most stereotypical aura so well.
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Autumn Mist Green
Words escape me as I try to put this flavor into words. It's an entirely new taste I've never experienced in a tea before. The creme brulee flavor definitely carries to the forefront, but the diversity of gunpower, rose, apple, and cinnamon blend together so seamlessly that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, creating something entirely novel. I also noticed that even though I (accidentally) steeped my first serving at 212 degrees, the tea didn't 'burn,' though I imagine steeping at 108 degrees would coax more flavor out of it. Very much worth buying a sample, just to experience its uniqueness. The flavor isn't smokey or bitter in the slightest, but brings to mind the crisp scent of a stale autumn morning.
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Honeybush Banana Nut
Smells, tastes, and even has the visual composition of the banana nut muffins my mom makes. It's a comforting, homey, nostalgic tea that serves as an ideal evening companion alongside a book, a blanket, or a favorite video game. Brew up a cup and inhale the fresh scent of "welcome home after a hard day of work!" Can't recommend this one enough!
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Maple Creme Oolong
A smooth, creamy, straightforward tea that won't leave a bitter or potent taste on your tongue. An ideal breakfast tea, its moderate levels of caffeine keep it from becoming overpowering, and because it lacks the high sugar concentration of actual maple syrup, you can enjoy it without feeling guilt for catering to your sweet tooth. I enjoyed mine most with a sprinkling of brown sugar to complement the toasted, amber-colored flavor.
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Butterscotch
A toasted, dark but mellow, sweet drink somewhere between toffee and caramel. The flavor is straightforward and nostalgic, leading to a satisfying and comfortable sip. Perfect for perking up in the morning with a caffeinated and carbs-free way to satisfy your sugar cravings. I find this tea especially enjoyable during the autumn season, ideal for bringing to mind trick-or-treating, firesides, brisk mornings, and cozy evenings.
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Spiced Apple Chai
I’m not sure I’ve mastered the steep on this tea yet. Although I follow the recommended serving and steep time instructions, the tea so far has come out bitter. There’s a bitter apple flavor with an far-too-subtle hint of chai. I expected the tea to be spicier like an apple cider. Probably would not get it again, as I prefer the Chocolate Chai Pu Reh for my kick of autumn spice. But as always, I am glad for the experience!
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Honeybush Wild Berry
The moment I took my first sip I knew this was a keeper. It had been a long day and I crashed on the couch for an evening of video games. I wanted a warm, non-caffeinated beverage to help me wind down. This tea brought such a rich comfort to my soul. The berries blend seamlessly with the honeybush so that both flavors are present, with the berry slightly more pronounced. Mildly sweet, completely soothing. Highly recommended!
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Chocolate Chai Pu Erh
This tea captures the taste of "evening autumn spice." The mellow chocolate overtones give it the sweetness of a dessert, but the chai elevates it to a harvest-flavored tea. Great for enjoying in the evenings (just watch the high caffeine quantity!) or mornings when your sweet tooth is calling. The instructions recommend two heaping teaspoons per cup, meaning you go through this tea much faster than most. If prepared according to recommended serving size, this tea leaves a spicy kick and sizzle on the tongue. For a milder sensation, I recommend cutting the teaspoon size in half.
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Bonfire
Bonfire is a tea that brings autumn to mind and truly is best enjoyed during the cooler months of the year. Being nearly caffeine free makes it the perfect beverage for a cozy evening after a long day (and in my opinion has a slightly sedative effect). My steep brought the honeybush and clove/peppercorn flavors to the forefront, creating a taste much like the scent of a fragrant but spicy candle shop. Those who find pure lapsang to be overpowering may find a more welcoming and subtle alternative here. This tea truly is an unusual blend of flavors that's worth experience (even if only as a sampler), especially from September - November.
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Thai Chai
A unique tea quite different than any I've tasted before. The coconut isn't overpowering, so even someone like me who passes on coconut-flavored treats finds this tea perfectly agreeable. The most prominent flavor is the lemongrass, with the coconut offering a mild, mellow, smooth complement. Best served with 2 heaping spoonfuls per cup! I also love that it's highly caffeinated (perfect for early mornings) without the black tea taste that comes with most high-caffeine beverages.
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Candy Apple
I first tried this as part of a fall sampler pack and knew it was a must-buy for autumn this year. It's sweet, rich, and fruity with a brush of cinnamon and toasted caramel. Not only does it taste JUST like a candy apple (making it the perfect fall flavor), but it's sweet enough satisfy my sugar cravings. A kick of caffeine also makes it the ideal brew to wake up to during September, October, and November mornings. I enjoy my serving with a sprinkle of crystallized brown sugar to complement the toasted caramel flavor.
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Valentines
Wow! Where to begin? Valentines is the closest tea I've ever tasted to actual chocolate. The flavor brings to mind a sugar-free, dark chocolate-dipped strawberry with just a hint of rose petals. February is, of course, an ideal month to enjoy it (and it's so good I'm tempted to limit it to JUST that month as a special treat). However, it also makes an excellent morning and afternoon tea year-round, due to its high caffeine concentration. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth! I enjoy it with brown sugar.
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Lapsang Souchong
A smoky tea that tastes and smells just like a campfire. Lots of caffeine in this one, so it's perfect for when you need a boost in your day. Tastes great on the tongue and leaves a smokey, but not astringent, aftertaste in the mouth. One of my all-time favorite teas, simply for its unique flavor and scent. Absolutely worth trying for the experience. If you love it, you'll be back for more!
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Earl Grey Lavender
This is my go-to tea whenever I want to feel both invigorated and relaxed early in the morning. And, for similar reasons, it makes an ideal afternoon and weekend tea, especially on a rainy day. The lavender scent rivals any candle, and the taste is flowery and bright without being sugary (note, though, that it has a nearly overpowering floral flare). Earl grey fans absolutely must try it. Perfect for springtime (or anytime, really!)
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Summer Rose
My go-to tea! It's rich, aromatic, and floral, but somehow not 'dark' like the Valentines Tea (which contains many of the same ingredients). Whenever I need a pep in my step, I boil up a cup. It provides the perfect dose of caffeine without being overbearing. Making a cup in the morning ensures my kitchen (and later my office) smells rosey (no pun intended). A feast for the senses! If you've never tried Summer Rose, it's a great tea all year round--not just the hottest time of the year.