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Tazo Teas is a relative newcomer to the tea market, having been founded in 1994 by Steve Smith. When you brew it up, you get a delicious, light tea that is flavorful and refreshing. But, what Tazo lacks in history it makes up for in pure inventiveness. Among Tazo's many blends is Zen, a wonderful blend of green tea, lemon (lemon verbena and lemongrass), and spearmint. In fact, I would say that it tastes even better iced than it does hot.So, if you want a delicious green tea that has a unique and satisfying taste, then go with Tazo's Zen tea. I love it and highly recommend it.
Tazo is owned by Starbucks. It is not a strong green tea, so it would definitely appeal to people who enjoy herbal infusions and milder teas. I don't taste any of the additional flavors Tazo puts into this tea; maybe my palate isn't developed to this point. Tazo describes the aroma as "lemon, mint".
Maybe the flavorings are just too mild in this tea, but when it comes to flavorings, I prefer them this way; I like a natural, real taste with real ingredients sans vague "natural flavors" and sans flavorings, sans essences, etc. ****Tazo's Zen Green Tea has a subtle, mild, light green tea taste, not bitter at all. Their web site is fun and quirky, with a Zen-type focus, definitely worth checking out. Best simply to experience its sweet, lingering aftertaste." I don't taste the lemon or the mint or the sweetness; still, it is a nice green tea. The ingredients in Zen are: green teas, lemon verbena, spearmint, lemongrass, and natural flavors.
It is unclear, though, from their web site, how many of their ingredients are organic or kosher, and they do use some "natural flavors" in their teas--this wording seems a little vague for a super premium tea.On the paper tea packet, Tazo writes, "an enlightening blend of the finest green teas and rare herbs available in this world." On their web site, Tazo describes the flavor profile of Zen as "smooth, lemony, earthy, refreshing". It is relaxing and enjoyable to drink.I would rate this tea, and Tazo in general, as very good---better than premium teas like Stash or Celestial Seasonings---but not as good as Numi. However, it still is one of their better teas, and has less of an artificial taste than the others I've tried. The web site also says, "Select pan-fired green tea from Zhejiang province in China, artfully combined with lemongrass, spearmint and a hint of lemon essence. Zen contains caffeine.Tazo is an interesting company that makes only super premium teas.
They are socially responsible, based in Portland, and have the motto, "The Reincarnation of Tea". Zen's distinct green tea flavor accented with lemon and mint is impossible to express in words. I'm soooooo spoiled by Numi teas, which is why Zen gets only four stars.****
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