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GRRR…something’s up with dashboard or my browser but this is my third attempt to review this tasty tea. I’d read a few great reviews of Whispering Pines teas so placed my order. While I was a bit bummed that most of their blends seemed to be out of stock (!), I ordered a few chais and two herbals including this one.
This was the first out of the package and the minute I opened the package the freshness hit me in the nose. Pow! I could imagine the guy at Whispering Pines having poured the magick right out of his mortar and pestle and into the little ziploc paper envelope.
I was also delighted when the minute the hot water hit the tea, it blossomed with color. This is some FRESH tea! The website listed this as a good night-time tea and 30 minutes after having a cup my partner is snoring on the futon in the living room. So, take that as some kind of seal of approval. I’d definitely get this tea again although it did seem a bit on the pricey side. But I can’t complain with the freshness of the tea, so that probably explains it.

A perfectly fine Earl Grey. Strong on the bergamot. Doesn’t knock my socks off but then again I don’t really want that from an Earl Grey in the morning.

Love adding this tea to cold summer teas. Adds a great citrus note that’s just right for a hot day. Sure you could add lemon juice but using this tea allows for the lemon taste to not overwhelm the tea.

Got this as a sample in my last Harney & Sons package. I’ve been on the fence about Rooibos, and while I didn’t get the overwhelming “medicinal” smell other folks have commented about, this didn’t do much for me. I didn’t really smell much chai. Mostly cinnamon. This would more honestly be called Rooibois Cinnamon. It’s not horrible but a bit oversweet for my tastes. Might be interested iced.

So I managed to get some of this tea online from a secondary source. Wow. One of the most fruity and fragrant teas I’ve sampled. A real delight. Recent story: I’d placed a few sachets in tagalong tin and last night during a long (and tedious) community board meeting decided to brew up a cup. The minute I opened the tin the fragrance of this tea hit the air and my friends sitting next to me turned their heads. One asked what it was and after my reply and neighborly first sip, I ended up giving a sachet to one of my friends to try out at home. It is decaffeinated but I have to say that it is so fresh that it’s kind of a mood lifter.
I really don’t understand why this isn’t available from Harney & Sons. Just doesn’t make any sense really given how delicious it is.