Sep 17
Review: TeaGschwendner Bossa Nova
Hazelnut Tea, Oolong Tea, TeaGschwendner, Vanilla Tea Add commentsLaura’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "It has an AMAZING hazelnut flavor that is complemented by what I am guessing is a fairly nutty oolong."
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"Creamy hazelnut and vanilla give warm rhythm to this customer favorite." --- TeaGschwendner website.So lately I am all about hazelnut and seem to buy everything in hazelnut flavor though interestingly I have never actually eaten a hazelnut---at least that I can think of. Although now that I think of it, one might have been slipped into a candy bar along the way...? I digress. Back to the matter at hand. I actually bought some of this awhile back from a local TeaGschwendner product carrier called The Tea Haus in Ann Arbor, MI. I have had mixed experiences with the product so I thought I would go ahead and review it so as to share my recommendations regarding this product as when properly prepared, it is a pretty decent cup. When not properly prepared, not so much.
First of all, forget what you know about oolong preparation and follow the instructions given by TeaGschwendner, which are boiling water and a 2 minute infusion. Also, NO sugar. Seriously, if you must add sugar, then wait to add it until after you have tasted it and add less than you think you need. My experience is that that flavor does not develop properly when steeped according to any other brewing parameters and that this is one of those blends that gets this fake taste to it when sugar is added and especially too much sugar. I think the little hazelnut brittle pieces provide enough sweetness to make this work and without that fake taste.
When properly prepared, the cup is actually pretty decent. It has an AMAZING hazelnut flavor that is complemented by what I am guessing is a fairly nutty oolong. Unless I am crazy (which is entirely possible) the oolong seems to have a bit of smokiness to it that I have trouble deciding if it works well with the flavors used here. This oolong doesn't strike me as being of super high quality but, then again, why waste super good oolong on a flavored oolong blend? I personally think that TeaGschwendner should have done this flavor profile and paired it with a nice black tea base.
Overall, I like this blend, but it has never turned into one of those that I find myself reaching for on a consistent basis despite it's presence in my tea cabinet for some time now. However, if hazelnut is one of those flavors that you love, then you should give this consideration.
— To purchase TeaGschwendner Bossa Nova, or for more specific information on ingredients or the story behind this particular blend, click here to go directly to the manufacturer's web site.
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