Veritaserum tea from Adagio teas

The last hour before bedtime is Eddie's and mine reading time. We snuggle up under the warm duvet, and I read to him. All kinds of books: Astrid Lindgren, Roald Dahl, Jeff Kinney, David Walliams, Matt Haig etc.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was one of the books we've read together recently. He also watched several Harry Potter movies, and was totally fascinated by the world of wizards and sorcery.

He know it's fiction, but I think he half-believes in magic. 

When I received a selection of Adagio teas over a month ago, one of their seasonal novelty teas was Harry Potter-inspired Veritaserum tea.

Though Veritaserum potion appears in later HP books, Eddie has seen several films and got an idea of what it was supposed to be.

Veritaserum is described as a clear, colourless and odourless liquid, almost indistinguishable from water. The potion is a powerful truth serum which forces the drinker answer any questions truthfully.

"Three drops of this and even You-Know-Who himself would spill out his darkest secrets".

When I told Eddie what I had brewing in a teapot, he got rather anxious that I might make him drink the magic potion, bless him.

If only this tea blend was truly magic. I know a few people I'd offer it to and ask some uneasy questions.

For those of us who are a bit sceptical about truth potions, here is the list of ingredients: black tea, natural raspberry flavour, raspberries, raspberry leaves, natural chocolate flavour, dark chocolate chips (contain soy lecithin), cocoa nibs, natural hazelnut flavour.

Robert Pirlot, who created this inspiring tea blend, has based this mix on an episode from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, when Harry makes his first visit to Diagon Alley, and Rubeus Hagrid offers him a large ice cream (chocolate and raspberry with chopped nuts).

It's a well-balanced morning or early afternoon tea, when you need a caffeine boost. Hazelnut and chocolate chip go well together with a raspberry flavour. It has a slightly sweet taste.

It is better without milk.

My Mum, who is visiting this month, loved this tea. Eddie didn't dare to try it (he must have some dark secrets indeed).

If you are looking for a novelty gift for Halloween or Bonfire Night, this seasonal tea might be just right for the occasion. And of course it will be totally irresistible for any Harry Potter fans.

Disclosure: I received Veritaserum for the purposes of testing and reviewing. All opinions are my own.

Monster Brew from Adagio Teas

The rain is knocking at the windows,
The shadows dance across the garden.
I'm blissfully content with my cup of tea.

There's no denying that autumn is a great source of inspiration for many creative souls: artists, poets and tea experts. I love autumnal flavours of tea: fruity, spicy, flavourful and zingy.
All tea and coffee lovers rejoice, when autumn comes, as there are so many vibrant seasonal flavours appearing in the shops. And while I'm not euphoric at the arrival of Pumpkin spice latte at the famous chain (it's so sweet, it sets my teeth on edge), I do love seasonal teas from my favourite brands.
And if they come in a cute tin, then it's even better.

Monster Brew from Adagio Teas would appeal to those who love all things Hallowe'en-related.
Adagio Teas' blurb on the tin says: "A flavourful tea to help you battle demons and monsters, including the few that like to hide under the bed".

Its ingredients include: honeybush, green rooibos, raspberry leaves, orange peels, cocoa nibs, chocolate chips, coconut, apricots, cherries, cherry and orange flavours and strawberries.
You need to leave the tea to steep for 5 minutes.

It is quite a mild tea, all the flavours are well-balanced, and none of them screams Me-me-me! It is a fruity brew which is caffeine free, and thus perfect for a second half of the day, even before bedtime.
Some of the teas with chocolate flavours that I have tried in the past had an overwhelming chocolate taste. Not Monster Brew, thankfully. As much as I love chocolate, in tea I prefer only a subtle hint of it.

The tin - what can I say?! It's uber-cute. I collect tins, and this is one is a definite keeper. Eddie's already got his eye on it, he says it's a good box for some of his minifigures.

Even if you can't be bothered with Hallowe'en and all the dark paraphernalia, treat yourself to a fruity brew and celebrate autumn.

Disclosure: I received this tin for the purposes of tasting and reviewing. All opinions are my own.

Pu Erh Hazelberry from Adagio Teas

Pu Erh tea is renowned for its health benefits and distinct off-putting smell. The range of olfactory descriptions varies from fishy to smelly socks to armpits' whiff. This strong smell is a result of the fermentation process.
I remember trying a pure unflavoured Pu Erh tea for the first time and thinking, Just who would willingly want to drink that?! But with so many health benefits - it is a great aid to digestive system, it is high in antioxidants, has lots of vitamin C and E etc - could I overcome my olfactory aversion and continue drinking it?

Pu Erh tea benefits from an added flavour which would disguise its fishy smell.

Adagio Teas has several Pu Erh tea varieties in its range.

Pu Erh Hazelberry is a blend of Pu Erh tea, strawberries, cocoa nibs, creme and hazelnut flavours. There's still a bit of an earthy fermented undertone to it, but overall the fishiness is pretty much disguised. Yay! I can drink that.

Cream and strawberries add mellow creamy notes to it, and hazelnuts brings in sweetness.
It is an inspired combination.

The colour of the brew is dark amber, with shades of ruby.

It is quite sweet, thanks to strawberries, hazelnuts and creme. Drink it neat, or with a dash of milk.

Have you tried any of Adagio Teas? Which flavour is your favourite?

Disclosure: I received a selection of Adagio Teas for the purposes of testing and reviewing. All opinions are my own.