I had to try this one, as I adore most of the S&V blends I’ve tried. But I just can’t seem to find anything special with this one. The black tea base results in the lightest of brews – it’s the lightest of honey colors and has barely any flavor itself. I definitely need more from a black tea than this. The blackberry leaves don’t ruin the flavor but they really shouldn’t be here either. Otherwise, I’m only tasting a hint of spices. The roses are a nice touch but I don’t think they add much to the taste. I’ve only had actual baklava once in my life (and it probably wasn’t an accurate TRUE baklava) but if baklava is supposed to be dough and honey and nuts, this tea is definitely not that. This blend just doesn’t work for what it’s supposed to represent, and I would just find this blend boring no matter what the name was. Sorry, S&V!
Steep #1 // 1 1/2 teaspoons for a full mug// 16 minutes after boiling // 2 1/2 minute steep
Steep #2 // just boiled // 4 minute steep
edited to add: 7/27/19 — I tried this with 2 1/2 teaspoons and I like the flavor better this way… it’s more baklava but the black tea isn’t overwhelming or bitter at all, even when the second steep was using boiling water. So it’s probably not too much caffeine? I’m raising the rating from 68.
