Holy astringency. I usually add milk, and sometimes forgo it. This time? No way could it have done without.
Very coppery. The astringency is mouth puckering, edging on downright sour even with milk and a packet of sugar. Now, I need my caffeine so I will finish it. Eventually. (my colleague brought me a coffee, so I’m gratefully sipping that down for now!)
Ok… so now that its cooled a bit, the sourness is not so strong. I’m getting some nice malt mid sip.
I suppose my love for complex teas has swayed me a bit on this one. Hmph. Still not the best first impression. And that malt isn’t enough to make up for this next part!
Copper comes through in the swallow and aftertaste. It reminds me of eating a penny. Or the taste of blood… only I’ve never had that much in my mouth at one time. Creepy. For that reason alone, I will never buy this tea again.