In this special article, we bring you an independent TeaPartyGirl.com review of 10 different teas from Adagio Teas. The sample of teas chosen represents different continents, styles and strengths. Your only difficulty in reading the tea reviews will be deciding which Adagio Tea to try first!
Who are Adagio Teas?
The story of Adagio Teas is one of inspiration and truly honest and loving spirit. Born of one lady’s love of tea and the decision to change business directions and open a tea shop, with a little online business in the background to give it a try. Adagio Teas has now turned into a massively successful online business, based in New Jersey USA. So successful has the online business been, Adagio Teas is now increasing its offline presence. It’s a family business that has grown organically over the years (i.e. not through acquisitions and takeovers).
With a simple mission to “deliver the best quality gourmet tea from around the world, straight to your cup” Adagio Teas was founded in 1999 and focusses on quality and variety. Those who like to try different teas will not be disappointed by the variety available to choose from.
Important to Tea Party Girl is the fact that Agadio Teas talks of their close involvement with and careful selection of the tea growers. Teas are sourced directly from the growers in the country they are grown. The company is mindful of the business practices of the tea growers and is intent on respecting and bettering their economic conditions. It’s a win-win. Adagio Teas customers get a high quality, fresh source of teas. The tea growers are reimbursed appropriately for their quality tea. Stories from the growers are featured on the Roots Campaign pages on Adagio Teas website, for those who would like to read more.
Adagio Teas have some wonderful gift ideas for any occasion. Click this link to be taken to their very user-friendly site.
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So what of the tea itself?
Tea Party Girl decided to review 10 different teas from Adagio’s online store, selected purely on what ‘took our fancy’! What an indulgence! Tea expert and former TeaPartyGirl.com editor Dawnya Sasse conducted the tastings (and loved every minute of it!) and has provided us with her notes and reviews. We hope you enjoy reading about these different teas and learning what Adagio Teas is all about. If you’d like to try some teas, whether based on our reviews, or your own tastes, we’d love it if you would click through to Adagio Teas’ website using one of our affiliate links, below.
Rooibos by Adagio
Rooibos (pronounced Roy-boss) is an herbal plant grown in South Africa which can be brewed like tea. While this beverage is often called “Red Tea” it has no caffeine and is super easy to prepare. Once harvested, the plant is dried to a beautiful reddish-brown and can be sipped alone or used as a base for a variety of herbal tisanes.
Over the years, TeaPartyGirl has sampled a variety of Rooibos offerings. The Adagio Rooibos offers a clean, pure cup without flavoring. The lovely yellow/orange coloring and the even cut displays the quality of this herbal offering. In fact, Adagio’s website even shares the inside story of the farmer, Niklaas Jakobus Slinger and his passion for growing the best red bush tea available.
Each tea and herbal tisane require different temperatures and brewing times to provide an outstanding cup. For Rooibos, Adagio recommends boiling cold water to a full boil and then steeping the herb a full 5 minutes. The great things about Rooibos is it is entirely forgiving. In fact, you can leave the tea in the pot all day and it won’t over steep.
Steeping Times and Temps:
Adagio recommends five full minutes of steeping after a full boil.
Who Is This Tea For?
If you are new to preparing tea, Rooibos is a no fail activity. With no tannins, you can’t over steep this plant. Rooibos taste is mild with a touch of sweetness. If you are looking for a bracing, full-bodied tea, this is not it. However, if you want a gentle cup that works with almost any meal, Rooibos is a great option. It pairs well with many things especially CHOCOLATE! Anyone who has caffeine restrictions will enjoy a cup, and plain Rooibos makes a great base if you want to be creative and create your own blend.
Lapsang Souchong by Adagio
Historians often refer to Lapsang Souchong as the first black tea. Legends say that the tea gained its smoky flavor by rushing the drying process over an open pinewood fire. However, it got here, Lapsang’s rich, smoky flavor sets it apart from all others. Grown in the Fujian province of China this tea is truly a one of a kind experience.
This Adagio tea is an excellent example of the smoky goodness Lapsang has to offer. Beware! Lapsangs can be over smoked and overwhelming. Adagio did a great job choosing a Lapsang Souchong that is a balance of smoke and sweetness.
Steeping Times and Temps:
Adagio recommends brewing this tea for 3-5 minutes after bringing the water to a full boil at 212 degrees. If you are new to Lapsang, you may want to cut down on the steeping time. Try 2-3 minutes in the beginning and work your way up to a full 5-minute bracing brew.
Who Is This Tea For?
Everyone should try Lapsang, but not everyone will love it. Lapsang has a devout following who enjoy a delicious, smoky cup. At TeaPartyGirl we describe Lapsang as BBQ in a cup. If you enjoy the earthy goodness of a full bodied black tea, you will love Adagio’s Lapsang Souchong.
GIve This a Try:
If you don’t enjoy drinking Lapsang, you still have options! Lapsang Souchong is a great tea to cook with. Only grind the tea and mix with a bit of sea salt and black pepper. You can even toss in some dried onions and garlic powder if you like. Rub the mixed ingredients on your meat and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This easy to make rub makes grilling out something special. Use it on beef, chicken or salmon for a great BBQ experience.
Coconut Pouchong by Adagio
Pouchong is a green oolong tea harvested in Taiwan. Oolongs require a medium amount of oxidation before curling and twisting the tea leaf. In this way, the full leaf is preserved, and the amazing flavor can be enjoyed for at least two steepings.
For this tea, Adagio has mixed a touch of coconut with the naturally floral pouchong for a light, refreshing blend. Since I am not a coconut lover, I was surprised by how much I liked this tea. The coconut acts as a gentle reminder of island vacations and doesn’t get in the way of this ultra-refreshing cup.
One of my favorite parts of brewing an oolong is the leaf dance enjoyed within the cup. As the hot water hits the twisted leaves, they slowly unfurl, gently twirling in the cup. You will be amazed by just how large these tea leaves are.
Steeping Times and Temps:
Steeping times and temps are critical when it comes to brewing this pouchong. Steep with care. Adagio recommends brewing the tea at 195 degrees for 3-5 minutes. Personally, I thought 3 minutes was more than enough. You could, however, brew these leaves more than once to get more bang for your buck.
Coconut always makes me think of time on the beach in an exotic location. If you need a little, “mental vacation” mid-day this is an excellent choice for a go-to tea.
Who Is This Tea For?
Light tea lovers who enjoy the taste of coconut. This tea is good hot or iced. If you are looking for a deep, hearty cup of tea, this is not the blend for you. A pouchong is meant to be light and refreshing with a clean finish. This tea surprised me with its unique profile and its gentle embrace. This one’s a winner!
Yunnan Jig by Adagio
Yunnan tea is a tea produced in the Yunnan province of China. When oxidized this tea features beautiful golden tips and a rich, smooth flavor. The Adagio Yunnan Jig offers a hint of smoky goodness with a malty cup. Adagio describes the tea as savory cocoa and black pepper flavors. Personally, the idea of black pepper in a cup doesn’t appeal to me, so I was happy to discover the smooth complexity of this Yunnan had a lot of additional flavors to offer the drinker.
Steeping Times and Temps:
Yunnan makes a great morning or afternoon choice, and it can hold up to a bit of milk in it should you choose. Steeping times vary from 3-5 minutes by choice. Be sure to bring cold water to a full, hard boil at 212 degrees before steeping these leaves. Most people say, Yunnan Jig forgives so if you over steep it won’t become super bitter. Nice to know, since I often get distracted while brewing my first-morning cup.
While Yunnan Jig is not my all time favorite Yunnan, it is very good, and I would recommend it to all black tea lovers. If you like Lapsang Souchong, you may also enjoy Yunnan due to its light smoky undertones.
Who Is This Tea For?
If you love black teas, Yunnan is for you. Adagio’s Jib is a creamy, rich version of this classic tea. If you prefer light, green or white teas, then Yunnan Jig will only frustrate you. You can drink Yunnan Jib hot or iced.
Give This a Try:
For a fun twist on the tea try adding just a touch of Torani Vanilla Bean Flavoring. YUM.
Shop Adagio Teas for all Gift Needs!
Rwanda Rukeri by Adagio
Are you interested in the unusual? Look no further than this East Africa black tea. The volcanic mountains are said to contribute to the rich character of this tea. This plant grows at high elevations near deep lakes and a wildlife preserve, which sounds like a tea-lovers paradise. I can just imagine visiting this exotic location while sipping a freshly harvested cup. (Hey, a girl can dream can’t she?) Tea growing began in Rwanda around 1952 and had steadily gained popularity over the years. Today they produce over 23,000 tons of black, green and white leaf tea.
Adagio’s Rwanda Rukeri was an immediate hit with my tastebuds, and this tea is ultra affordable which makes it an even better find! If you like Assam, Kenyan or an English Breakfast Blend you will love Rukeri. It combines the malty tastes of Assam but is rich and smooth without astringency.
Steeping Times and Temps:
Steeping times and temps are similar to most black teas. Bring cold water to a full, rapid boil and steep for 3-5 minutes. If you take milk in your tea, Rukeri can handle it. If you avoid sugar in your tea, Rukeri offers a naturally sweet finish that will pair well with nearly any choice of breakfast.
Who Is This Tea For?
Black tea lovers who are looking for something new or affordable will enjoy Rukeri. It makes a great breakfast or early afternoon tea offering just the caffeine you need to gear up for a busy day. If light beverages are your thing, you may want to avoid Rukeri or steep it extremely light.
Rukeri would work well blended with other teas or used as a base. If you like to experiment in your kitchen, Rukeri will provide an excellent way to get creative.
White Pearls by Adagio
When I opened the package of White Pearls by Adagio, I was shocked. These tea pearls are not only hand shaped but much larger than any of their competitors. It’s clear to see that when you buy White Pearls, you are going to get a multitude of steepings from the same white peony leaves.
The pearls are hand rolled and opened slowly over the course of several steeps. Each pearl is a swirl of browns, greens, and white buds. They are absolutely beautiful to behold.
Steeping Times and Temps:
Delicate tea requires a lower temperature. Adagio suggests 180 with only 3-5 minutes of steeping. Personally, I felt 3 minutes was the optimal time to release the fresh, gentle taste of honey. Dry, the pearls smell like a wooden tea chest but when steeped release a slightly mineral taste with hints of nut and floral.
While I prefer loose leaf as opposed to pearl style, there is a particular fascination with the art and dance of this tea as it brews. I can just imagine families sitting around a table rolling tea to create these handcrafted masterpieces.
Who Is This Tea For?
Travelers will love this tea because it is easy to pack and can withstand multiple steepings. Anyone who enjoys a fresh, light flavored tea as opposed to a full-bodied black will want to buy some. If you want a tea that will impress your friends and family, brewing a few white pearls in a glass pot is sure to bring oohs and ahhs. Black tea aficionados won’t enjoy White Pearls. There just isn’t enough robust flavor. Still, any lover of tea will appreciate the displayed craftsmanship.
Mango Green by Adagio
42 million tons of mangos are picked every year. Is it any wonder that this fresh, sweet fruit should combine with the vegetal merits of green tea? Whether you love or hate green tea, blended greens offer something to even the staunchest critic.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t wowed by this tea. It was ok. It just wasn’t as good as others I have consumed. With that said, the tea has stellar reviews online, and many people seem to love it. I recommend you try it for yourself and see what you think.
Steeping Times and Temps:
Green teas are picky and steeping times and temps matter. Remember, you do not want to boil the water for green tea. Instead, you want to catch the water at 180 degrees of temp before a rolling boil. Pour the cooler water over the leaf for 2-3 minutes of steeping. DO NOT WALK AWAY. You can easily cook a green tea if you over steep it. It’s better to stay focused for the full 2-3 minutes than to forget about it and taste that bitter “burnt” essence.
Who Is This Tea For?
People who want to drink green tea but who can’t stomach the grassy profile of the straight stuff. This light mango blend appeals to the palate and tastes great hot or iced. If you plan to ice the tea, consider adding fresh slices of mango to the beverage for a bit of style and added flavor. If you intend to sweeten the tea, you may want to consider honey or agave nectar as a gentle pairing to the light taste.
Black tea lovers may be enticed to a green tea with a flavored green such as Adagio’s Mango Green. Why not give it a try?
Fujian Rain by Adagio
A few years ago Wuyi Oolong was all the rage for weight loss. Fujian Rain offers similar properties as it’s famous Wuyi sister without the high price. Wu Yi means “rock” in Chinese and Adagio’s Fujian Rain maintains much of that same earthy, vegetal rock-like taste that the oolong is famous for. (That sounds bad, but it’s not! )
From a visual standpoint, this tea is simply lovely. The tea leaves dance in hot water as they open and twist. This part can’t be missed. While TeaPartyGirl won’t make any weight loss claims, you may want to read up on studies done on Oolong teas. Surprisingly, many people incorporate the tea into their day to day rituals with happy results.
Steeping Times and Temps:
Steeping times and temps are critical to Oolong teas. Don’t just douse it with boiling water. If you want an authentic Oolong experience, you must remove the water from the heat before the boil. You can use a tea thermometer or an electric kettle with a temperature gauge. Adagio recommends brewing this tea at 195 degrees for 2-3 minutes. (no more!) Personally, I brewed the tea for a full 2 minutes until the color was a soft brown/yellow.
Who Is This Tea For?
Fujian Rain has a good price point and offers an affordable option for an everyday oolong. If you are looking for the taste of Wuyi without the cost, this may be the tea for you. I was surprised by the way Fujian Rain paired lightness with full bodied taste. Fujian Rain is a solid choice for anyone wanting to try something new. If you are a green tea lover and not ready for a full black tea, try Fujian Rain. If you are a black tea lover who can’t convert to green tea quite yet, take the plunge and explore this Oolong. You will be pleased.
Honeybush by Adagio
Cultivated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, this herbal infusion is a cousin to the more famous, Rooibos. (pronounced Roy-boss) Honeybush has a natural sweetness that sets it apart from Rooibos when compared side by side. There has been a dramatic growth in the use of honeybush over the last few years and if you haven’t tried it for yourself the time has come!
Dry Honeybush has a bronzy-orange color that looks a lot like tiny wood chips. When brewed, Honeybush offers a cup with more body than a Rooibos and a sweeter, crisp taste. Like it’s sister, this tea has no caffeine and can be used as a base for blending your own creation. I think Honeybush pairs well with lemon, mint, and vanilla. I also like to serve it between courses as a palate cleanser.
Steeping Times and Temps:
Steeping times and temps are easy with this South African treat. Bring cold water to a full boil and brew for 5 minutes or more. In truth, you can’t over steep Honeybush which means you can walk away, and come back an hour later to a great cup of herbal tea.
Who Is This Tea For?
Both Rooibos and Honeybush have proven health properties for those avoiding caffeine. I would recommend Honeybush for people looking for a fuller bodied cup of tea in an herbal. I also think it is less medicinal tasting than Rooibos due to its gentle sweetness. If you drink tea for an increased clarity of mind, due in part to caffeine, then herbal tea shouldn’t be your choice at breakfast. Instead, incorporate it in the late afternoon and evening for a great night’s sleep.
Kuchika by Adagio
Kuchika is a blended green tea from Japan. A blended tea means a variety of individual source teas are mixed by a master blender for a consistent taste. In the case of Kuchika, Adagio has mixed tea leaves, and tea leaf stems for a lovely, range of soft yellow and greens. At first glance, this tea looks and smells like a vegetal, grassy cup. (popular amongst Japanese teas) Dry, the leaves remind me of tiny bamboo shoots in shape and texture.
To my surprise, this tea offered a variety of tastes and tones that massaged my mouth and left me wanting more. I found the tea offered hints of a nutty, sweet nectar and left me with a fresh, clean taste.
Steeping Times and Temps:
Beware! You must brew this tea carefully for best results. Kuchika is a tender green tea which means it should never be steeped in boiling water. Instead, bring the tea to 180 degrees (before boil) and brew for no more than 2 minutes. The liquor will take on a very pale yellow color that reminded me a lot of a freshly painted Easter egg.
Who is This Tea For?
While green tea lovers will suck this beverage down, I am happy to say that green tea haters may enjoy it as well. The key is following the brewing instructions and not over stepping. Kuchika can be enjoyed hot or iced. It would be great at a smoothie base as well. Simply add 1 cup of cold Kuchika to 1 cup plain yogurt and 1 cup of your favorite frozen fruit. You can also add honey, sweetener or agave to the mix along with a bit of vanilla for a sweeter taste. Blend and enjoy.
Adagio’s Kuchika is a winner. TeaPartyGirl recommend it to anyone who needs a green tea getaway!