This seems the perfect blend for Valentine’s Day (had it then). Thanks so much, Plum Deluxe! Black tea and ripe pu-erh with raspberries and cocoa nibs and orange peel. I was worried the orange peel would ruin this, but if anything, it might just add some brightness to the raspberry. The raspberry is tart yet jammy sharing a perfect balance with the cocoa. The second steep is just as dark and delicious, still a ton of bright raspberry and cocoa. As it cools, the citrus tastes like a hint of bergamot. The base is strong enough for me to love it, but gives enough room to allow those lovely flavors to shine. If I had to guess I don’t think I could even tell that this had pu-erh in the blend? So I don’t think the pu-erh has any of those negative pu-erh flavors. I bet it would be nice if I added a bit of cocoa shells or even a tiny bit of hot chocolate. I had Lupicia’s Framboise Chocolat once or twice and the flavor here is VERY similar to that one. This is great because I love that blend. Not to say that they are sourced from the same place because Plum Deluxe blends their own teas. I REALLY like this one even more than I thought I would. This is only available through March 1 so grab it now if you want some!
Steep #1 // 1 1/2 teaspoons for full mug // 18 minutes after boiling // 2 minute steep
Steep #2 // just boiled // 4 min
Flavors: Chocolate, Citrus, Raspberry
