I ordered a few teas from sTEAp Shoppe and this was one of them. When you first open the tin you are feel like you opened a bottle of vanilla extract while holding a flower to your nose. As I steeped my first cup first tasting without any sweetener then adding the sweetener I found the flavor notes similar to the aroma. The first sip (no sweet)was hearty with a smoothness from the vanilla and the combination of black tea and white tea I found to be quite a pleasant combination bringing in a mild yet robust floral flavor. The hue is a quite dark amber color I believe due to the vanilla bean which some of the small vanilla bean beads did go through my filter and lingered in the cup. This tea is heavy yet light I am not sure quite how to say it but maybe like comparing it to whip cream, you know it’s heavy and creamy but it’s texture is so light and fluffy. Then I added the sweetener and wow! there was the cocoa flavor taking my taste buds for a ride. Unlike the sweedish delight I commented on this teas second cup is very similar to the first. The flavors seem somehow more settled now but all the notes I found are still there front and center. I not sure anyone could really dislike this tea because it is so versatile. Oh and I must not forget what did I serve this with you ask. Because after the first tasting the second must have a complimentary food to grace my palate. I knew it would be desert but was unsure as to what avenue to take. Go simple or rich. I took some time because I must admit the desire to put a brownie smothered in chocolate sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream seemed to be the perfect match. But I decided for the less obvious and less caloric approach and had a strawberry sorbet. Yes, I realize this seems way to simple but it’s not the name of the food but the effort and love that went into making it. Fresh cool strawberries and a wonderful hot tea loaded with chocolate and vanilla flavors. What could be better on a hot day.
190 °F / 87 °C
4 min, 30 sec