A sample from Ysaurella. This is a tea I’m already slightly familiar with, as I drank the iced tea version earlier in the summer. I liked it, and so was interested to try the black tea version that inspired it as well. I gave 1 tsp of leaf 4 minutes in boiling water, and (based on the colour of the resulting liquor) left it black.
I was expecting a little astringency, but there is none. It’s actually a gloriously smooth tasting blend, and the spicing is perfectly done. It’s distinctive but not harsh, and it’s still possible to taste the pleasantly malty black base underneath. An example of a spiced tea well done, in my book.
Although it’s spiced, it’s not reminiscent of chai. Rather, it tastes very eastern inspired, very exotic, reminiscent of a walk through a souk. The spices are so well blended, it’s actually quite hard to pick out individual notes. I fairly sure there’s cinnamon, but I’ll need to think on this one a little more (and try it when I’m not at work, perhaps) in order to have time to really think about what I’m tasting. A positive experience, though, and a pretty unique blend. I’ve not tried many (any?) like this before, which is actually quite refreshing! A possible for my cupboard.
this a very special blend. lovely.My tin is running low and I need to consider it for a future re purchase. Glad you liked it too.