A sample from Memily! I’ve tried this one both black and with milk recently, and I actually like both equally. Maybe a slight leaning preference towards the black, because I get more of the “berry” notes, and it tastes somehow juicier. The milk seems to muddle things a bit — it becomes harder to define the flavours, although it is deliciously creamy. Still, no complaints about a versatile milk/no milk tea!
I gave 1 tsp of leaf about 3.5 minutes in boiling water for both cups. At first, I thought there was too much going on in the flavour for me to really be able to enjoy. Then, as it cooled, I had a “Huh? Gin?” moment. That’s when I knew there was juniper in here, even without having read the ingredients. Yay for my palate! Underneath the strong juniper is a hint of dark, berry fruitiness. I’m reminded a little of Whispering Pines’ Elder Grove. The black tea is smooth and somehow juicy, which in turn put me in mind of Butiki’s leafhopper blacks – Taiwanese Wild Mountain and Mi Xian particularly.
I think it’s safe to say I really enjoy this one! It’s got lots of flavour, and the black base is lovely. An easy winner.