Stephanie Send Message

I thought I’d like this, but I don’t. :(

It tastes and smells like cherry cough syrup!! Blech.

I don’t know…maybe the vanilla flavoring is too strong. I was surprised on how artificially “fruity” this was.

It’s only tolerable with plenty of milk.

The scent is like the “lite” version of A&D’s Caravan misted over with Hawaiian Punch! There is this veil of red fruitiness covering the toasty, smokiness of the tea. Smells pretty yummy, actually. However, contrary to its scent, the taste is very soft and light with not much body—kind of wimpy! There’s this hint of salt and yeast with a sweet aftertaste. Seems better suited as an “afternoon” tea—way too mellow for breakfast! I’m glad I have a sample of this, but there has to be more “pizzaz” for me to buy more.

A promising tea which, sadly, falls short.

This is tasting better and better to me nowadays. Maybe I’m getting used to the herbally/potpourri flavor. It’s definitely more enjoyable if I use less leaf (herbs?). I mainly drink this “medicinally” (in the evenings as a sleep aid or in the daytime if I feel anxious) and I often make the mistake of thinking “more is better”! But too much leaf just tastes overwhelmingly potpourri-ish and icky. So, just a little less than 1 level teaspoon per 12 oz. is perfect.

You really don’t need much. It’s pretty potent!

The scent of the dry leaves is amazing! I can really smell the creaminess of the caramel. It reminds me very much of the popular caramel spread from Argentina called “dulce de leche”. The tea brews up quite dark—like a roasted oolong. The taste is toasty and sweet like a sugary Genmaicha!

I’m really really enjoying this—it’s sweet, toasty, creamy comfort in a cup.

(While the aroma is deliciously rich, the flavor is actually really mellow and smooth—no bitterness and no astringency)

I just want to add that this is fantastic with milk! The creamsicle aspect is enhanced and whole effect of drinking this is very soothing—must be the warm milk. The taste seems “naturally” sweet (are the flavors sweetened?) so no additional sweetner is needed. Reminds me very much of an Earl Grey Latte from Starbucks (what they used to call the “London Fog”) but much less $$$.

Upping the score (because of this yummy “tea latte/milk tea” experience)!

Edited to add: It’s so strange because my last note on this I added milk and it wasn’t this delicious at all! Must have overbrewed it or used too much/too little leaf or something! So for this note, I used 3 heaping teaspoons in my small teapot which can hold up to 2 mugs of water (I think that’s 16oz?) and it came out perfect for milk tea.

Oh boy, this tea has character! Upon opening my sample packet, I was surprised on how fragrant the leaves were! Peppery, bready, peaty and herbal. Once steeped, the taste is bold, smoky and very peppery! On cooldown the earthiness asserts itself. Very smooth too—no bitterness and not much astringency. I guess you could call this a “piquant” breakfast blend?

(I added just a bit of milk)