Bird & Blend Advent Calendar 2021: Day 17!
Mince pies always remind me of my paternal grandfather. He lived clear across the country from us and we didn’t see him terribly often, for a number of complicated family reasons. But I remember him spending one Christmas with us and requesting mince pies. I’d never had one before and didn’t know what to expect, but I ended up enjoying it. It’s a shame mince pies aren’t more common in the U.S.!
The tea bag didn’t smell like much to me, but the brewed cup is giving off a pleasant almond pastry scent. Those are the most powerful flavors, too: marzipan, buttery pastry, and a hint of warming spices. I could do with a bit more spice and more forward fruity notes; they only come through as it cools. (Maybe the Ceylon base is covering them up?) As it is, though, I’m actually quite enjoying this one. It’s putting me in mind of stollen more than mince pie, but that’s OK.
All in all, an enjoyable morning cuppa. Plus, it sent me down memory lane thinking of my grandfather. He passed away last year around this time, actually a couple days before I got my cancer diagnosis. It’s tough to mourn someone who lived far away and was not a part of your daily (or weekly, or really monthly!) life, especially when that death happens in the middle of other, more pressing upheavals. So I appreciate the little reminder of him today.
Flavors: Butter, Drying, Marzipan, Pastries, Spices
