This was included as a sample pouch in my recent order, so I’m going to start this off by admitting that I’m not generally a fan of cocoa/peppermint as a combination in my drinks…but I’m oddly enticed by this one.
The aroma is mostly mint, but the taste…is surprisingly complex. Earthy in a way that makes me think of dirt (dark, loamy topsoil) and deep without the bitterness that I often get from black teas. The cocoa isn’t heavy and doesn’t feature prominently, though I think I can catch hints in the aroma and aftertaste.
Overall I’d consider this a surprisingly good tea. I’ll admit I should probably avoid it due to the caffeine, but it may become a cabinet staple regardless; it just reminds me of growing up in the mountains, strange though that may sound.
(note to self) When you decide to drink this in the future please remember that re-steeping mate doesn’t seem to reduce the caffeine at all. Midnight panic attacks aren’t worth having a second cup in the evening.