Honeybush Banana Nut

Another winning Adagio sample packet! Prepared as directed, infusing all 3.2 g of material in 8 oz boiling spring water for 5 min. The aroma of the dry blend was pleasant, if powerful, but it softened considerably during steeping. I was skeptical here because there is no actual banana ingredient, only a flavoring. And I’m wary of cinnamon which often overwhelms.

But my fears were wasted and, as Steepster @Kaylee mentioned a few months ago, the banana flavoring was short of being candylike. In fact, my overall impression was of flaming, buttered Bananas Foster in a banana-nut bread context, which I adore. Kaylee couldn’t identify the nut, and neither could I except for having read of the chestnut flavoring ingredient— another dubious flavoring that turns out to work quite well. I was unaware of any cinnamon unless I tried to taste it. The sweetness was quite forward, and undoubtedly results from the honeybush and the dry apple pieces. Forward, but perfectly sweet in my opinion! I counted 14 small cubes of diced apple, and the resulting flavor was of baked apple dumpling, rather than sharp green apple (nor artificial flavor), which was warming, mouthwatering, and terrific. Steepster @Ashmanra reported some time ago about having liked the chocolate flavor (from the cocoa nib ingredient) in her sample packet, whereas my sample must not have gotten any nibs, since that element was undetectable. No matter, I do like chocolate with banana and/or apple, but this tisane was fine without. The marigold petals added no flavor, but imbued the liquor with golden color to brighten the amber honeybush tint.

A re-steep following the same parameters had a softer aroma, wherein the cinnamon was gently asserting itself. The banana was less impressive, but still notable, and the sweetness vastly reduced. Still no chocolate notes. Nevertheless, it was still an enjoyable echo of the original result, and a soft landing for the evening. I will include more of this in my upcoming Adagio order, and play around with combining the first and second steeps for an improved 2 cups of ‘tea’. It’s really now one of my favorite non-caffeine dessert drinks. I’ll rate it at 89 for now, and recommend.

Day 3 of DIY Adagio advent. This is one of the better Adagio blends I’ve had, I think. The banana flavor is sweet but falls just short of being candy-like. I can’t quite place the nut here – maybe walnut? – but it’s definitely nutty. And honeybush is the perfect base for this. The overall effect is very “banana nut muffin.” I’d happily drink this again.

This was an Adagio sample pack that I received from Nicole – many thanks!

I wanted a caffeine free cup of tea that would be a nice follow up to a bowl of ice cream. This sounded dessert-y and fulfilled the requirement of having no caffeine. Much to my surprise I really liked it – enough that I will probably order it for a friend who is having trouble with caffeine.

This is banana bread with chocolate chips, and spot on. I didn’t expect so much chocolate flavor, but it isn’t too much. Everything here was really just right for what this tea is supposed to be. I bet it will be great with milk and sugar for a cozy winter cup of tea, but it was super good plain.

It’s just okay. Not a fan of banana or honeybush so not surprised its not one i love.

Day 8 of 2022 advent calendar

Remember when I said that I wasn’t a fan of honeybush? Yeah… I think I’ve changed my mind on this one. I really liked the banana muffin flavor this gave on a cold, icky, and foggy day. It’s definitely making finals a lot easier to manage as I stay grounded with coy teas and tisanes.

Backlogging for Day 3 of Adagio Advent

Another I wont’ rate because I absolutely despise Banana in tea, so I won’t be able to be unbiased here from personal preference.

I will say, though, that the banana and nut come through strong and clear, non-artificial, and if this is your kind of flavor, you should likely enjoy this one.

Steep:
212°F
5 min
Metal Strainer

Tasting Notes:
Dry Leaf Smell: banana nut bread
Liquor: translucent dark red brown
Steeped Tea Smell: sweet
Flavor: sweet, banana
Body: thin/light
Aftertaste: not much

Post-Steep Additives: honey
pops more like a banana bread

Re-Steep:
watery, thin, only honeybush, not worth while

Rating: 3/4 leaves

Leaf system:
1=Bleh! not again if it were free
2=Acceptable, if it were free or there were limited other tea options
3=I might purchase this tea from time to time, or select it while out
4=A staple in our cupboard from now on, I will purchase and keep purchasing

YouTube
opening the calendar – https://youtu.be/tACmnw_Wpfo
first steep – https://youtu.be/XCX83h1M5y8

TikTok
opening the calendar – https://www.tiktok.com/circuitswan/video/7150362883610774826 first steep - https://www.tiktok.com/circuitswan/video/7150393517318360366

Twitter – https://twitter.com/CircuitSwan/status/1577011919256375297

Blog Post – https://amazonv.blogspot.com/2022/10/adagio-teas-loose-leaf-herbal-tea_3.html

Statement of Sponsorship or Advertisement:
I received this product for free in return for writing a review.

Disclaimer:
All my reviews are as unbiased as possible, whether I buy or receive free product. I accept no other compensation other than free product.

John and I had this tea with just oatly yesterday. I steeped the tea for 4 mins for mine and 5 mins for Johns and the flavors were actually pretty different.

Preparation: Western with oatmilk
Tasting Note: My tea (4 mins) banana notes more prominent. It was creamier and lighter. John’s tea (5 min- I tasted a couple sips) cinnamon and richer bread notes more prominent. Banana flavor wasn’t as noticeable at this time. I would say this is one of the better adagio honeybush blends.

Advent tea
First steep is very balanced with a sweet banana and nut combination. The second steep is more nutty and I’m hard pressed to pick which one I like better. A nice change from the minty/camomile evening blends. I’ll certainly remember this one on my next Adiago order.

Had this from my rooibos sampler. Both steepings where combined and used sugar to sweeten. I liked this more than the Pecan Turtle rooibos. Though honeybush is a less woody taste than rooibos. Sweet with the chestnut adding a nice brown sugar taste. The banana is there, though more in the after taste and in a more vague sweet starch flavor. I don’t remember the cinnamon much, but I don’t think it did more than a supporting role. Going to enjoy using this in a blend.