Tea Review: Lost Pines Part 2

Lost Pines Yaupon Dark Roast

Kaya'aton'my', Melody, both

Hi! I wanted to try the dark roast yaupon tea from Lost Pines.

Melody is going to help with this one too. 

We're going to try a different brewing method with this one. There is hot water in the green tea pot getting it warm. Xyra saw Lady Maree do this during one of their visits.

The kettle is on too. So while we wait for the kettle to boil let's take a look at the tea. Hmmm, I love the way this looks like leaf confetti!

We're making confetti tea. (giggling)

(Kettle is steaming) 

I'll pour out the priming water.

This time let's stick a bit closer to the instructions. I'm going to add in 1 1/2 teaspoons of leaves.

Sounds good. The new water is poured over the leaves.

Timer is set for 4 minutes.

Do you think that is enough?

The instructions say 2 - 10 minutes. It's a little less than the maximum, but the same as many other tea blends.

Okay. Got it.

(Time passes...timer beeps)

Done!

Looks really nice. 

Smells good too.

The cups are ready like last time. One with lemon, one with sugar in the raw and a bit of milk, another with cinnamon and a bit of honey. Let's pour.

We should try it plain first.

True. 

Plain

Mmm, light. Just a bit of natural sweetness. Yeah, I like this plain.

Yeah, it has character; not over aggressive. Very nice.

Lemon

You know, last time I think we had too much lemon. So I put in less this time and I still don't quite like it.

I see what you mean. The lemon is just too much. I still think this way would be best over ice.

Honey and Cinnamon

The cinnamon is good, but the honey is overpowering.

How much did you put in?
Not a lot.

(giggling) We have cinna-sludge again. But it's good. I agree the honey is a bit much.

Sugar and Milk

The milk and sugar combination is nice. Smooth and warm and maybe a bit nutty.

Very comfortable.. Definitely my favorite way today.

Pour More

You know it's been about 10 minutes now. I wonder what the yaupon dark roast looks like now.

Oooo, a lot darker. Let's try it.

Of course! Just plain though.

Sure.

Wow! This is a lot richer than our previous cup.

Yeah! Bold...in a good way.

So the dark roast should have the longer steep time.

Definitely.

Which do you like better, the light or dark roast?

I can't decide. They are both really good, but I think I'm leaning toward the light roast better.

I like the dark with the longer steeping time.

Xyra's Notes

• As noted in part 1, we received samples of the light and dark roast in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and words are our own.  If we didn't like it, you'd find a "blech" or something similar somewhere.  :) 
• If you like your tea weak (say you get more than 2 cups from one normal tea bag), then the 4 minute steep time is perfect for that. If you prefer a stronger cup, let is sit closer to 10 minutes. You can't over steep this tea since it doesn't have the same tannins to get bitter.
• I tried re-steeping what we used for the initial tasting and even after 10 minutes it was not very strong, so I don't suggest re-steeping the dark roast if you maximize your first cup.
• The third time I tried the dark roast was through the coffee maker (like in part 1). I LOVE that you can brew yaupon tea this way! So easy for morning rush. It proved a full flavor cup.
• Very good with or without cinnamon and plain (if you like unsweetened tea).
• It's tasty cold.
• If you are not a fan of green tea, go with the dark roast. Adding milk changes it to a creamy tan. :)

Happy sipping!

#LostPinesYauponTea

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with american Girl or Lost Pines Yaupon Tea.  As stated above, we received samples of the tea in exchange for an honest review. The above tasting review is comprised or our own thoughts and opinions and words. Links are provided for educational and informative purposes. No purchase is required or suggested to enjoy the post. Should you be inspired to learn more or to try the tea for yourself, the links will help point you in the right direction.