My Honest Adagio Tea Review

I hadn't bought tea from Adagio in a while, but their card program struck me as the perfect opportunity to try new blends. I waited until I'd accumulated several cards, then added a few samples to my cart--including Thai Tea and Mocha Nut Mate--and placed my order. When the pouches of loose-leaf tea arrived, I thought I'd write a review to help you find the perfect blends for your cabinet.

As always, this is NOT a paid Adagio promotion. These are my honest, unfiltered opinions about Adagio's blends. Grab a mug, and let's go!

1. Thai Tea

When I opened the pouch, the leaves had a fresh, minty aroma with hints of coconut and vanilla. One sip, and I noted that Thai Tea pretty much smelled like it tastes: lightly sweet and creamy with strong coconut notes. The fruit and spices eased the black tea's bitterness and gave the tea a bright, tropical personality. I love Thai iced tea, and this quickly became one of my favorite Adagio blends.

2. Mocha Nut Mate

Mocha Nut Mate had a lot of promise: the leaves had a sweet chocolate-and-hazelnut aroma, and the ingredients included dark chocolate chips and toasted mate tea. Unfortunately, the drink had a strong, nutty taste that overwhelmed the chocolate, and the overall flavor and aroma (weirdly) reminded me of canned corn. That probably wasn't the intention, but I don't think the ingredients blended very well.

3. Genmai Cha

Genmai Cha was a new variety for me, so I looked it up and learned that it's a combination of green leaves and popped, toasted rice. The rice even looked like tiny pieces of popcorn. Once I brewed the tea, the beverage had a warm, toasty aroma and a distinctly popcorn-like flavor--which might sound strange, but it was the perfect drink for autumn months. This blend would pair well with buttered bread or croissants.

4. Rooibos

Inside the bag, Rooibos offered small, crumbly leaves with a reddish hue and a sweet, earthy aroma that reminded me of mulch. The leaves turned the water reddish-brown, and when I took a sip, the tea had the sweet, woodsy flavor I'd been expecting. While I appreciated the hearty, robust taste, I couldn't quite shake the feeling that I was drinking tree bark. Still, it's a good blend for a cool afternoon.

5. Aquarius Tea

With an eclectic mix of ingredients that included Ceylon Sonata, Assam Melody, cocoa nibs and blue cornflowers, Aquarius Tea sounded like a wild ride. The leaves had a bright, refreshing smell with strong hazelnut notes. When I drank the tea, the ingredients blended surprisingly well, creating a mild drink that tasted like smooth black tea mixed with hazelnut. It's a decent blend, but I feel like you could've accomplished the same flavor with a simple black tea and crushed hazelnuts.

6. Golden Flower

Instead of ground-up leaves, Golden Flower took the form of tightly curled pearls that smelled like iced tea. The brewed tea had a greenish shade, a distinctly earthy smell and a smooth, mild flavor with mossy notes. If green teas are usually too bitter for you, this is a calmer, more refreshing alternative. Plus, it's fun to watch the leaves unfurl in the mug.

7. Assam Melody

Assam Melody keeps it simple, offering black tea with no added ingredients. However, the flavor was a little maltier and more full-bodied than your standard cup of black tea, and it had a clean aftertaste. I also noted that this tea was less bitter than similar varieties. This is a good option for people who want an elevated drink without straying too far from the basics.

8. Kukicha

Kukicha's leaves had a crisp, earthy aroma like chopped greens. When I brewed the tea, the leaves clumped together in a tight ball that resembled broccoli. Unsurprisingly, the tea had a distinct vegetable-like flavor that made me feel like I was drinking greens, but it was fresh and calming instead of bitter. I'm not a huge green tea fan, but Kukicha was the best variety I'd had in a while.

9. Citron Green

A bright and minty aroma wafted from Citron Green's leaves. After brewing, this tea had a green, peppy flavor with a touch of spearmint, turning this drink into a cup of spring. This is another great blend for people who don't care for more rustic, bitter varieties, and if you're in a bad mood, a cup of Citron Green might cheer you up.

10. Scottish Breakfast

Scottish Breakfast's leaves had a clean aroma, and the brewed tea was exactly what I expected: a strong cup of black tea with a malty flavor and a lingering aftertaste. When I added creamer, the flavor became smoother and milder, but it maintained the essence of Scottish Breakfast. This is a bold, unapologetic blend that's also high in caffeine, so drink wisely.

Have you tried any of these teas? What's your favorite Adagio blend? Let me know in the comments.