Flower of My Secret

Aside from its terrible name, I’m generally in favor of this tea, which has surprised me all over again with each cup.

Rose, cocoa, and clove don’t feel like they should go together, but I am a fan of all three. The scent gives clove and smoke with a background rose. On a sip, the bitterness hits first, but is quickly followed by the cocoa, with the clove and rose finishing at the end. Every cup out of this sample pack has been balanced and strong.

I’m a huge fan of a strong, potent rose and spice, so this is mostly a win for me. The bitterness up front is my biggest sticking point and keeps me from putting this up with some of my other favorite teas. I find it fascinating, but don’t feel like I need more.

Like Low Country, having tried a few sips unadorned, I decided to add some cream-top whole milk. It’s a sensual cup this way. Forward in approach. I’m pretty sensitive to rose, and August Uncommon heavily flavors their teas, so a peppery rose perfume is still the standout note after adding milk. The clove is present, softened and deep. Cocoa shells give a rich yet mild bottom touch. (Bottom touch – I’m leaving it.) The finish is rather citron. The tea itself, harsh edges rounded by the milk, gives me a muted impression that’s darkwoody-spicy-muscatel. Strong floral compounds in teas – here, rose – tend to land me all lala; this one is no exception. I have found my way into bed at nearly 11am to type this note.

Still absolutely love this one. It’s such a unique flavor combo.

To me, this tea smells amazing. The cloves and rose build on extra dimensions to the cocoa – giving it the profile of a fine dark chocolate. It reminds me a bit of Mexican hot chocolate (just needs chili?).

To taste (with milk) the flavours don’t mix the same. It still has the air of enhanced bitter dark chocolate but the clove note is its own deep, dense thing. The rose is a dusky mid-note that blends a bit (but who can ignore rose?). Strong personalities, all three – it’s a darkly seductive blend that I’ll have to think about a bit more (leaning in favour since I love rose and clove, but it’s a lot.)

Also Darjeeling as a base? Yeah, I can taste that too underneath those domineering three. it provides some extra tannins to the cocoa, emphasizes the spice, and adds a muscatel quality which I think builds the rose. Such a moody, neatly crafted tea.

A tea inspired by an Almodóvar film, with a disjunct combination of ingredients- how very typically August Uncommon. Not saying it’s a bad thing! Just very much their style. I’m actually loving this blend. The cocoa, clove, and rose are all distinct, without fighting with one another. It smells absolutely divine as well.