I believe I bought way too much of this tea. It sounded so great that I decided I needed to get enough to last me. And I did, and this is why I have way too much of this tea. I have had a few cups before, but this is my first time logging it. I have enjoyed it every time (thankfully considering I have a whole lot of it to drink through). My fondest memory of this tea is of it helping me through a tough case of laryngitis. With a bit of mint, it was perfect for my sore throat!
It is really pleasing to look at. I can make out the berries and green tea leaves. I think it is best described as looking “fun”. It smells great, berry being the main note followed by mint and, if you think about it, lime or lemon (definitely something citrus hiding among the berries, tea, and mint).
The brew (usual 2 tsp to 16oz of water) is an interesting purplish color. I get varying shades of it every time I brew it. I believe the color depends on the amount of berries in each spoonful, which can vary greatly. The scent is filled with berries and subtle hint of mint. I don’t get the citrus anymore. There is always a bit of a weird accompanying smell, which is malty (in a beer sort of way). I don’t really know where it comes from… It is the odd one out, making this tea loose some points for not being as smooth as it could be.
The flavor is great. First up berry followed by fresh mint. If you sweeten it, the mint will almost completely disappear and berry will take over. If you want to sweeten it, you should add more spearmint. In fact, adding more spearmint even if you aren’t going to sweeten it is a great idea. : )
I still tasted a bit of the malty “odd one out” I got in the smell, but it didn’t bug me. What did bug me was the sour taste it left in my mouth once the mint taste disappeared. Sour is not the way I like for my mouth to taste…
I like this tea, I really do… but it could be better. Adding more mint helps it reach the “great” mark, but it doesn’t quite make it. Still I am happy with the large amount I have and may consider reordering one day!
