Bad Review Blend

The comforting tea for when the words sting — yours or someone else's.

Every creative person has been there. The review that cuts a little too deep. The rejection letter. The critique that makes you question whether you should have started writing in the first place. Bad Review is the tea you reach for when you need to wrap yourself in something warm and let it go.

Bestselling author Karina Halle created Bad Review after years of navigating the rollercoaster of public criticism that comes with putting your work into the world. Her philosophy? Feel the sting, brew a cup, and remember why you started. This blend is her version of a literary hug — a decaffeinated herbal blend that soothes without slowing you down, comforts without coddling, and pairs perfectly with a deep breath and a fresh perspective.

This calming, decaffeinated blend was custom developed by a professional tea flavorist specifically for Writer's Tea. Cool peppermint meets warm cinnamon and vanilla bean, with orange peel adding a gentle citrus brightness. Decaffeinated green tea provides a smooth body, while milk thistle, carob, and blackberry leaves round out the blend with earthy depth. The result is a layered, comforting cup that feels like curling up under a blanket with a favourite book. The decaffeinated formula means you can reach for it any time — after a tough day, before bed, or during a late-night reading session when you want comfort without the buzz.

Each pouch contains 20 plant-based woven pyramid sachets, crafted from compostable PLA material sourced from corn, sugarcane, and cassava. The pyramid shape allows the blend to steep fully, releasing a rich, aromatic cup that fills your space with warmth.

Bad Review is more than a tea — it is a reminder that every great author has faced criticism, and every great reader has found comfort in the pages of a book and the warmth of a perfect cup. Let it steep. Let it go.

Perfect for: Stress relief, cozy reading evenings, book club commiseration, gifting to any writer or book lover who needs a pick-me-up.

What's Inside:

• 20 plant-based pyramid sachets per pouch
• Custom-developed decaffeinated herbal blend with Peppermint, Decaf Green Tea, Orange Peel, Cinnamon, Milk Thistle, Carob, Blackberry Leaves, Vanilla Bean, and Natural Flavoring (organic compliant)
• Decaffeinated — comfort any time of day

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bad Review caffeine-free?

Bad Review is a decaffeinated blend. It contains decaffeinated green tea as part of its base, along with peppermint, cinnamon, vanilla bean, orange peel, and other soothing herbs. You can enjoy it any time of day or night without worrying about caffeine keeping you up.

What does Bad Review taste like?

Bad Review delivers a layered, comforting experience. Cool peppermint meets warm cinnamon and vanilla bean, with orange peel adding a gentle citrus brightness. Milk thistle, carob, and blackberry leaves round out the blend with earthy depth. It is like curling up under a blanket with a favourite book.

How many tea sachets are in each pouch?

Each pouch contains 20 plant-based woven pyramid sachets. The pyramid shape allows the herbal blend to steep fully, releasing a rich, aromatic cup that fills your space with warmth and comfort.

How do I brew Bad Review?

Place one pyramid sachet in your favourite mug, add freshly boiled water, and steep for 4 to 5 minutes. For a deeper, spicier cup, steep up to 7 minutes. It is wonderful on its own or with a splash of milk or honey.

Is Bad Review a good gift for book lovers?

Bad Review is a favourite gift for book lovers, writers, and anyone who could use a comforting pick-me-up. The name resonates with every creative person who has faced criticism — it is a tea that says "I see you, and it gets better." Available as a single pouch or as part of The Full Manuscript gift set.

Are the tea sachets compostable?

Yes. Our pyramid sachets are made from compostable PLA material sourced from corn, sugarcane, and cassava. They are plant-based and free from microplastics.