Loose-Leaf Tea Reviews

Do you have a favorite tea subscription plan or tea of the month club? Share it with other About.com readers here.

If you are getting into loose leaf tea, exploring more tea types or looking for a gift for a tea lover, check out my top picks for tea samplers. Most of the samplers listed are loose-leaf tea samplers, and different samplers focus on different styles or levels of tea.

Adagio Masters Collection Anhui Keemun is a bold, peppery black tea from Anhui, China.

Formosa Ali Shan is a strong effort from Adagio. It's amongst the best of their Masters Collection teas and it's very reasonably priced.

Adagio's Masters Collection Formosa Pouchong is a Baozhong-style, lightly oxidized Taiwanese oolong. It's my personal favorite from the Adagio Masters Collection.

Adagio Masters Fujian Jasmine Pearl is a prime example of a naturally scented, hand-rolled jasmine pearls green tea.

Fujian Ti Kuan Yin oolong is one of the best teas in Adagio's Masters Collection. It has a nuanced flavor profile and is great for re-steeping.

Adagio Masters Collection Wuyi Da Hong Pao is a Chinese oolong with a roasty, fruity flavor.

Adagio Masters Collection Yunnan Golden Curls is a buttery, caramel-y, sweet black tea that's at its peak during its first infusion.

Adagio Masters Collection Yunnan Pu Erh Gold is a good introductory pu-erh, but it lacks the depth and body of a truly high-end pu-erh.

Wild chrysanthemum blossoms tend to have a spicier, drier flavor profile than regular chrysanthemum blossoms. It's not something I would describe as particularly mainstream friendly, but I would highly recommend it to foodies, tea connoisseurs and those who prefer pungent notes to sweet flavors.

Freeleaf Jasmine White Tea is a fantastic product for anyone who loves premium tea, but needs the convenience of a teabag.

Rishi Tea's Green Tea Chai is an unusual twist on classic masala chai blends. It's low in caffeine and features zesty lemongrass.

Organic, Fair Trade pu-erh from ancient tea trees is blended with organic ginger and organic orange peel for a wintery flavor that's ideal for new pu-erh drinkers.

Rishi Tea's USDA Organic, Fair-Trade certified Blood Orange Pu-erh is a bright, citrusy blend of rich puer tea, hibiscus, lemon myrtle, various citrus fruit essences and licorice root. It is a complex, full blend that will likely appeal to a range of tea drinkers.

Rishi Tea's Emerald Lily is a fantastic choice for new green tea drinkers, but it also has a complexity that appeals to tea connoisseurs.

Rishi Tea's Organic Earl Grey was shade-grown in a biodiverse plot of ancient tea trees. It's USDA-certified organic, Fair Trade and produced by Yunnan's ethnic minority. It's also delicious.

Rishi Tea's Snow Buds (Xue Ya) is a uniquely full-bodied white tea with a complex, appealing flavor.

Flavored pu-erhs are becoming popular amongst health-conscious consumers who have yet to develop a pu-erh palate. How does Rishi's Vanilla Mint Pu-erh stand up?

Rishi Tea's Chocolate Mate Chai is an unusual blend of pu-erh, yerba mate, cocoa shells, cacao nibs and various spices. It's a good choice for very adventurous masala chai drinkers.

Rishi's Vanilla Mint Chai is a loose interpretation of "masala chai" tea blends. It is made with pu-erh tea, vanilla bean, peppermint, cinnamon and licorice root.

People often compare the flavor profiles of wine and tea, but a new line of products takes their similarities a step further with “wine inspired” teas. This is a review of Wild Monkey Marsala wine-inspired tea.