#tbydaniel

I really need to talk about this tea now. 

I had the pleasure of meeting THE Daniel of 'T by Daniel' at the Toronto International Tea Festival in January. After having my emotions toyed with by a sample of a dreamy concoction that upon drinking, was informed that they only serve in his Brampton based store, (going to have to visit Brampton) I grabbed myself a bag of this flavored white tea that piqued my curiosity. This is that tea. Vanilla Coco Loco.

I chose this for its smell alone, Vanilla and coconut in a white tea made me curious. Would the flavors leave the tea behind? Could a delicate white tea really stand up to such flavors and aromas?

Yes...yes it could.

I love how the mallow flower gives the coconut a thicker, more chocolaty flavor without masking the tea and the hint of rose seems to dull the heavier vanilla notes. Such balance! Go Daniel!

I decided to use my kyusu teapot set from The Tea Emporium. I love this pot so much!

170F water (I will cover water quality in a post very soon)

2TSP of loose tea (you can use more if you desire a stronger flavor. When is doubt...2-3TSP is a safe amount)

3-4MIN steep. I got 3 steeps out of this and added a little bloop of honey to spruce up the last pot.

Nose says: Full, thick and so chocolaty! The little hint of rose adds a delicate finish. This tea smells like vacation, vacation on a lace hammock!

My Mouth is all: So much balance. Coconut and vanilla create the feel of chocolate while the mallow flower and rose mix with the flavor of the white tea to really round out the subtle astringency.