Candy Cane Lane by Celestial Seasonings

Seller's Description: "This delectable holiday blend starts with naturally decaffeinated green tea and adds unmistakable seasonal flavors like cool peppermint, creamy vanilla and a dash of cinnamon."
Ingredients: Peppermint, decaffeinated green tea, orange peel, natural vanilla and mint flavors with other natural flavors, cinnamon, milk thistle, blackberry leaves, roasted carob, roasted chicory and vanilla bean.
Website: Candy Cane Lane by Celestial Seasonings

Sample source: Provided

Teaware: 32oz porcelain teapot
Measured dry: 4 sachets
Water Temperature: 212º F
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 2 tablespoons of raw sugar

I've been playing with a lot of somewhat finicky, caffeine-laden teas lately, so this lovely cup was a wonderful change. After a long day in the classroom, I made up a full pot. It's steaming, sweet simplicity lasted me through a couple seams, some writing, and then a bit of weaving. Add some cozy clothes and a quartet of twinkling candles in recycled glass and it was just a delightfully relaxing evening.

Now even though this is a decaffeinated green tea, it tastes like a peppermint herbal. I actually can't taste the green tea at all; There aren't any vegetal notes and it leaves my mouth feeling like I've just finished an after-dinner mint. It's a creamy, minty flavor that definitely lingers.

I think I'm going to need to do this again!

Prominent Notes: Peppermint

Aftertaste: Creamy mint
Overall: A straightforward cup for a lazy evening

Earl Grey Decaf by Mighty Leaf

Seller Description: "Perfection of a classic, minus the caffeine. Gold tips of rich black tea leaves blended with a twist of deep, first-press bergamot oil."

Directions: "Brew time 4 minutes."
Website: MightyLeaf.com

Teaware: 16oz glass mug with lid (filled halfway)
Measured dry: 1 tea sachet
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 1 tablespoon of raw sugar

This takes the Earl Grey experience into a whole new time slot! Before this, the Battle of the Earl Greys bas been a whirlwind of morning or sometimes early afternoon teas which have left me wound up well into the night and early morning. It was a delightful break to sit back and enjoy this tea without having to worry about the clock.

And I really did enjoy it. It tastes very similar to their regular, caffeinated Earl Grey; sweeter than the sugar alone, this is smooth and eminently sippable. For a decaf tea, I was surprised how much of the usual Earl Grey experience it provided. You get the same smell, a very similar flavor, and a kick of astringency that's low but definitely present.


Now, when it comes to the Battle of the Earl Greys, I am looking for a morning friendly caffeinated tea with the wherewithal to kick my sleepy tail into motion... but this fits a completely difference niche. I have to cut myself off from all caffeine after noon, otherwise I will spend the evening bouncing off the walls, unable to sleep that night. This would allow me to continue to enjoy the flavor of an Earl Grey at school during the afternoon.

Prominent Notes: Bergamot oil with a twist of black tea

Aftertaste: Black tea with an astringent chaser

Overall: A nice way to enjoy an Earl Grey after dark... or even after noon!