To Life (Teavana)

I’ve been impressed with several blends from Teavana recently. They have done a bang-up job on a couple teas’ they’ve sent to me, but they haven’t overcome my initial impressions. Will this To Life™ white tea blend from Teavana finally put them in the “plus category?”

The loose concoction I was presented with appears rather prototypical of Teavana blends. There’s lots going on. As I’ve mentioned in the past, this isn’t my preference for teas. But, they’ve had good results on a couple teas I’ve tried.

Primarily I can make out nice large white tea buds, Jasmine green tea pearls, cornflower petals and green rooibos needles. There’s more there, but those are the highlights. The aroma is somewhat fruity (guava and passion fruit) and somewhat floral (jasmine).

The liquor brews to a stunningly beautiful orange gold color. The aroma from the loose material migrates more to the fruity side than the floral side. The aroma from the liquor is much more subtle, but has similar trends.

The flavor is much more astringent than the smooth aroma eludes to. I figured this for a creamier tea based on the aroma, though the ingredients should have pointed to a more puckery assertion. I guess you can blame that one on me. The fruity overtones start the flavor profile while the floral notes combine for the finish and an unusually long tail.

Overall, this tea didn’t change my perspective on Teavana’s products. I still find them a bit hit or miss. I was disappointed by this blend, but can understand why some people will enjoy it.

Fans of floral teas and complex blends will enjoy this tea more than fans of fruit teas or more orthodox purists.