The season of fall is upon us. You can smell the crispness in the morning, the leaves are beginning to change and the air is chilly and begs for a delicious cup of hot tea. So let’s look at some great fall teas. Here is Fall Tea Tastings – a review of 4 great teas.
I took a trip to one of my favorite tea shops, the New Mexico Tea Company.
You may remember, the New Mexico Tea Company has a great selection as well as these amazing tea illustrations on their packages. Prior to social distancing, you could browse the teas, smell and see each blend. However, at this time, I could only go into a vestibule where all the teas were listed in a catalog. Maybe not the same, but I walked away with an arm full of new teas to try. I did miss being able to smell and view the teas, but it obviously didn’t hinder my purchases.
I will be writing about four teas:
- Earl Grey Rooibos
- Dutch Licorice Rooibos
- Masala Spice Mix
- Pumpkin Spice
So as before, in this tasting, I followed the same process that I have shared outlined in Tea Tastings for the Daily Enthusiast.
I first viewed the loose leaf tea and smelled it. Then prepared a small pot, using one scoop (1 tablespoon) of tea to steep. My water was boiled to 212 degrees and I steeped as according to the recommendation and on the lower end of the range. I poured a cup to look at the brew, smelled it and then tasted it, progressing through any sweetening or milk.
Here are my observations and comments. These are only my opinion and others may have a completely different response to tasting these teas, which is absolutely the fun of this. A time when it really is all about you!
A note on Rooibos Teas
Before we get started, a little note on Rooibos. I enjoy Rooibos teas quite a bit. They are naturally decaffeinated, steep easily and produce a gorgeous rust brew. Rooibos is a member of the legume family of plants and is used to make a tisane (herbal tea). Commonly called african red tea, the product has been popular in South Africa for generations and is now consumed in many countries.
Earl Grey Rooibos
I am not a big fan of Earl Grey, as a black tea. I feel like it is a classic and that I should be. So I am constantly trying different blends and variations to see if I can find one that I enjoy. So seeing the Earl Grey Rooibos, I instantly wanted to give it a try. Like all Earl Grey teas, this tea is flavored with all natural Bergamot oil. Named after the 3rd Earl of Grey, this is one of many Earl Grey blends and reflects the South African flavors of Rooibos. The loose lea is very fragrant and is gorgeous.
Steeping and Serving
I steeped this tea for 5 minutes, the low end of the 5-7 minutes recommendations. The steep was very fragrant and revealed that classic Rooibos dark color. This is a great Earl Grey blend and I would drink this black, without any milk or sugar. Though still not a favorite, I did enjoy the tasting. I will be using this tea in some future baking – Earl Grey Shortbreads.
Dutch Licorice Rooibos
I love black licorice and I love Rooibos. So seeing this combination, I was excited to try this tea. This tea contains Rooibos, sunflower petals, anise, and natural flavors. The smell of the loose leaf doesn’t have an overpowering smell of licorice and in fact the tea, once steeped doesn’t as well. But in tasting, there is this gentle flavor of anise that sits delicately on your tongue and you realize its licorice.
Steeping and Serving
I steeped this tea for 5 minutes, which is the low end of the Rooibos recommendations (5-7 minutes). The brew is a light golden amber with the classic Rooibos color and is smooth to taste. I would definitely drink this tea again, maybe with a little sugar. No milk as it masked the flavor of the anise.
Masala Spice Mix
Not an expert on heavy spiced teas or Chai, I was anxious to try this blend. This is Masala Spice Mix. Masala meaning any of a number of spice mixtures ground into a paste or powder for use in Indian cooking. This is a hearty blend of spices. This particular blend is considered herbal and caffeine free. It contains ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, clove and pepper. The loose leaf tea is gorgeous and you can easily see all the different spices and the pepper. When you smell this tea, it has a strong and pungent smell, highlighting the clove and the pepper. It is similar to Chai blends and in fact uses some of the same spices. As you smell this tea, you can imagine the arid environment of its history.
Steeping and Serving
As with the other teas, I steeped this for 5 minutes, though the recommendation is actually to simmer in water for 7 minutes. I found the brew to be light amber but strong in flavor. The pepper really came through. I would drink this with milk, sugar or preferably honey – it would bring out the richness of this tea and make it tremendously satisfying. This can be a strong tea and depending on your tastes, you will want to brew accordingly. Interestingly, I am also going to use this tea for some cooking and in particular with meats.
Pumpkin Spice
A fall tasting could not go without some kind of Pumpkin Spice tea and this one was no exception. I love all the spices of the fall and this tea did not disappoint. I also tried several other blends of Pumpkin Spice from different purveyors, but the one from New Mexico Tea Company was my favorite. This is a black tea with ginger root, cinnamon, cardamom, marigold petals and natural vanilla flavor. In its loose leaf form, it is the classic smell of autumn and is just beautiful.
Steeping and Serving
I steeped this tea for 4 minutes. For me, steeping the full 5 minutes had a bitter taste. The brew was a beautiful dark amber color and had an amazing smell reflecting the spices. I enjoyed this tea black with a little sugar (or not). Milk was fine to add but I didn’t want to mask the pumpkin spices. This was a favorite of mine for sure.
Another great tasting done with so many other teas to explore. With over 20,000 tea varieties in the world, there are tastings forever! Give it a try – you will enjoy the broad horizons of tea, in any form (I have hinted at some additional fun with tea in baking and cooking). While you are doing your tea tasting, grab a friend and remember to enjoy the experience and………….welcome to fall
Check out Teas The Season’s previous posts on tea tastings – Tea Tastings -An Adventure in Teas and Tea Tastings 2 – The Adventure Continues
61 Comments
Barbara
Great information. Love your settings and honest comments. I need a tea party
fix and this would be great fun to do with just a few friends. Great way to start off
fall. Hope that you will review more teas.
Beth
Hi Barbara – Thanks so much for your comment and very glad that you enjoyed the post. With 20,000+ teas, I am sure that I will be reviewing more teas. Already thinking of the ones I want to sample next! Hope you get your tea party fix soon – I am there with you.
Laurie Janssen
I love the color combinations you present for Fall teas! And your descriptions make me want to brew some tea. thanks, L
Beth
Hi Laurie – Thanks so much for your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post. I was very pleased with the colors and the teas. It was a fun post to write. Thanks!
Alyssa
Lots of wonderful teas! Your pumpkin spice set it’s so cute!
Beth
Hi Alyssa – Thanks for your comment. It was a fun tasting for sure and putting the settings together was great. The backgrounds are actually pashminas I have, so it just seemed to fit. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Tiffany Smith
The Dutch Licorice sounds interesting! With the cooler weather I find myself drinking tea almost all day now…lol
Beth
Hi Tiffany – Yes, the Licorice was interesting. I am going to try their Licorice Black tea soon. I am a big fan of black licorice. I drink tea daily for the most part – regardless of the season. Ha! Glad that you enjoyed the post and thank you for your comment.
Siobhan
YUM! These sound delicious, and I’m a sucker for anything seasonal haha
Beth
Hi Siobhan – This was a fun tasting for sure. Thank you for your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post.
Debbie
Well this made me get up and start steeping some tea. Lol Excellent!
Beth
Hi Debbie – I am so glad. Your comment made me smile. Thank you your comment and glad that you decided to steep some tea!
Maggie | leavemetodream.com
I could dream (!) about the elegant times taking place when all the photos were taken for your excellent blog! 😉
Beth
Hi Maggie – Thank you so much for your comment. How sweet for sure. Well you just affirmed that it helped take you where I wanted you to go – somewhere you could dream – perfect seeing your website name. This was a fun post to do. Glad that you enjoyed it.
Elaina
Great information on these, I love tea so much. I especially go for the interview brews.
Beth
Hi Elaina – Not sure what an “interview brew” is but glad that you enjoyed it! Thanks for your comment. I love tea so much as well.
Lisa Manderino
I love the fall smells and taste. Pumpkin is my favorite.
Beth
Hi Lisa – Yes I absolutely love the fall smells and tastes also. So brewing the pumpkin spice was delightful. Tasting just as much. Glad that you enjoyed the post and thank you for your comment.
Jordan
Thank you for sharing. I would definitely want to try the Masala blend.
Beth
Hi Jordan – Thanks for your comment. It was a very intense tea. I did enjoy it and imagine if you did do the 7 minutes simmer, it would be amazing with milk and honey. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Megan
What a fun tasting! I definitely need to get some pumpkin spice tea!
Beth
Hi Megan – Thanks for your comment and glad you enjoyed the post. Yes it was a lot of fun and gave me some new favorites!
Sydney Delong
I love your reviews! These teas look so good, and that Pumpkin Spice one looks interesting!
Beth
Hi Sydney – Thanks so much. I am very glad that you enjoy them – I enjoy doing them. Well, the pumpkin spice is definitely one of my favorites and not in a latte or anything, just by itself. Its the season! Give it a try and enjoy. Thanks for you comment.
Jill DeMasi
The licorice and pumpkin spice teas sound delightful!
Beth
Hi Jill – Well the Licorice was fun and a new one for me. I have been a pumpkin spice fan for some time – tried several and the blends are each a little different. Glad that you enjoyed the post and thank you for your comment.
Kristin
I went to South Africa a few years ago and brought home quite a lot of Rooibos tea & natural products made out of Rooibos tea. I loved it! I enjoyed reading these reviews because of my experience.
Beth
Hi Kristin – Thank you so much for sharing your experience. How exciting to be able to do that and yes, you would have a special connection with this particular post. I enjoy Rooibos teas…well honestly, I enjoy all teas. But am particular to Rooibos. So glad that you enjoyed the post and thank you for your comment.
Maya
Love the masala chai’s and your beautiful tea sets. Feel the need for a lil tea party this fall now after reading your wonderful post!
Beth
Hi Maya – Well thank you so much. You made my day for sure – I like to have the settings just for that very reason. Glad that you enjoyed the post and thank you for your comment. I feel the need for a tea party as well!
Ashley Pacheco
I love Rooibos and Earl Grey teas. I haven’t heard of this tea company before, I’ll have to get some!
Beth
Hi Ashley – Please visit their website. The store front is unassuming, they do have an online presence, but are very knowledgeable about teas – all types and blends. And I am in love with their product illustrations. I think they are soooo amazing. Glad you enjoy the Rooibos teas….not everyone does. Thanks so much for your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post.
Chelsea
Great idea to do a fall tea tastings review. I think I’d love the pumpkin spice tea because I enjoy black tea and all of the spices you listed. Yum!
Beth
Hi Chelsea – Well I love a tea tasting any time but fall is my favorite and like you, pumpkin spice is delicious. Glad that you enjoyed the post and thank you for your comment.
Kristina
These sound wonderful and I love the variety of beautiful teacups!
Beth
Hi Kristina – Thank you so much for your comments. It was a very fun tasting and also fun to put the settings together. Glad that you enjoyed the post.
Suz
Beth! The New Mexico Tea Co. is in my neighborhood in Albuquerque! Mind blown! Are you here too??
BTW, I do like Earl Grey – but it’s true, it’s a very distinctive flavor.
Beth
Hi Suz – Yes….right here in Albuquerque. The New Mexico Tea Company is a great tea shop – hope you have had a chance to visit. Well I haven’t given up on Earl Grey just quite yet – I did have a Chocolate Earl Grey from NMTC that was delicious. So glad you enjoyed the post, glad to have “blown your mind!” Haha. Thanks for your comment.
Barbara
There is a great place in my hometown that also has a really interesting unique display of teas of all flavors, types, and blends that I LOVE to explore and try! It makes me happy to try new interesting flavors!
Beth
Hi Barbara – Yes, it makes me happy as well. I will be going back for sure! So glad that you have that available in your hometown. Glad that you enjoyed the post and thanks for your comment.
Tiffany
Love learning about ways to steep the teas and all the flavors.
Beth
Hi Tiffany – So glad that you enjoyed the post. These teas were fun because I had to make sure the correct steeping time was used. Thanks for your comment.
Marianne
You had me at pumpkin spice! LOL… I would definitely try the Masala tea as well, since my absolute favourite tea is Indian Chai (A good friend of mine growing up was East Indian, and her mom actually taught me to make it homemade). Oh… I also wanted to mention that I absolutely LOVE that tea cup in your title photo!
Beth
Hi Marianne – Thank you so much for your comment. Made me smile that you had homemade Indian Chai – I bet it was amazing. So I have collected a few cups with fall themes or leaves. This was a favorite of mine. The cozy was designed by my sister who owns BiltonCottage Cozies. Glad that you enjoyed the post and thank you for sharing your memory.
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life
The pumpkin spice looks tasty!
Beth
Hi Suzan – It was very tasty. But I had to try several different blends from different stores and adjust the steeping before it was just right for my taste. That’s the beauty of tea – you can adjust it individually! Will likely make a pot today! Thanks for our comment.
Holly
The pumpkin spice sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing this great New Mexico company!
Beth
Hi Holly – Glad that you enjoyed the post. It is – but had to try several different blends to get this one right. Yes, the New Mexico Tea Company is amazing. Fills my cup when I go shopping in there. Thanks for your comment.
Linda M Purcell
What a lovely post. Great review of what sounds like interesting teas. I can’t wait to try them.
Beth
Hi Linda – Thank you so much for your comment. Really makes my day. Yes – please do try them. I have continue to enjoy them for sure! Glad that you enjoyed the post.
Carolyn
I feel the same way about Earl Grey tea that you do, and I always have it in the cupboard because my aunt loves it. I will have to give the Earl Grey Rooibos a try. Perhaps she will enjoy it, too.
Beth
Hi Carolyn – So glad to hear that someone else is of the same perspective on Early Grey. I have a Chocolate Earl Grey that is not bad and have used it in my afternoon teas for the sweet portion. But just a straight cup, I have a hard time with. Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for your comments and I am feeling better about embracing the 20,000 teas! Ha.
Denise
What a great and very intriguing way to write about teas, I admit I’m not very knowledgeable on it at all. Other than putting a bag in a cup of water but the way you describe it makes me feel like I’m in that century where tea time was beautiful. I loved it! Thank you for sharing Beth 💜
Beth
Hi Denise – That was such a sweet compliment and welcome to Teas The Season – that’s what its about. And to have fun with it. I appreciate you feeling that it. Glad that you enjoyed the post and thank you for your comment! Enjoy that cup of tea.
Cindy Mailhot
The pumpkin spice looks great!
Beth
Hi Cindy – Yes, the pumpkin spice is great. I actually had a pot yesterday and it didn’t disappoint. So glad that you enjoyed the post and thank you for your comment.
Melissa Jones
What great ideas! I never thought about all the varieties of tea available!!
Beth
Hi Melissa – Yes, its amazing. Over 20,000 varieties – that’s pretty impressive and pretty sure I won’t get to that many! Glad you enjoyed the post and thank you for your comment. Enjoy!
Cindy Moore
I’m excited to check out this tea company! I want to try the masala and pumpkin spice teas!
Beth
Hi Cindy – Let me know what you think. I am delighted you enjoyed it.
Beth
Hi Cindy – Yes, these teas were amazing. Thanks for your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post. I wish that you would be able to step inside their tea selection room – all the canisters illustrated – its just fun. But ordering from their catalog or online will have to do for now. One of my absolute favorites from them is Monk’s Grenadine. A black tea with slight vanilla and grenadine taste. Let me know how you like the tea!