Melbourne Breakfast

The geniuses at T2 have very smartly designed a range of blended teas for several of the Australia State capitals!

Since I am off to Melbourne next weekend, I thought to get into the spirit, that I would try the Melbourne Breakfast tea.

The bag describes it as full-bodied with a touch of vanilla. I do love vanilla in tea.

I decided to brew it nice and long and add milk. Vanilla tea with milk is almost as good as dessert. Actually…sometimes it’s better.

The aroma is milky and nutty. It is like rice pudding with vanilla. Smooth and tasty and reminds me of being a kid. My Mum used to make rice pudding for dessert sometimes.

It tastes delicious. Very vanilla-ery, full-bodied and comforting. It was not as sweet as some of the vanilla teas you get, which made me like it even more. The finish was almost a little spicy although I couldn’t put my finger on the taste. Maybe a little like nutmeg.

It was make a perfect after dinner tea in place of dessert or on a cloudy morning as a comfort. Or even when you are feeling down and just want to hug a teddy bear. I think I feel like this because the tea really reminded me of the taste of childhood.

I can’t say I think it tasted like Melbourne but I suppose since I went to boarding school in Melbourne maybe it is a bit reminiscent of my childhood in that way. Regardless, it was absolutely delicious and I’m looking forward to regressing back there with my next cup!

Stockholm Syndrome

Ok, so I know that Stockholm Syndrome traditionally relates to a person becoming enamoured of their captor due to lengthy captivity but I don't see why the same thing doesn't relate to the fantastic Stockholm Blend at The Tea Centre.

It was Friday afternoon and after a heavy week, my boss had allowed the team to head off home at 3pm.  My problem:  I had left my keys at home so I had to wait until my fiance arrived home to let me in.

Anyway, I decided to spend the afternoon at The Tea Centre with a pot of Stockholm Blend.  It is a blend of black tea, orange peel, safflower, calendula blossom, rose petals, vanilla pieces and apricot.  It smells spicy and strongly of vanilla and apricots.

It tastes smooth, without a hint of bitterness despite the orange peel.  It is fruity, the same way you might describe in a red wine.

Yes, I did fall for my captor, if you count a divine black tea blend.  Well, it was rather captivating!