I’m giving this one another go—since I still have plenty left—but adjusting the temp & time.
Someone recommended that the reason I’ve been having trouble with this tea is that I’ve been steeping it too hot for too long. Oh, probably. So, today I tried steeping it at only 75°C for only 3-4 minutes and… it still tastes bland.
Yes, I’m getting the apple-y-ness and the pie-y-ness, but it’s not astounding my taste-buds into believing that I am drinking apple pie. Just an apple & spiced green tea. I guess this one is destined to become a “company tea” that I serve to guests who want something a little fancier than plain black tea, yet I won’t be sad to see it go.