Over the years I've reviewed a number of blends from 52Teas, the idea behind the company is truly unique, so it's a company that immediately caught my attention. They create small-batch limited edition blended teas and release a new flavor each week. A simple premise, but unfortunately in past years the quality of the teas didn't quite live up to the cool idea behind the company. Eventually I stopped placing orders—until recently that is.
Last summer Frank Horbelt, the original mad-genius behind 52Teas sold his company so he could focus on his line of organic iced teas—Southern Boy Teas. I've been following the progress the new owners (Anne and Amethyst) have made as they've taken over for Frank, including their two successful Kickstarter campaigns. I'm excited to see how the company has evolved and the changes they've made along the way. Many of the issues that made me stop placing orders have been addressed. The website has gotten a much-needed facelift, the packaging now includes detailed brewing instructions, and the teas are now made with higher quality, mostly-organic, vegan friendly, allergen-free ingredients.
When Anne reached out to me a few weeks ago offered to send me a sample of one of the newly launched blends I couldn't wait to share it with you. I'm here to tell you that these ladies have done a fabulous job in maintaining Frank's original vision for 52Teas while at the same time taking the idea to a whole new level. All of the newly released blends sound amazing and I found it nearly impossible to choose only one when faced with choices like Snickerdoodle - Reimagined, Hot Buttered Banana Bread, and Blackberries & Cream Shou Mei. It was a tough decision, but I finally landed on Apple Mint Cardamom Green Tea.
This was one of the blends featured in September, but I feel like it's the perfect tea to bridge the flavors between fall and winter. The combination of spearmint and peppermint is refreshing and doesn't overpower the tartness of the apple or the warmth from the cardamom. There is a delicate balance to these flavors. It isn't a flavor combination I would have thought of, but the apple, mint, and cardamom pair together beautifully—leaving me wanting for nothing. It's a truly remarkable blend and I can't wait to see where 52Teas goes from here.
My Rating: 86/100
Would I order this again? Absolutely. If you're not quite ready to let go of fall flavors to fully embrace all things peppermint, this is the perfect blend to help you on your way.
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Additional Information
Tea Description
Since autumn officially starts this week, I wanted something a little bit autumn-y to welcome in my favorite season of the year. For me, no fruit says "September" more eloquently than the apple. (And the Honeycrisp Apples are delicious this year! Just sayin'!) I wanted to jazz up the apple by adding the cool notes of spearmint, the crisp notes of peppermint and a hint of warmth from cardamom. Then I blended these flavors into my special blend of organic Chinese teas (Chun Mee & Gunpowder).
The result is a cuppa yum!
All Organic Ingredients: Green Teas, Dried Apple Bits, Spearmint, Peppermint, Cardamom & All-Natural Flavors.
Suggested Brewing Tips
Serving Size: 1 rounded teaspoon per 8oz serving
Water Temp: 175°F
Steep Time: 2 minutes
Disclosure
In an effort to be open with my readers I want to let you know that this sample was provided to me free of charge by 52Teas . As always, all opinions are my own.