I normally like my green teas to have a strong flavor profile, but I have to admit I am impressed with this tea. Yes, it has a light body and very subtle flavor, but it is very good.
The aroma once infused is very floral, I can smell orchids and maybe a hint of jasmine, the flavor is reminiscent of a flower shop, if that makes any sense. The first infusion is quite aromatic but very delicately flavored, I normally use tap water but I had to use mineral water with this one because the flavor is so subtle tap water will definitely kill it.
The second infusion was, in my opinion, much better than the first one. The aroma of the second infusion was toned down and was not as strong as the first one, but the flavor was stronger and the floral flavors were very accessible, with a hint of sweet fruits I can’t quite pinpoint.
One thing to keep in mind is that this tea is quite finicky when it comes to brewing temperature, leaf quantity, and time. Teavana’s steeping parameters (175 degrees for 45 seconds) simply did not work out for me, the tea came out tasteless. The way I thought worked best was:
1st infusion: 180 degrees for 3 minutes
2nd infusion: 180 degrees for 5 minutes
I also used 2 heaping teaspoons per 8 ounces, which brings me to the next point: price.
This tea is quite pricey; at 10 USD per ounce it is not something I’d buy by the pound. It is totally worth every penny, but I think 2 ounces now and then will do the trick for me.
I will definitely buy again.
