I’ve started to realize that tea deserves a similar appreciate to that which I give to coffee. It’s diverse, flavorful, and is going through a revolution akin to the one that specialty coffee has experienced in the last fifteen years. Don’t hear me wrong, my deep, cultish love for coffee is not under threat, but tea is making its way up the ladder of things I appreciate on a deeper level.

The good people at Curious Tea generously offered to allow me to try a few of the teas they’ve offered in their monthly subscription in 2015. Their gift package included two high-end offerings: Formosa Jade Oolong, and Yunnan Golden Tip. These are no Lipton dust bags. These are carefully grown and processed leaves of wonder.

My ability to taste tea is considerably under-developed, but I’ve done the best I can for you. Here are my thoughts on Curious Tea’s incredible gift:

Formosa Jade Oolong

This Taiwan oolong was very fruity compared to some of the more floral oolongs I’ve tasted. I was picking up stone fruit notes throughout the entire cup, particularly mellow apricot. The leaves were tightly rolled as they ought to be, but unfurled throughout the steeping to reveal large leaves.

I only put this tea through two infusions, but I am very confident that it could last five or six before becoming weak! I could drink this all day long.

Yunnan Gold Tip

This Chinese black tea boasts a large number of golden tip buds, a sure sign of a high quality tea. The flavor profile of this tea is dramatically different than the profile of the oolong. This tea is far more dark and earthy. I can taste a fair amount of malt with a nice caramel finish.

I could easily see this tea being a great segue into tea for coffee drinkers. All in all, another fantastic tea!

Obviously, You Need Tea

This is real tea. This is good tea. This is tea worth trying. Whether you’re the poster-child for Texas iced tea, a cult-follower of chai lattes, or a violent opponent of tea in general, set all ideas you have about what tea should be and taste like aside, and buy yourself some quality loose leaf tea.

If you hate it, I understand. But I don’t think you will.

With a variety of options concerning amount of tea and tea style, Curious Tea is absolutely worth considering as your monthly loose leaf supplier of choice!