I love this brand. When I first researched green tea years ago, Bigelow was the recommendation for value for green tea. I have used this brand for years and years years now. This isy first time trying a variety pack. I was extremely pleased. I hope they come out with matcha green tea variety pack as well. The tea stayed fresh (I do store the bags in a glass jar with a rubber seal after opening the box. I love the taste whether hot or cold. Yes, I make pitchers of green tea as well. The mint green tea is especially soothing for my Migraine headaches (I sometimes add some extra peppermint fresh from my herb garden as well. Although the mint flavor from the bags is absolutely beautiful and needs no enhancement). I highly recommend this as well as other green tea from this brand