Scarlet Sable is a name that is completely fitting to this tea. It is definitely not something that everyone is going to like, and on most days it’s not going to be something that I instinctively grab. However, if you’re looking for something different with some complexity to it, she might be the lady for you.
The rooibos in the blend feels like a base flavor to me, while the black tea that they use wraps smoky tendrils around its core. The smoky taste is very reminiscent of lapsang souchong. Even as I type this it doesn’t sound very appetizing, but it’s not bad. It’s one of those flavor combinations that makes me pause momentarily and go, “Huh.”
The part that makes it really interesting to me, though, is the supporting cast in Scarlet Sable. There is a light, citrusy note that almost seems to pulse gently through it all. At times, lychee briefly presents itself in soft explosions. Little poofs of flavor that hit at the back of the tongue to remind you that it’s in there. Almost like it’s trying to escape.
It’s an extremely interesting tea, but again, not something for everyday drinking. If you don’t like smoky teas, avoid it, because that aspect is very prominent. Good for centering the mind and bringing things back into focus.
Preparation
People who liked this
Comments
I’ve heard really good things about Samovar and always wanted to try them. You seem to drink a lot of their stuff and know a lot about them. If you could only recommend one tea from them, what would you recommend?
Yunnan Golden Bud.
No hesitation. Go for the jugular.
http://steepster.com/jason/shopping-list
I’m a little confused though, this is what it says on their site:
Small Tea Can $24.00
20% off: $12.80
You Save $11.20!
Last time I checked 20% off of 24 was not 12.80…but I’m not sure why I’d argue with more savings. Am I reading this wrong?
Negatron, it’s not just you. That’s definitely some weird coding juju happening there. In the cart it reads $19.20 for me. Not sure what they’re going to do about that, but I can tell you that the coupon code cozytea will get you another 20% off?
Is that a limited offer coupon or is it persistent?
It’s good through…wait, I posted it somewhere.
12.01.2009.
Sweet, thanks.
I’ve heard really good things about Samovar and always wanted to try them. You seem to drink a lot of their stuff and know a lot about them. If you could only recommend one tea from them, what would you recommend?
Yunnan Golden Bud.
No hesitation. Go for the jugular.
http://steepster.com/jason/shopping-list
I’m a little confused though, this is what it says on their site:
Small Tea Can $24.00
20% off: $12.80
You Save $11.20!
Last time I checked 20% off of 24 was not 12.80…but I’m not sure why I’d argue with more savings. Am I reading this wrong?
Negatron, it’s not just you. That’s definitely some weird coding juju happening there. In the cart it reads $19.20 for me. Not sure what they’re going to do about that, but I can tell you that the coupon code cozytea will get you another 20% off?
Is that a limited offer coupon or is it persistent?
It’s good through…wait, I posted it somewhere.
12.01.2009.
Sweet, thanks.