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Okay, people, I have a dangerously large amount of snacks in my house right now…

The husband and I went to Costco over the weekend, mostly to stock up on pantry staples like chicken stock, canned tomatoes, pasta, et cetera. But of course, they had a big section of holiday snacks near the front, and having zero self-control, I ended up with a huge bag of white chocolate peppermint Pretzel Crisps and an equally giant tin of “European” cookies with Belgian chocolate. (facepalm)

Add to that that I also made a batch of Rice Krispies treats (my husband’s favorite) over the weekend and we still have a big bowl of mini candy bars from Halloween… Let’s just say I’m happy that I never bother to weigh myself anymore! XD

But dayum, those Pretzel Crisps… 10/10, would recommend!

Anyway, the tea. This one is in my sipdown-in-progress box (or as I saw VariaTEA call it, my focus box, which I think I like better). And that is through no fault of the tea, it’s just old and the packet was already opened, so that makes it a target for finishing off.

I actually do quite like this one, being a lover of Earl Grey. The bergamot is light enough to not overpower the vanilla, which has a nice creamy custardy note to it. I’m not sure it’s quite the Earl Grey Cream of my dreams, but it’s probably the closest I’ve had. Will definitely consider for a reorder once I’ve ahem… reduced my cupboard a bit!

P.S. – I have three different tea mails out for delivery today! SQUEE!

Flavors: Bergamot, Custard, Floral, Sweet, Vanilla

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 3 min, 0 sec 2 tsp 12 OZ / 354 ML
Courtney

Costco snacks are amazing! Last year during the holidays I went wild getting so many snacks there haha! Also, this tea note is making me miss having an Earl Grey around.

THE TEA EXCITEMENT OMG! Which ones?!

Cameron B.

You don’t have an Earl Grey?! :O I can’t imagine, I like them too much…

It’s New Moon, Dessert by Deb, and Crio Bru all coming today! Thought I’m not sure whether I’ll let myself try any of them just yet…

Courtney

Hahah I am not a fan of bergamot, but after experimenting with making them as a lette, I feel I have to have one around.

I’m excited to see what you think of all the news ones! I have absolutely no self control when new things come in the post. XD

Mastress Alita

Courtney, there was once a time where I hated bergamot. “London Fogs” were my “gateway” into EG, myself! Then I slowly started trying blends where begamot was mixed with other flavors so it wasn’t so strong, and over time, my palate simply adapted to it… now, I can drink a straight EG like a proper English Gent. :-)

Courtney

London fogs are super tasty — you’re right! I am from the coast, so we even get London fogs named “Martinique Fog” and “Halifax Fog” which always brings me joy. I’ll have to keep trying teas and see if I adapt too! :)

**latte

Courtney

ALL THE TEAS! I love it! I went and liked on Instagram too. :)

Martin Bednář

That’s lots of tea!
And those New Moon pouches are so nice!

Cameron B.

@Martin – I agree, I love her label design! :3

Courtney

Just realized all these teas are Canadian companies ❤️

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Courtney

Costco snacks are amazing! Last year during the holidays I went wild getting so many snacks there haha! Also, this tea note is making me miss having an Earl Grey around.

THE TEA EXCITEMENT OMG! Which ones?!

Cameron B.

You don’t have an Earl Grey?! :O I can’t imagine, I like them too much…

It’s New Moon, Dessert by Deb, and Crio Bru all coming today! Thought I’m not sure whether I’ll let myself try any of them just yet…

Courtney

Hahah I am not a fan of bergamot, but after experimenting with making them as a lette, I feel I have to have one around.

I’m excited to see what you think of all the news ones! I have absolutely no self control when new things come in the post. XD

Mastress Alita

Courtney, there was once a time where I hated bergamot. “London Fogs” were my “gateway” into EG, myself! Then I slowly started trying blends where begamot was mixed with other flavors so it wasn’t so strong, and over time, my palate simply adapted to it… now, I can drink a straight EG like a proper English Gent. :-)

Courtney

London fogs are super tasty — you’re right! I am from the coast, so we even get London fogs named “Martinique Fog” and “Halifax Fog” which always brings me joy. I’ll have to keep trying teas and see if I adapt too! :)

**latte

Courtney

ALL THE TEAS! I love it! I went and liked on Instagram too. :)

Martin Bednář

That’s lots of tea!
And those New Moon pouches are so nice!

Cameron B.

@Martin – I agree, I love her label design! :3

Courtney

Just realized all these teas are Canadian companies ❤️

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Bio

Hi, I’m Cameron!

I’m a 30-something software engineer currently living in Austin, Texas with my husband and our two pugs, Gobo and Ume. I tend to cycle between my different hobbies, and they include piano, knitting, video games, board games, miniature painting, planners, bento, Korean skincare, and – of course – TEA! But really, what I’m best at is “collecting” hobby-related things… ;)

~ 2025 SIPDOWN CHALLENGE! ~
- February sipdowns: 2
- Total 2025 sipdowns: 36

I prefer my tea lukewarm or at room temperature and without milk or sugar. I steep Western style, and fluctuate between using big mugs or small teapots depending on the season.

I am always up for a swap! Just let me know if you’d like to try something in my cupboard.

Tea Preferences:
I enjoy both flavored and unflavored teas in many forms. These days, I drink mostly flavored teas, and I tend to gravitate most toward black, green, oolong, and herbal varieties. I do have a special fondness for straight Japanese green teas, however.

I do not sweeten my teas, and pre-sweetened teas are usually too sweet for me. I also do not enjoy stevia (or monkfruit, etc.).

I tend to reach for fruitier flavors rather than desserty ones these days, but I do have favorites from both categories. Willing to try anything once! There are a few ingredients/flavors that aren’t generally my jam, such as coconut, rose, lavender, and chocolate flavoring. But I also have teas that I love with some of those things, too! :)

Favorite Companies:
3 Leaf
Bird & Blend
Dammann Frères
Harney & Sons
Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms
Lupicia
Old Barrel Tea Co
Simpson & Vail
Taiwan Tea Crafts
TeaVivre

Tea Rating Scale:
90-100: Outstanding! Permanent cupboard resident
80-89: Great – a possible staple
70-79: Good, but I wouldn’t buy it
60-69: It’s decent
50-59: Meh… I may or may not have finished the cup
40-49: Ick. Couldn’t finish it.
00-39: Repulsive, I spat it out

I will sometimes refrain from rating a tea if I feel I’m too biased due to my personal dislikes, or if I suspect the sample has been compromised by age or scent contamination.

Cupboard Spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZEuKf1-ppR-VXajO4vV39zU1N3zjFJteEPAynqD2yl0/edit?usp=sharing

Location

Austin, Texas

Website

https://www.instagram.com/tea...

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