I caved and broke into the Spring teas! I couldn’t help it; I really wanted to be a part of the initial stream of reviews for them, heh…
So far this one has not been reviewed all too favorably, and it’s definitely one of the blends I was least excited about in the collection – but when I cracked all the bags open today to smell with my Dad this was his favourite, and my second (White Nectarine was my first).
I really picked up on the peony in the blend as well as honey, and sweet elderberries; like how they taste in jams. I’m finding that as it gets warmer and more Spring-like here in Saskatchewan, the more I’m craving floral teas. I never used to think of myself as someone who has seasonal cravings; but maybe I am and maybe it’s part of why this appeals to me. It also smells just a little bit like generic, no name brand pink jellybeans! Just faintly – but it’s really yummy! Definitely evokes a Spring/Easter feeling.I was very cautious about steeping this one; definitely used a lower water temp that DT had suggested (probably about 75C), and watched this very closely as it steeped for the three allotted minutes. Even though the smell is really good, I didn’t want this to come out bitter or medicinal.
I definitely really taste the peony, and it’s really refreshing. The elderberries in this are sweet and sugary; definitely like elderberry jam! However, both of these flavours do almost completely mask the white and green tea in the blend for me. I don’t mind not tasting the green tea, but I’d like to be able to taste the white a little bit more. Someone compared this to wine in their review; and while it doesn’t taste like grape based wine to me, elderberries can also be used to make wine and it does remind me a little bit of the one elderberry wine I’ve tried. And yes, if I stop thinking about it actively and just drink it I totally taste pink jellybeans. It’s almost uncanny. But as soon as the part of my brain that dissects flavours kicks in that goes away and it becomes peony/elderberry again.
But so far, I’m really into this one! Seriously, not a touch medicinal or bitter – and the right balance between floral and fruit for me while maintaining a sweetness and naturalness. Maybe I’ll be in the minority, like I was for Choconut Oolong, but this is good!
Well I know where I’m sending my extras if I don’t like it :P
Thank Jebus the peonies in my mom’s garden and the elderberry juice I’ve had smell/taste nothing like this. :/