Apr 04
James’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "A not unpleasant spice-cake aroma here, but the quality of the tea used in this blend leaves you disappointed."
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This is a disappointing tea. Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of Celestial Seasonings. Although one of the best of the ‘cheap, store bought' brands, I have found their teas to be consistently weak. However, some very good reviews of this particular tea, or at least its historical version, made me really want to try it. To be honest, I secretly wish I could find a Celestial Seasoning tea that I love.To be fair, this tea is much better than teas that have disappointed me less. The problem is that it promises so much more and has such incredible potential. I love black teas and subtle spices are always a welcome addition. Every tea company makes a cinnamon and/or ginger spiced tea; it is one of the most common variations, and to be honest, most of them run together as far as taste is concerned. But Fast Lane has one of the most unique and delightful tastes I have come across...as far as the spices go.
The tea brews lighter than you would normally expect from a high caffeine blend..that should have been my first clue to the problem. The aroma is very nice. It is clearly cinnamon, but with something more. Very hard to describe, except that I would agree with Cindy's description of a bakery, or as Stephen says ‘spice-cake'. It is a lovely aroma that continues through ...œ for the most part ...œ to the taste. Once again the spice-cake taste is strong, but not overpowering. Even without sugar, this tea has a sweetness that complements the spice. Sounds like I loved it, doesn't it?
The problem is with the tea! This cup is like putting a Rolls Royce interior into a Ford Focus. The wonderful combination of spices is wasted on a weak, low quality tea. I have become use to high quality black breakfast teas. If Celestial Seasonings would make this tea with high quality leaves ...œ preferably as loose leaf ...œ and charge a premium, I would probably make it my regular everyday tea. Celestial Seasonings' Fast Lane has the most unrealized potential of any tea I have tried so far. Disappointing? Maybe frustrating would be a better description. It is a good tea, but should be so much more.
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April 11th, 2008 at 5:32 am
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September 11th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I discovered Fast Lane while touring the Celestial Seasonings plant in Boulder CO. After growing weary of coffee, latte, espresso and the like, I thought this would be a great alternative to coffee products. And boy, was I right. The combination of tea and flavorings, plus the boost of extra caffeine is just what I need to get the day started. I has certainly moved to the top of my favorite teas list and I buy it online from the factory as often as I can. It was discontinued for a while, but an outpouring of pleas from very happy customers brought it back. That says a lot for this product.
My Rating:
9/10
April 11th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Excellent flavor and the best thing for a sleepy day next to Red Bull!
My Rating:
10/10