This tea was a surprise from out of the blue for me. I really didn’t expect to like it, which is a bit unfair to the tea. Even more unfair is that I willingly chose and paid for a sample of this tea, only to think mean thoughts about it.
On ATR, the description says, “An earthy blend of Organic Pu-Er, Figs, Dandelion Roots, Coconut Flakes and Fennel.” The big turn off to me is the “Pu-Er” part. The rest sounds interesting.
So, today I decided this was the tea for me. I opened the packet and smelled the tea. It smells like brandy. Like a holiday fruitcake. It has that thick, syrupy, molasses-like scent. Pu-er. Fruitcake. It’s all feeding into my aversion, but yet I’m going through with it… and thank goodness I did! 195F(90C)/1.5 min.
Once steeped, yep, fruitcake scent, although less now. I take a sip. And another. It’s really, really good! (Lesson learned.) I can definitely taste the figs and now that I have the flavor in my mouth, I can completely identify the aroma as coming from the fig component. Yes, there is still that brandy taste to it, but it’s not very strong. (I’m very thankful I took such a light approach to steeping. I’m a black tea sissy.) The pu-er, I have to say, does not, thankfully, taste like dirt. Yes, there is a slight earthiness to it, but it’s not at all offensive. I think it’s a fine example of how a pu-er should taste. I can still get a sense of this being a tea and not a chunk of mud. The coconut is nice because instead of making it taste tropical, it lends a creaminess to the flavor. It’s a fine mix of tea and other ingredients. I’m very pleased with it and happy that my tea fairy didn’t let my preconceptions get in the way of tasting it. I think I’ll be ordering more to keep in my cupboard to share with guests, too.
Preparation
People who liked this
Comments
I’m a little afraid of Pu-Ers based on what I’ve read about them, but this sounds like one I might like!
I didn’t know I liked fig until I tried a Dammann Freres that listed fig in its flavor profile. It was truly wonderful. I bet this is good! I thought I would hate pu-ers but have found them to be quite drinkable, which is strange considering that I don’t like coffee at all so I really thought I wouldn’t like something as strong as a pu-er. Yet it was one of the first teas I enjoyed with no additions. Go figure!
@Dinosara – I disliked every other Pu-Er that I’ve tried up until now. I do recommend steeping slightly less than is recommended (5 min on the packet), but I’m really nervous about caffeine as it gives me heart palpitations, so I take the super light approach.
@ashmanra – I didn’t like the scent of the figs at first, but I loved the taste!
I have enough left for about a cup each, if you’d like me to send you each a sample. :)
I would love to try it! Will pm you my address. I will pick something for you, too, or you can choose from the cupboard!
I may take you up on that offer! If you want a sample from anything in my cupboard, let me know!
I’m a little afraid of Pu-Ers based on what I’ve read about them, but this sounds like one I might like!
I didn’t know I liked fig until I tried a Dammann Freres that listed fig in its flavor profile. It was truly wonderful. I bet this is good! I thought I would hate pu-ers but have found them to be quite drinkable, which is strange considering that I don’t like coffee at all so I really thought I wouldn’t like something as strong as a pu-er. Yet it was one of the first teas I enjoyed with no additions. Go figure!
@Dinosara – I disliked every other Pu-Er that I’ve tried up until now. I do recommend steeping slightly less than is recommended (5 min on the packet), but I’m really nervous about caffeine as it gives me heart palpitations, so I take the super light approach.
@ashmanra – I didn’t like the scent of the figs at first, but I loved the taste!
I have enough left for about a cup each, if you’d like me to send you each a sample. :)
I would love to try it! Will pm you my address. I will pick something for you, too, or you can choose from the cupboard!
I may take you up on that offer! If you want a sample from anything in my cupboard, let me know!