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(Disclaimer—I’m kind of uneducated when it comes to black tea. I’m more a fan of flavored teas. This isn’t going to be a true connoisseur’s assessment, merely that of one who knows what she likes. What’s more, Republic of Tea is a company I have something of a love/hate relationship with. )

First steeping: One bag, boiling water, three minutes.
Well, it’s nice and dark, a good indication that maybe they used enough tea in their sachets for once. I’m not catching much of a scent from it, maybe because I’m spoiled from drinking so many strongly flavored brews.
It tastes . . . (cue suspense music as I lift the cup to my lips) . . . like tea. I know, bravo Captain obvious.
It’s ok tea, mild and pleasant with no rancidity or bitterness. It actually reminds me of the cheap stuff I sometimes buy for my own blends for a dollar a box. The trouble is there ought to be worlds of difference between the taste of a tea that costs a dollar and another that retails at $10.50. The fact that my taste buds aren’t noticing any amazing nuances in the pricier stuff is a sure indication that either I’m an uncultured oaf or this stuff is overpriced.
I drank it plain in my oafish way and found it OK—Less perfume-y than some but quite acceptable. It grew a tad astringent in the last few sips.
I don’t see this as a morning grog to blast me into wakefulness nor an exotic tea to wax poetic over. To my uncultured palate Three Gardens Breakfast Black is mild, unassertive, inoffensive, ordinary, and quite forgettable. Yawn.