I received this from a teashop up in Ontario after having announced (elatedly) that I finally tried Canadian icewine. The purveyor of said shop kindly sent me a sample of their white tea blended with icewine. What is there to say? Well…it lives up to its moniker. Other than not having as strong of a mead-sweet profile as actual icewine, it still does capture the taste. Sweet/sour white wine grape notes and Bai Mu Dan’s naturally grape-y lean compliment each other perfectly. The scenting (instead of flavoring) process lends itself to a more nuanced cup. The best form for this was as an iced tea. One could sweeten it, but it isn’t necessary.
Full Review: http://lazyliteratus.teatra.de/2011/06/08/i-swoon-for-icewine-tea/
I’m very picky about icewines, so naturally I’m picky about teas claiming to taste like ice wine. That snobbery aside, this is the first I’ve seen to use Bai Mu Dan, which I think would lend to a lighter flavor. I’ll have to try this one! :)
Loved the review! I tried to get on their website, but I got one of those lovely “no server” warning things….do you have another means of contacting them on the web?
@KeenTeaThyme – I’ll admit I’m not an expert on icewine, so I don’t know a good from a bad, but I liked the one I had, and this reminded me of it. And, yes, the wine-scenting is subtler.
@Little Mew Brew – There website is under construction, but they’re very active on Facebook and Twitter. They contacted me using the latter. http://twitter.com/#!/All_Things_Tea, http://www.facebook.com/AllThingsTea
Thank you for the information. I will be sure to contact them!
You’re quite welcome. They’re very nice. :)