Harney and Sons quality?

[omegapd]

For anyone interested, they have free shipping on all orders today (Dec. 1)

Because of that, I decided to try a couple of things that had sounded interesting, including their Hot Cinnamon Spice that has been brought up here a few times with good reviews. The prices seem a touch expensive, though, compared to other teas of this ilk. Oh well, we'll see how it turns out...

Anybody have any comments?

EW

[Victoria]

Yeah the prices seem high.
I have had a few enjoyable enough.

I am such a sucker for those holiday tins, I'm very tempted.

[Vulture]

For anyone interested, they have free shipping on all orders today (Dec. 1)

Because of that, I decided to try a couple of things that had sounded interesting, including their Hot Cinnamon Spice that has been brought up here a few times with good reviews. The prices seem a touch expensive, though, compared to other teas of this ilk. Oh well, we'll see how it turns out...

Anybody have any comments?

EW

I have a 7oz tin of the Hot cinnamon spice but I love cinnamon tea. It is more a cinnamon drink than tea though. They are a smaller company based out of NY state so expect a little higher prices than some places. But I can attest that they have some good teas. There is someone who works at the store on the forum here somewhere if she shows up

[Victoria]

That would be ToastedToads I believe. In my opinion most flavored teas are flavored drinks. You enjoy them for the flavor, not the tea taste. I was just thinking about this earlier today. Not to say that is a bad thing. Some of the tastes are indeed tasty. Just not very tea-ish.

[Vulture]

That would be ToastedToads I believe.

Psh thanks Victoria lol. I try not to give out personal info unless that person wants to.

And while there are flavored teas that taste like the flavor, I think a good flavored tea uses the tea's taste in the blend.

[Victoria]

Opps! I thought she mentioned it.
Or maybe it was the pic of the store she posted.

[Vulture]

She has mentioned it on chat a couple times but not on the forum I believe. I am just playing with you. I don't think its too big a deal haha

[toastedtoads]

Did someone call my name?

This is obviously going to be a biased opinion, but as I've probably tried more tea from Harney's than anyone else on the forum I figure I might as well give my input.

I have to admit that I haven't had the opportunity to taste Harney's tea against very many others. Being as I am an employee, I have the wonderful benefit of drinking tea at work all day, and most of us don't drink things like English Breakfast and Earl Grey. I very rarely drink flavored teas, although that seems to be what the majority of Americans come to the tasting room to try. The flavored teas (with the exception of the Hot Cinnamon) are not as strongly flavored as a lot of other companies, I guess they like being able to taste the tea as well as the fruit, mint, etc.

Again, I have nothing to compare to (quality or price-wise) except other Harney teas, and a few samples from a few places, but they seem to have a wide variety, with an aim at mainstream America (the flavors, blends and herbal/decaf). However, Mike Harney (the man going to Asia to buy the tea) has an extraordinary palate and good taste, and there are quite a few teas that are freaking delicious and I'd be happy to impart my experience with them if anyone's interested.

Sorry for the long post, but if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.

[cha cha cha]

I find their Golden Mudan to be frickin' delicious

sucks that I missed out on the free shipping..

[toastedtoads]

Fraking Good Harney Tea:

Mangalam Assam
New Vithanakande
Puttabong and Selimbong Darjeelings
Keemun Mao Feng Treasure, Top Chingwo Congou, Panyang Golden Needle
Fenghuang Shuixian, Da Hong Pao
Ali San, Li Shan, Dong Ding
Meijiawu Lung Ching, Anji, Chun Lu
Ichiban Sencha, Gyokuro
Jasmine Silver Dragon

I'm sure there's more, but those are the teas I go for out of all the options. I'd be glad to share more when I'm not writing on an iPhone that keeps spell-checking my tea names.

[Pentox]

Just to toss in my two cents here.

Harney's Tencha is very unusual and interesting. One of the only vendors I've seen sell it. Interesting stuff.

Harney's Gyokuro isn't spectacular. It's a gyokuro that needs to brew at a warmer temp, lower than sencha, but still fairly warm. It's not terrible, but it's not going to go the distance like some of the more expensive ones, but the price is it's saving grace. At 4 oz for 30 dollars, it's probably one of the cheapest gyokuros around. (excluding some which I would be stretching to say are gyo).

[Victoria]

Thanks for your input TT, it's nice to know the ones you prefer yourself.

And your AliShan will be in the Adagio TeaChat tastings if I remember correctly?

Kymidwife was searching for a good Puttabong I hope she checks in!

[kymidwife]

Check! Haven't tried any Harney teas yet, but I look at them every time I go to William Sonoma. Thanks for the recommendations, TT.

Just when I said I wasn't gonna order more tea.... <mutter mutter grumble grumble>

Sarah

[omegapd]

toastedtoads,

Do you know if they send an email shipping invoice or anything when it goes out? I got my order confirmation email soon after I placed my order but nothing else. The website doesn't show a tracking number under my account. Do they usually wait awhile to ship after an order- like only a couple of times a week?

EW

[Victoria]

I find their Golden Mudan to be frickin' delicious

sucks that I missed out on the free shipping..

''

Well you're in luck it's been extended!

We're still offering Free Shippping via UPS Ground on orders over $25.00 shipping to US Addresses** Coupon Code htTEA1 for 10% off your order over $25.00**
expires Friday, Dec 5, 2008 at 4pm EST.