What new (old) tea are you drinking/trying?

I am headed out to try some Russian Caravan tea. I've got the Russian bug because of the Olympics so I am reading up on all things Russian and tea. I also want to try a few other teas such as Lady Gray tea. I'll be going to SereneTeaz here in Wheaton to see what they have. Some say they really liked Twinings Russian Caravan but they don't make it anymore.

As you know, I recently picked up a box of Constant Comment. Nothing old/new since then. I do have a case (yes, I was given six boxes) of Celestial Seasonings Sugar Plum tea that I could share with you. Think of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker as you drink it.

My favorite tea is Mighty Leaf's Orange Dulce.
A great source for discovering new tea used to be Tea Gschwendner in Algonquin Commons but it closed a few years ago. They offered a rotating choice of Tea Flights. One memorable flight was 3 different Earl Grey teas. They actually sell 5 versions of Earl Grey including one named Earl Grey Lady Violet. I recalled they also had two city locations and when I spoke with the one at 1160 State Street they confirmed that they do not offer Flights on their regular menu of teas but I was told that during the week, when they are not as busy, they will do the "small cups" that comprise the Flights. It was suggested their other store at 557 W. Diversey might be a better choice to request "Flights" because it has more room available for service.

I've been enjoying the Republic of Tea's ginger peach daily green tea, partly for the antioxidants. But it's been a good way to warm up in the mornings, as well.

I also want to try Prince of Wales tea as well.

My favorite tea I drink quite often is 'Iyemon CHA' - which is a Japanese Green Tea with a blend of Sencha and Matcha green tea.... It much better tasting than Sencha tea by itself. You can buy this tea @ Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights.

http://www.coolstuffjapan.com/Japanese- ... p_213.html

I really enjoy my visits to Tea Gschwendner. They have quite a remarkable selection of high quality teas. I always seem to buy their Genmaicha for green tea and a ftgfop1 second flush darjeeling (lately Risheehat) for black, but I still enjoy the visit. They also give you a sample of anything else that they think you might be interested in buying in the future. It isn't inexpensive, but it's worth it.

http://www.teagschwendner.com/US/en/Homepage.TG

Tea Gschwendner
1160 N. State Street
Chicago, IL. 60610
312-932-0639

I second Mighty Leaf Orange Dulce. I first had it at Benedict's in East Dundee.

I decided I don't like Russian Caravan tea. Oh well.

This might be a pedestrian choice to long-time tea drinkers, but I have only recently started drinking black and green teas on a regular basis, and my brother-in-law who was visiting told me his favorite is Assam tea. So we got some, I tried it, and I agreed, I really like it. Tart and bracing. I couldn't begin to tell you why it's different, or articulate beyond those two adjectives why I like it, but it works for me.

Has anyone tried to make ice tea from Luzianne tea? Supposedly the best for ice tea making.