Tea Review Tuesday - A Review of Tula Teas' Zealong Pure Oolong

I did a bit of background research on this tea, revealing that it was indeed grown in New Zealand and that this is one of three different varieties being produced there at the moment (the others are Zealong Dark and Zealong Aromatic). Unlike the other two, this Zealong Pure features “sweet, fresh-tasting leaves” that are “unroasted, bringing out the pure, natural flavor of the tea” (zealong.com). Their website suggests 1 tsp of leaves per cup of water, infused for a minute (at least at first).

Opening the package, I take in the aroma of the dry leaves. Sweet, very clean-smelling. They are rolled into balls, reminiscent of a ti kwan yin oolong. I prepare the water, freshly boiled, but not still boiling. The first minute of infusion goes by. The steeped liquor smells fresh and slightly floral. The leaves have a very vegetal aroma and still smell quite sweet. Sipping this first cup is a joy. From the smell of the liquor, I expected a much weaker brew than what now dances around on my tongue. While not strong, this oolong does have a full body - floral, fresh, and with just a touch of that natural sweetness.

Eagerly, I go ahead and steep the leaves again, for the suggested one minute. The leaves now have taken on a fuller aroma, more "juicy," but in a floral sense. The smell of the brewed tea is still subdued, but after the first cup, I know this subdued aroma could hold great flavor. I can tell that the flavor has gone, somewhat, from the leaves, in comparison to the first steeping. It is, however, still there with the sweetness becoming a bit more prominent and equal with the other flavors.

The third steep is for two minutes (as per the suggestions from zealong.com). The longer steep-time has brought the flavors and aromas back in line with the first steeping. Full bodied, perhaps even a bit stronger flavor-wise than the first infusion. Ah, it is still delicious, regardless. I go ahead and put this tea through several more steepings. The zealong.com website makes the claim that it will last six to eight infusions. I am satisfied, and gladly would rate this tea a 92/100 on my personal enjoyment scale.


This review was unsolicited and uncompensated.
Tula Teas' website may be found, here. This tea may be found and purchased on Zealong.com, here.

Salutations and Preparations

Happy holidays, wonderful readers!

As we approach the start of a new year, the time for contemplation of the past year, planning of the coming year, and giving thanks for our current situation is upon us. I am very grateful for those of you, who continue to read this blog. Thank you! 

It might sound redundant, but I have some very cool stuff lined up for 2014. Book reviews, pen reviews, ink and tea (of course), and perhaps more teaware with a smattering of Lego! That being said, I would love to hear from all of you, if there is an area in which you would like to see more content. Leave a comment below. 

Additionally, I am open to any guest bloggers, who feel that their content fits with our theme(s) (or lack thereof), here at Built from Ink and Tea. Send me a message, via the contact page! Sponsors, who would like to see their products reviewed and featured here, are also urged to contact me. Want to give away one of your latest teas/inks/teaware/pens/etc. along with the review? Let us get that arranged! 

Readers, I want 2014 to be the year of fulfilling your requests. Tell me what you think!

Stained Fingers on Thursday - A Review of De Atramentis Sandalwood Ink

Sandalwood is one of my favorite scent, and this ink definitely had a good aroma. Pleasant on the nose and the eyes.

This scan was done on an HP Deskjet F4280 at 600dpi.
Note: Because these scans are done with a light emitting printer, actual colors will, more likely than not, be slightly darker than they may appear, here. The colors shown, here, are probably a bit more reminiscent of what the ink would be like under a bright light or if it were held up and viewed with a light behind it.

Tea Review Tuesday - A Review of Tao Tea Leaf’s Imperial Golden Pu'erh

After  preheating my teaware, I opened the package of loose tea, breathing in what seemed to be a fragrant and bold pu’erh. Beginning by rinsing the leaves in the gaiwan, I took in the aroma of the wet leaves and had much the same impression as when they were dry. Then came the first thirty-second infusion. I was just a bit disappointed.

The flavors were bold, yet at the same time were flat. Initially, the tea had great mouthfeel and the taste concentrated at the front of the mouth, but that was about as far as things went. Continuing, I steeped the leaves again for another thirty seconds. This time, the brew came out darker looking, earthier in smell, and stronger in flavor. The third infusion was much like the second, but the flavor was a bit fuller. Finally, for the fourth steeping, I left the leaves sit in the water for several minutes. This time, the tea came out stronger, but no more flavorful. Overall, I would say that I was disappointed at the lack of any sort of full flavor. However, the flavors that did exist were bold. On my personal enjoyment scale, I would give this tea a 68/100.


This review was unsolicited and uncompensated.
This tea is no longer available from Tao Tea Leaf, but their website may be found, here. 

Stained Fingers on Thursday - A Review of Diamine Peach Haze Ink

As we enter winter in the United States, I thought I should post one final tribute to autumn in the form of this ink review.

This scan was done on an HP Deskjet F4280 at 600dpi.
Note: Because these scans are done with a light emitting printer, actual colors will, more likely than not, be slightly darker than they may appear, here. The colors shown, here, are probably a bit more reminiscent of what the ink would be like under a bright light or if it were held up and viewed with a light behind it.

Tea Review Tuesday - A Review of Andrews & Dunham Damn Fine Tea "Visit Mount Gray" Black Tea

Andrews & Dunham have a knack for coming up with some of the most creative names in the tea industry...and turning tea time into an adventure! In particular, their Earl Grey blend, dubbed "Visit Mount Gray" is described as containing "Black tea flavored with Bergamot Oil, Mountain Air, Golden Sunsets, and a Lifetime of Adventure." That description causes me to want to undertake an adventure. Time for tea!

The bergamot scent of the dry leaves was nearly overwhelming. When I opened the package, the heavy aroma wafted to my nose and shocked me with its strength. Whoah. In the past, I have consumed Earl Grey blends, where there was so much bergamot oil that it was sickening. Thankfully, that was not the case with "Visit Mount Gray." While being heavy, the bergamot aromas were not too thick and unpleasant.

A teaspoon of dry leaves joined eight ounces (or a bit more) in a cup for four minutes (or a bit more to balance the extra water). The result was not a cup of tea that reeked of bergamot. Rather, the bergamot scent had settled into the overall blend, for which I was thankful. Eagerly, I awaited the cup being just slightly cooler, so that I might taste the adventure!

I took a small sip and the flavor underwhelmed me. Hmmm, perhaps the small amount of extra water was not totally balanced by the small amount of extra time. Back into the mug goes the strainer with the leaves. Another two minutes pass.

The smell was still the same smooth blend, but the taste...the taste had blossomed! Blessedly, it was not overwhelming with bergamot, either. In fact, wow, the bergamot was actually complementing the black tea, as it should in Earl Grey! Clearly, my concerns about the amount of bergamot were unfounded. The smooth flavors of bergamot and black tea slid over my taste buds, leaving trace aftertastes of bergamot, pleasantly resting on the palate.

If Andrews & Dunham Damn Fine Tea "Visit Mount Gray" is not the best Earl Grey blend that I have ever tasted, then I am not certain what is better. Well done, Andrews & Dunham. That was an amazing cup. Not too strong, not too perfume-y, but with enough strength and kick to cause you to wake up and take notice, all the while enjoying every smooth sip. On my personal enjoyment scale, I would rate this tea an 89/100.

This review was unsolicited and uncompensated.
"Visit Mount Gray" can be purchased from the Andrews & Dunham website, here.
Photo credit to Andrews & Dunham.

Stained Fingers on Thursday - A Review of Lamy Turqoise Ink

Turquoise inks have always been an intriguing and fun division of blue inks for which I have had an appreciation.

This scan was done on an HP Deskjet F4280 at 600dpi.
Note: Because these scans are done with a light emitting printer, actual colors will, more likely than not, be slightly darker than they may appear, here. The colors shown, here, are probably a bit more reminiscent of what the ink would be like under a bright light or if it were held up and viewed with a light behind it.

Tea Review Tuesday - A Review of Tea Forte's Flora Herbal Tisane

Ah, the pleasure of a good smelling tea. Often the dry leaves, as-of-yet un-infused, reveal a lot about the tea that is to come. The spicy and sweet notes of the dry leaves of this herbal tisane blend in an attractive melody that promises a deep and possibly heavy drink.

Utilizing a Tea Forte Café Cup, I steeped this pyramid infuser for four minutes using just-boiled water. Smelling the infusion, it is clear that cinnamon is definitely what lends much of the spiciness to this tea’s aroma. However, with the first sip, it becomes immediately evident that cinnamon is not all that is in Tea Forte’s Flora. The sweetness of licorice root melds with the explosion of flavor from the hibiscus in this blend. The hibiscus adds a lot of body to this tisane and sweeps through one’s mouth, filling it with flavor.

A re-steep of this herbal blend offers a much weaker version of the first cup, but with the same balance of flavors. This is one blend that is worth trying and might make a tasty chilled drink as well. I would give Flora an 83/100 on my personal enjoyment scale.


This post was unsolicited and uncompensated.
Tango Green Tea is no longer available from Tea Forte.
Photo credit to Tea Forte.

A Review of the Zebra V-301 Fountain Pen

First Impressions (7)
The turned aluminum looks good. It gives a rugged appearance without being too rugged. Set next to the plastic, it is a bit unfortunate, as the plastic does not look nearly as sturdy. That said, it was not the plastic, which first caught my eye.

Appearance (5)
As I mentioned, the body is mostly made of aluminum, and the metal has a brushed look to it. However, the section ring, behind the grip, as well as the clip itself are both polished metal surfaces, providing an interesting contrast. Then there is the plastic, which makes this pen look as cheap as it really is. The plastic end on the barrel or the one on the cap are not terrible...but the grip looks cheap, injection-molded tackiness of questionable quality. The look of the nib is also worth mentioning, short as it is, as though it is half-hidden in the barrel. Back to the plastic...as I write with it, I see how rough and unfinished the edges of the plastic grip are.

Design/Size/Weight (7)
For as short as this pen is, it has a decent amount of weight, which is distributed evenly across the cap, section/nib, and body. I have relatively large hands, and I think that this pen would be too short (un-posted)...if it were a quarter of an inch shorter in length. The cap does snap onto the end to post, but it wobbles, though secured. The clip’s sturdiness will withstand a good deal of abuse. Screwing the section into the body, one might be concerned, as the threads seem to be quite loose, but, when the two pieces are fully screwed together, it holds secure.

Nib (6)
For a cheap, mass-market fountain pen like the V-301, the nib is a surprising find. The feedback seems to be a bit much, as even on Rhodia paper scratching may be heard, but the writing experience is not terrible. By comparison, its nib writes equal (or better in some cases) with a Platinum Preppy. While a relatively wet writer, the pen also controls the ink well.

Filling System (5)
Insofar as I know, cartridges are the only option for this pen, as I have never seen or heard of a converter for it. The cartridges are also proprietary, further limiting users. When I purchased this pen in a drugstore, it came with two cartridges, but I did not see any packs of cartridges available - a limitation that might drive users to simply dispose of the pen, when they have no more ink. But, for the adventurous, I have found that the ink cartridges are sturdy enough to withstand refilling and reusing.

Cost and Value (4)
I will cut to the chase: considering that there are other, more inexpensive fountain pens with the same quality and more readily available refills, this pen is not that great of a value. The sub-$5.00 (US) price point certainly does not make it prohibitive to buy to test, as I have done. But in the long run...look elsewhere.

Conclusion (6)
(5.67 actual)
In conclusion, unless you are a big fan of Zebra or the looks of this pen, please take a look at something along the lines of a Platinum Preppy, first. This is not a bad pen, but you can find many better options.


This review was unsolicited and uncompensated.

Stained Fingers on Thursday - A Review of De Atramentis Emerald Green Ink

Here we have a beautiful green ink...with a distinct lack of shading!

This scan was done on an HP Deskjet F4280 at 600dpi.
Note: Because these scans are done with a light emitting printer, actual colors will, more likely than not, be slightly darker than they may appear, here. The colors shown, here, are probably a bit more reminiscent of what the ink would be like under a bright light or if it were held up and viewed with a light behind it.

Tea Review Tuesday - A Review of Tea Forte’s Tango Green Tea

Steeped in a Tea Forte Café Cup, with the spent tea pyramid resting on a Tea Forte tea tray, all the pieces were set to provide an enjoyable tasting experience of this mango flavoured green tea. Impeccable as always, the packaging of this individual tea pyramid infuser bag was clean and sharply presented. After heating the water to the proper temperature, I proceeded to steep the tea for only two minutes before moving on to tasting it. The aroma is light, and the mango smell is lighter yet. My guess would be that the green tea base is a sencha or something akin to it.

The tea itself has light forward notes with a strong finish. The mango is present but not very prominent. Overall the tea is not very impressive in its taste. Not wanting to judge it by first try, I steeped a second cup. This time, I left the tea pyramid in the water for three minutes. The mango flavour is now a lot bolder and broader. It complements the green tea far more than during the first infusion.

Overall, I think this is not one of Tea Forte’s better blends. However, for lovers of fruit flavoured green teas, it may be worth giving this one a try. On my personal enjoyment scale, I would rate it a 76/100.


This post was unsolicited and uncompensated.
Tango Green Tea is no longer available from Tea Forte.
Photo credit to Tea Forte.

Happy Thanksgiving!

For all of my readers, I am very grateful to have you!

Happy Thanksgiving, especially to those of you in the United States. I look forward to bringing you new content, soon!

Pens: TWSBI Diamond 540, Pendleton Good Guy nib & Manuscript Calligraphy Pen
Inks: Diamine Peach Haze & Montblanc Midnight Blue (respectively)
Tea: Twining's of London Lady Grey

Stained Fingers on Thursday - A Review of De Atramentis Tchaikovsky Ink

Since it has been a few weeks since our last grey ink review, here is another for your viewing pleasure.

This scan was done on an HP Deskjet F4280 at 600dpi.
Note: Because these scans are done with a light emitting printer, actual colors will, more likely than not, be slightly darker than they may appear, here. The colors shown, here, are probably a bit more reminiscent of what the ink would be like under a bright light or if it were held up and viewed with a light behind it.

Tea Review Tuesday - A Review of Canton Tea Co's 2005 Xing Hai Cooked Loose Pu'erh

Well, the notes on the website state that this tea will hit maturity in 2010 and peak in 2015. I have enough to try it now, and then hopefully remember to try this four years from now. The dry leaves smell creamy and smooth (I love the smell of cooked Pu'erh), and they have a bit of spice in the aroma. I notice a few stems in among the leaves, but the leaves are quite prettily twisted and twirled.

Rinsed, then steeped in a gaiwan for 30 seconds, the wet leaves smell even more creamy, still with a bit of spice, a bit like a nice brandy in a way. The liquor is a very bright and clear amber color. For what it is worth, this tea looks great. I pour the first cup and sip...and sip...and sip. This tea is great. The flavor profile is not very bold, but it is delicious in its own simple way. There is even a strange hint of sweetness in the background.

The second and third infusions go by quickly as I thoroughly enjoy the simplistic wonder of this tea. I highly recommend it and give it an 87/100 on my personal enjoyment scale.

This review was unsolicited and uncompensated.

This tea is no longer available for purchase.

Photo credit to Canton Tea Co.

Stained Fingers on Thursday - A Review of Hero Blue-black Ink

Continuing with Hero ink, after last week's Stained Fingers on Thursday, this week we have the nicely shaded Hero Blue-black.

This scan was done on an HP Deskjet F4280 at 600dpi.
Note: Because these scans are done with a light emitting printer, actual colors will, more likely than not, be slightly darker than they may appear, here. The colors shown, here, are probably a bit more reminiscent of what the ink would be like under a bright light or if it were held up and viewed with a light behind it.

Tea Review Tuesday - A Review of Canton Tea Co's Bai Lin Gong Fu Black Tea

The initial scent I get from this tea reminds me of a darjeeling...light and a bit spicy. In fact, this almost seems light enough to be a bit reminiscent of some green teas that I have had. Steeping it for three minutes with just-boiled water, I'm greeted with creamy aromas from the golden-brown liquor. Despite being a little too eager to try it, and burning my lip on the first sip, once I wait and get in a (safe) first sip, I am delighted by the result. This tea is indeed creamy, just as the Canton Tea Co website describes. I am not so sure about the caramel notes, but I suppose I could see where one might pick up hints of those. To me, this tea has just the slightest bit of a malty aftertaste, creating an impeccable flavor.

A resteep of this tea brings about a much-subdued, yet still flavorful  brew. This is most definitely one of the best black teas I have ever tasted. On my personal enjoyment scale, I would give it 90/100. On top of that, I would definitely recommend this as one of the must-try teas for lovers of black teas.


This review was unsolicited and uncompensated.
Canton Tea Co's Bai Lin Gong Fu has now been replaced with their Superior Bai Lin Gong Fu, which is available from their website, here.

Stained Fingers on Thursday - A Review of Hero Black Ink

Possibly one of the least expensive black inks I have ever used (and sadly not available in the United States), Hero Black was nonetheless a joy with which to write. (I greatly appreciate deep blacks.)

This scan was done on an HP Deskjet F4280 at 600dpi.
Note: Because these scans are done with a light emitting printer, actual colors will, more likely than not, be slightly darker than they may appear, here. The colors shown, here, are probably a bit more reminiscent of what the ink would be like under a bright light or if it were held up and viewed with a light behind it.

An Unexpected Review of Amodex Ink and Stain Remover

I never thought I would need to use it.

All the same, I was quite appreciative, when I was given a small tube of Amodex Ink and Stain Remover, during my last visit to my local Montblanc boutique. This ink and stain remover advertised being able to remove stains from permanent markers to wine to blood to - most importantly - fountain pen ink. Upon returning home, I put away the tiny tube in a drawer with my inks, hoping that I would never need it. Then came the unfortunate stain (see the photo, below).

I dropped one of my fountain pens. Not only did I drop it, I dropped the pen, while it was not capped. To make matters worse, it landed first on the crotch of my pants, leaving several spatters of Noodler's Golden Brown ink, before dropping to the floor. Right away, I knew I had a use and a test for the stain remover.

When I returned home, that day, I dug out the tube of Amodex, eagerly reading the instructions...and then proceeded to follow them as best as possible. Spreading some of the gel over the stain (as in the below picture), rubbing it with a brush (a toothbrush worked well), while holding a paper towel on the other side of the cloth to catch the removed ink. Through doing so, I was able to remove most of the ink. However, some of the stain still remained.

Before washing the pants, I spread more Amodex on the stain and laundered them as usual. See the photo, below, for the results.

While it took a good amount of time, rubbing the Amodex into the stain, to remove a majority, it was entirely worth the effort, as you can see, above. (And the pen is fine.)

Well done, Montblanc, for distributing such a good product. I can absolutely recommend Amodex Ink and Stain Remover.



This post is unsolicited and uncompensated. I am only a satisfied and stain-free customer.
The website for Amodex, here, provides information about locations, where it may be purchased.

Tea Review Tuesday - A Review of Canton Tea Co's Snow Buds (Xue Ya) Green Tea

Wow. The aroma of the dry leaves, an intensely sweet and grassy smell, was incredible. I opened the package and it wafted instantly to my nose from a foot away. That, I must say, was impressive. I went ahead and steeped two teaspoons in one cup for a little over 2 minutes.

The aroma of the steeped liquor retains some of the same sweetness, but it is also much more mellow. The flavour suprises me. It comes out much more light and subdued that I had expected. I think that perhaps the second steeping I shall try for three minutes to see how it changes the flavour. There is not much aftertaste, but the small amount that lingers on the tongue is soft, and not overly vegetal at all. Traces of the original aroma of the dry leaves hang for a moment in the throat before they are gone. It is time for the second steeping.

The leaves dance about in the tiny glass pitcher for three minutes more. These leaves are beautiful, tiny buds with the slightest small hairs. The aroma of this second steep seems to be thicker, somehow, yet not stronger. The flavours remain much the same as they were in the first steeping.

While this tea was good, I am left with the impression that my taste buds missed something significant that this tea had to offer. It certainly is a tasty green tea, and I would recommend it for fans of more delicate greens. On my personal enjoyment scale, I would give it an 80/100.


This post was unsolicited and uncompensated.
Canton Tea Co's Snow Buds is no longer available, but their website can be visited, here.
Photo credit to Canton Tea Co.

Stained Fingers on Thursday - A Review of Montblanc Albert Einstein Ink

There are far too few reviews of grey ink on this blog. Here is another one to vary things a bit!

This scan was done on an HP Deskjet F4280 at 600dpi.
Note: Because these scans are done with a light emitting printer, actual colors will, more likely than not, be slightly darker than they may appear, here. The colors shown, here, are probably a bit more reminiscent of what the ink would be like under a bright light or if it were held up and viewed with a light behind it.

Tea Review Tuesday & Unconventional Tea Reviews - A Review of Chocolate by Tea and All Its Splendour

Chocolate with tea in it...it is a delicious concept. Much better than most tea with chocolate in it, as my past experiences have told me. Before I started reviewing this chocolate by Tea and All Its Splendour, I "cleansed" my palate with a sip of some Fujian black tea. I then tasted each of the various chocolates, giving a bit of time in between each one to allow my taste buds to clear a bit. 

The first chocolate was Milk Chocolate Passionfruit Green Tea. This chocolate was very fruity tasting. I did not noticed much tea flavor  but I do think that chocolate and passionfruit is an excellent combination. 

Next up was the Milk Chocolate Earl Grey Tea. It certainly had more tea flavor than the Passionfruit chocolate. The typical Earl Grey bergamot flavour was not heavily present, nor overwhelming, for which I was grateful. I have tried other Earl Grey milk chocolates, and they all seemed to have far too much bergamot in them. 

The third chocolate I tried was the Milk Chocolate Chai Tea. The flavor of this chocolate was very creamy, but not very chai-tasting. The tastes of cloves and peppers, especially, were fairly prominent. 

Dark Chocolate Ginger Black Tea was next. Wow. I could taste the flavor of ginger before even biting into it. The flavors of ginger and dark chocolate combined to create a very sharp taste with a ginger-like lasting burn at the back of the throat. Surprisingly though, despite the description I just offered, this chocolate really was quite tasty. 

The last chocolate included was Dark Chocolate Raspberry Black Tea. This one was very smooth and creamy in texture and in flavor  The fruit flavor was not as strong as the passionfruit chocolate. However, the subtle raspberry flavor complemented the dark chocolate quite well. 

I would definitely recommend these chocolates to any chocolate or tea lover. These are delicious treats and the tea added to them complements them excellently.

Other chocolate in this line includes a White Belgian Chocolate with Matcha and Sencha.


These chocolates are available from various confectioners. You can visit the website of Tea and All Its Splendour, here, to find more information on acquiring these sweets.
This review was unsolicited and uncompensated. 
Photo credit to Tea and All Its Splendour

A Word to the Wise...

Bringing back some of that Lego and fountain pen combination love!

"A word to the wise...if you steal nibs, a ninja will stab you with a fountain pen."

Happy Fountain Pen Day 2013!

A very happy Fountain Pen Day to all of you! I hope that you are all enjoying this day of embracing fountain pens and the handwritten arts. I, myself, am having a good time, utilizing a Pilot Vanishing Point Decimo, Noodler's Konrad, and TWSBI Diamond 580, while taking notes at work.

In case you missed the special offer from European Paper Company, here it is again. Simply click the picture below to be taken to European Paper Company's website, then utilize the coupon code, when you check out, to gain 5% off your order of anything in their store!

Plus, this coupon is good through the 10th of November for all of your post-Fountain Pen Day shopping, too.

Uncertain as to what Fountain Pen Day is? Visit the official Fountain Pen Day website to learn more and see who else is celebrating, including what other companies are sponsoring Fountain Pen Day with special offers!

Stained Fingers on Thursday - A Review of De Atramentis Frankincense Ink

Looking back on the use of this ink, I realize that I really enjoyed it. What I do not mention in the review, below, is that it actually had a very nice smell, too. I have never smelled actual frankincense, but, if it smelled like this, I imagine that I might enjoy it. Please ignore the fact that I refer to it as a green ink. It is definitely a primarily grey ink.

This scan was done on an HP Deskjet F4280 at 600dpi.
Note: Because these scans are done with a light emitting printer, actual colors will, more likely than not, be slightly darker than they may appear, here. The colors shown, here, are probably a bit more reminiscent of what the ink would be like under a bright light or if it were held up and viewed with a light behind it.

Unconventional Tea Reviews - A Review of Monster Rehab: Tea + Orangeade + Energy

In reviewing the second of these tea-infused Monster energy drinks, the thought came to my mind that it certainly would be nice, if they had come up with a more unique title for each one. "Monster Rehab" is a fine title for the series, but when the name of their drink is essentially a listing of the major flavors and/or ingredients, someone in Monster's marketing department needs to take a second look at the name of each drink.

That being said, none of you came here to listen to a ramble on the naming of Monster energy drinks...how does this beverage taste? First, just like Monster Rehab: Rojo Tea + Energy, this one is non-carbonated, a choice that I feel enhances the flavors of the beverage. As for those flavors, well, it tastes a lot like orange soda.

Unlike sipping an orange juice or one of the numerous, synthetic orange juice offsprings (Tampico Punch, Tang, etc.), this Monster's orange flavor has relatively low levels of tangy-ness or sourness. This in turn smooths the flavor of the beverage and makes it more drinkable. (I am not certain, if it is actually less acidic than an orange juice, or if it merely tastes that way.)

The tea portion of this Monster contains a brewed black tea. Tea lovers, do not come looking for tea in this beverage. I found the tea flavors to be very minor, and they reside mostly in the aftertaste.

If you enjoy pouring your Monster beverages in a cup, perhaps over ice, prepare yourself to not be impressed by the coloring, here. In fact, upon emptying this can into a glass, I was greeted with a liquid, which had the appearance of muddy, orange water - not at all visually appealing. That being said, I am sure that most consumers of this drink probably leave it in the can.

In conclusion, while I am glad that I had the chance to try this drink in the Monster Rehab series, I am further looking forward to trying the others. This one did not have bad flavor, and it would certainly appeal to those, who enjoy orange soda. That being said, Monster Rehab: Tea + Orangeade + Energy was simply "not my cup of tea."

Be sure to check out my first review of a Monster Rehab energy drink, where I take a look at Rojo Tea + Energy! I welcome your thoughts, comments, and questions, below.


Photo credit to monsterenergy.com.

Fountain Pen Day Special Offer!

For all of the wonderful readers of this blog (and any who may have just started reading), I bring you this great offer from European Paper! Click on the picture, below, to be taken to European Paper's site and use the code mentioned, when checking out, for 5% off your order.

Tea Review Tuesday - A Review of TeaFrog's Gingerbread Orange Rooibos

Mmm, rooibos, orange peels, almonds, cardamom, and coriander...this sounds like a delicious tea in the making! When I first opened the package, it was definitely the almond scents that struck my nose first. Then came sweet, slightly juicy undertones. In preparing this tea, I utilized a two-cup teapot, 1 tablespoon of TeaFrog Gingerbread Orange Rooibos (two times the recommended 1.5 teaspoon per cup), and freshly boiled water.

Pouring the water over the mixture, the dominant smell wafting up in the steam was actually orange. I felt this was a good sign, since the name of the tea is Gingerbread Orange. The recommended five minutes passed, I removed the infuser, taking a moment to eyeball the tea. I could easily pick out the cardamom, coriander, and orange bits in among the rooibos. I was not too sure about where the almond was, but I knew I had smelled it earlier...oh, there are a couple of pieces. Whew. My nose has not deceived me.

I take my first sip. Hmmm, I can definitely taste the cardamom. It is coming through quite dominantly. I take another sip, and another, and finish off the first cup. My thoughts so far run somewhere along the line of: it tastes spicy, as gingerbread does, but yet...this tea has not so far reminded me of gingerbread. The spiciness of the flavor is quickly followed by tasty orange, and then some almond-esque undertones. Not having fully felt that I understand this tea and all that it has to offer, I pour myself a second cup.

The deep orange-red, nearly rust, color of this tea is quite pretty. As I sip this second cup, it seems that it follows much like the first. However, I am now beginning to follow the connection of the flavor of this tea to the flavor of gingerbread. This connection is especially prominent in the aftertaste, which is quite pleasant. I finish off the pot with a new outlook on this tea.

I think this tea would be a great treat any time of the day. I drank it in the morning and really enjoyed the experience, but I can see it being a lovely evening tea as well. If you are interested in this tea, I would definitely recommend trying some. I would rate it an 85/100 on my personal enjoyment scale.

TeaFrog's Gingerbread Orange Rooibos is available from their website, here.
This review was unsolicited and uncompensated.
Photo credit to TeaFrog.

The Nock Co. Kickstarter Is Closing Soon!

Wow...after twenty-eight days, the Nock Co. Pen Case Kickstarter has been a huge success and raised funds far exceeding their goal. Congratulations to Nock Co!

However, the fun is not done! Their Kickstarter campaign continues through the 30th of October. If you have not taken a look at their fabulous cases, I highly recommend going and checking them out. Nock Co. has a case to meet every pen, notebook, or pocket tool carrying need!

This post is unsolicited and uncompensated.
Photo credit to Nock Co.

Fountain Pen Day 2013 Is Coming!

Hello everyone!

Some travels recently have kept me from more extensive posts (there are Lego book and fountain pen reviews in the pipeline, I promise!) However, I had to take this opportunity to tell you about Fountain Pen Day!

Traditionally, Fountain Pen Day is the first Friday of every November, which means that, this year, it falls on Friday, November 1, 2013 - soon! This year marks the second of this annual tradition, and we hope that it will be as successful as last year.

What is Fountain Pen Day? Simply put, Fountain Pen Day involves "Taking a day to embrace, promote, and share fountain pens and the handwritten arts." Do you prefer a dip pen over a fountain pen? No problem! Even ballpoint users can celebrate the art of handwriting (we will not shun you!)! So, how can you celebrate? Write letters, share pens, tell other people about pens, and impart to them the joys of writing things by hand!

In all of this, you all will benefit! A number of vendors have chosen to help celebrate the day by sponsoring Fountain Pen Day. The official sponsor list also keeps a list of those sponsors, who are having store specials on or around Fountain Pen Day. Check them out, here!

Additionally, there may be some special Fountain Pen Day goodness coming from Built from Ink and Tea...watch for it!

Stained Fingers on Thursday - A Review of Montblanc Mystery Black Ink

The last time I visited my local Montblanc boutique (to gaze in wonder upon the Montblanc Heritage 1912), I got to try a small sample their ubiquitous black ink.

This scan was done on an HP Deskjet F4280 at 600dpi.
Note: Because these scans are done with a light emitting printer, actual colors will, more likely than not, be slightly darker than they may appear, here. The colors shown, here, are probably a bit more reminiscent of what the ink would be like under a bright light or if it were held up and viewed with a light behind it.

The Grand TWSBI Review - Part 4. A Review of the TWSBI Tri-Tech iSmart Multifunction Pen

Originally, the plan for the Grand TWSBI Review had been to work through the currently existing fountain pen models in a semi-logical order, based on model number. However, with the recent release of the TWSBI Tri-Tech iSmart Multifunction Pen, I wanted to provide all of you with information on this new writing instrument, as soon as possible. The ROC 100, 580, Mini, and 700 will wait. For an index of all of the currently-released reviews in this series and a brief background, see Part 1. Introduction, here.

First Impressions (7)
When ordering this pen, I had not noticed that the white is slightly pearlescent. It is not bad and is very subtle. The pen is thin, though not quite as thin as a disposable ballpoint. It also clicks, which could annoy some people. (More on that later.) Good looking? Yes. Useful? We will see...

Appearance (8)
In typical TWSBI fashion, the Tri-Tech iSmart has been designed for a handy, yet stylish look. In fact, while most of their pens exhibit the casual look of demonstrators, the solid white (or dark blue) of the Tri-Tech “dresses it up” a bit. The body is plain, broken only by the chrome tip, mid-ring, clip, and end-ring. These, too, are unadorned chrome, except for the mid-ring with its engraved “TWSBI.” On the tip, the chrome is grooved around a portion, which suggests to me the ability to unscrew the tip. However, such is not the case, and this must have been placed here for an unknown purpose. I find these grooves to be located too far down on the pen to use as grips of any sort. Similar grooves are at the opposite end of the pen, near the stylus. These are purposed to help the user unscrew the piece that holds the stylus tip. Conveniently, the cartridge refills have a small colored ring on them for easy distinguishing.

Design/Size/Weight (7)
One of the most noticeable attributes of this pen is its size. TWSBI has crafted this multifunction writing instrument to be just a bit thicker than a disposable ballpoint. With length, TWSBI seems to have found a functional, one-size-fits-almost-all length to accommodate as many hand sizes as possible. The step from one half of the barrel to the next is not too extreme, making it comfortable, no matter where that step lands on one’s hand.

As previously mentioned, the grooves on the tip do not serve as a finger stop, but by no means do they detract from the design. The clip is tight, but it does stretch and seems fairly sturdy. For testing the stylus, I turned to a coworker, who is a frequent stylus user, tapping (stylus-ing?) at several touchscreen devices, during the course of a typical day. When I first asked him to test the stylus, he was skeptical, as it is rubber rather than mesh (which makes a superior stylus in his opinion). Yet, after a short time of use, he stated that this stylus was better than many rubber ones, which he had previously used.

My two major design complaints come with the function-switching. While the actual switching between pens and pencil is simple enough - just twist the upper body - there is no true position to “close” the pen. Instead, a user must twist the body halfway, retracting the current tip but not extending the next.  The second complaint is related: because the hole in the tip is open so wide (probably to allow for ease of function-switching), the extended ballpoint will bend slightly and “click” against the side of the opening, when the pen is lifted from, and pressed to, the paper.

Changing refills is a simple matter of pulling the body in half. While not weighty, the pen has a nice, moderate heft to it, along with a fantastic balance. Finally, it seems to me that this pen looks remarkably like the Montesa Tri-Tech, which was once produced by TWSBI... This design looks to have improved on that one. In some respects, it is unfortunate that they removed the eraser in favor of a stylus.

Nib (7)
Since this pen is not a fountain pen, a brief review of the refills shall take the place of discussing the nib. The pencil lead is 0.5 mm and there is not much more to say! Both the black and red refills are 0.7 mm, which is a decently bold line for daily writing. They are TWSBI-branded and shorter than standard refills. While perhaps not as smooth as writing with the expensive Montblanc ballpoint refills, these nonetheless provided a moderately smooth writing experience. One negative thing I noticed was some line inconsistency. In a fountain pen, this “shading” might be desirable, but such is not the case in a ballpoint. With the refills being as short as they are, I have a small concern about the availability of refills for the ballpoints.

Filling System (9)
Thankfully, TWSBI has placed directions in the package on how to change the refills. While the changing is easy, the methodology is not immediately obvious upon looking at the pen. First the two halves of the body are pulled apart. Then, either of the ballpoint refills may be lifted out and replaced. To add more lead, the mechanical pencil portion further splits in half, width-wise (not length-wise), and more lead may be inserted.

Cost and Value (7)
Based on the quality construction, this pen certainly fits into the mid-range of ballpoints and mechanical pencils. This midrange also has prices that vary greatly. I would say that the Tri-Tech iSmart sits on the lower end of that price range, which contains a lot of $40-ish pens. This one easily matches those for build quality, though it may not be as flashy. However, the refill quality concerns me - I would have expected better from TWSBI.

Conclusion (8)
(7.5/10 actual score)
In conclusion, I feel that TWSBI has crafted a winner of a pen, but they have fallen short on refill quality and availability. Placing all of this functionality in one instrument, yet keeping the size to a slender and quality-looking profile was well done. The size and weight will be appreciated by many, yet I think many will be disappointed by the mediocre writing quality. (Changing the ballpoint refills would do wonders for this pen as a whole.)


This review was unsolicited and uncompensated.
The TWSBI Tri-Tech iSmart is available directly from TWSBI, here, or from their Amazon store, here (in white) and here (in dark blue).

Tea Review Tuesday - A Review of TeaFrog's Blueberry Flavored White Tea

The first thing I noticed was the beautiful blue flowers interspersed into this tea. They definitely added an enjoyable element to the presentation. Following the suggestions of the package, I steeped this tea for two minutes, using three teaspoons of leaf (in a two-cup teapot). The water was heated to the point where small bubbles were forming on the bottom of the kettle (a good sign that the water is hot enough for white tea).

I am really impressed by the aroma of this tea. I have drunk a few blueberry white teas before, most of which tasted immensely of blueberries, but in an almost-artificial manner. This tea is different. The blueberry flavor does not jump out at the drinker. Instead, it meshes well with the flavors of the Pai Mu Dan base. The blueberry flavors are everywhere throughout the tea, when it is first sipped and in the aftertaste, but the flavors do not dominate. Thankfully, they also do not underwhelm. It may sound like this is a lot to say to merely describe the way in which this tea is well-balanced, but it is my opinion that this tea deserves the accolades. I really enjoyed drinking this tea. It is indeed worthy of the 93/100 I give it on my personal enjoyment scale.

TeaFrog's Blueberry Flavored White Tea is available from their website, here.
This review was unsolicited and uncompensated.
Photo credit to TeaFrog.

A Review of the Noodler's Konrad Flex Fountain Pen in Fleur de Lis Blue Tortoise

Before I begin the review, I would like to specify the Noodler's Konrad discussed here is the original, flex version, made of a celluloid derivative, and it should not be confused with the new ebonite or acrylic Konrad flex versions.

First Impressions (9)
The tortoise pattern on this pen is gorgeous. Even better is that all of the tortoise patterns are different, offering a new look with each pen, completely unique. Capped, it is a lot shorter than I expected. If not for the tortoise, this pen would be very plain and unassuming.

Appearance (9)
The Fleur de Lis Blue Tortoise Konrad has an excellently matching color scheme from the solid blue cap, grip, and blind cap to the silver accents and of course the tortoise body. The swirling tortoise colors are set with a deep blue background, nearly unseen. The tortoise pattern is different for each pen, but this one is particularly deep and dark (though I have seen the opposite, even on this model - vibrant and bright swirls of color). When viewed next to the tortoise body, the blue portions seem almost dull, but they really have a subtle richness to them, unnoticed at first glance. Overall, the shape and lines are reminiscent of a vintage pen, and it presents itself well.

Design/Size/Weight (8)
While it may not look it at first glance, this pen is comfortable. This is despite the fact that the threads and upturned front end (on the section) appear sharp and awkward. They truly (and surprisingly) are not.

Speaking of the threads, I find it strange, yet purposeful, as to their placement. They are located on the section, just behind the grip, but before the ink window, seeming very close to the nib. However, when the cap is screwed onto the pen, it covers the ink window and part of the barrel, and the nib is nearly all of the way to the end of the cap. This serves to leave a still-short pen, even while capped.

The nib and feed are friction-fit, and the piston knob is covered by a blind cap. The pen may also be fully disassembled with nib, feed, and piston mechanism removed. The overall style was aimed toward that of vintage piston-fillers, according to the creator, but he also wanted it to be easily fixable, if not customizable, as well. That said, I wish the piston mechanism used a knob that was the same size (or so) as the blind cap, rather than the very small knob, currently under the blind cap.

Overall, the pen is very light, being made from a celluloid derivative. Most of the weight that is felt resides in the nib and feed, which does cause the pen to feel slightly front-heavy.

Nib (7)
The nib, which comes with the Noodler’s Konrad is a steel flex nib of little note. It flexes with a good bit of pressure, and the line is consistent, though not very smooth. The nib will write without flex, if very little pressure is applied. That being said, note the relatively high score for the nib part of this pen. Customization is the key to that! The Konrad takes a #6 nib, easily acquired in a multitude of forms and sizes. As of July of 2013, Noodler’s now produces an inexpensive steel standard nib for #6 settings. The Nemosine nibs also fit well, and they are available in EF, F, M, B, 0.6, and 0.8 sizes. Bock and JoWo also produce #6 nibs, such as those used by TWSBI in their Vac 700 pens. The Goulet Pen Company has begun to offer inexpensive, yet quality, JoWo #6 nibs, actually intended (in part) for the Noodler’s Konrad and Ahab. Yet the customization does not stop here. As the feed is  made of ebonite, nibs may be “heat set” with their feed for optimal fit, flow, and performance. Well-planned, Noodler’s!

Filling System (8)
Ahhh, the Konrad’s filling system... a very interesting piston-filler. The filling is managed by means of a piston knob, hidden below a blind cap on the end of the pen. I found that the knob was a bit small, sometimes causing it to be less than ideal in filling. Moreover, the piston mechanism was far from the smoothest that I have tried. It is not bad, but it could be better.

Cost and Value (9)
I truly believe that the value of this pen lies in how it is seen by its owner (or future owner). If it is seen, as Noodler’s intended for it to be seen, a craft-like pen to be changed (as with the nib) to the liking of the user, then its value is great. To have a flexible (in the figurative sense of the word) pen, in which I may use a myriad of nibs with a fully-adjustable feed, is of great value to me. Someone looking for a replacement for their vintage flex pen might have a totally different opinion (which might be changed yet again, if they fit a Konrad with a vintage flex nib). Depending on how one looks at it, this pen’s retail cost of $20 is a good deal. It can be gotten for even less - a greater deal.

Conclusion (8)
In conclusion, I feel that the Noodler’s Konrad, in one of its many colors, with one of many nibs, would appeal to nearly anyone. However, the Konrad may be too large for some writers with small hands. I deliberated for a long time, whether or not I wanted one of these pens enough to acquire it. Using it with a fine nib of another brand, I have never been disappointed.