5 Tasting Notes
This smells quite strongly of valerian when you open the packet, so be warned, although the taste comes through less strongly as it steeps and the other flavors come out. It’s minty/floral but not overpowering, with an earthy undertone from the valerian, and is slightly sweet all on its own. It’s quite a nice tasting mix, and I like that it has valerian and linden, both of which help me sleep.
I love this tea, it’s my favorite of the 6-7 brands of Earl Grey I’ve tried. It’s strong but well-balanced, and has a lot of floral bergamot aroma and flavor without being cloying or bitter (and I drink it straight, without added sugar or milk). The base tea has a nice flavor, not smoky or earthy. Really good.
Flavors: Astringent, Bergamot, Citrus, Earl Grey, Floral
Preparation
I so, so want to love this tea. I do love the fragrance and color, I just can’t get behind the taste when I steep it as hot tea. It’s just too tart for me. Citric acid is the third ingredient- WHY?! The hibiscus and rose hips are tart already, so why add more acid? That said, I can drink it iced, with added sugar. It’s good that way. But I prefer not to add more sugar to my diet, and I like hot tea. It’s been a disappointing experience with a tea I’ve tried to like for fifteen years.
This tea tastes really artificial, sour, and soapy to me. I actually have yet to brew a drinkable cup. I’ve tried different temperatures and steep times, and nothing helps. It just tastes like soap. I ended up throwing out the rest of the bag. What a waste of money.
I really like this tea. It’s light and refreshing, and I love the hint of lime. It’s sweet by itself, without being cloying, and I don’t add anything to it. I taste the mint and lime most of all, with a smooth finish of cucumber. It’s subtle, but all the flavors are definitely there. Yum!