Dokudami Umami Herbal Tea

I actually found myself craving this around 5pm. I thought that odd, because it’s an odd tea. But I made some when I got home from running errands, and it really hit the spot. Huh. Still tastes like soybeans, but I picked up some hints of other flavors, too. I’m not sure what they were, but it turns out the tea is a bit more complex than I originally thought. Interesting.

I’d best describe the flavor of this tea as roasted earthiness with a hint of intriguing sweetness that tastes better than it smells (which is even more earthy). Brown rice similar to that found in Genmaicha along with soybeans and the subtle slow sweet flavor of natural licorice root (not to be confused with licorice candy) combine to create a brew reminiscent of a dish from my favorite Asian Take-out. Comfort food with sweet sauce! Added sweetener brings out additional toffee or caramel notes. I think this tisane has the potential to add depth to other teas and I’m looking forward to trying several combinations. The health benefits are compelling as dokudami is purported to have many. This is not a tea for everybody, but can be really enjoyable and deeply satisfying.

I wasn’t expecting too much after reading the other reviews but aww, I really like the taste of this tea so it’s too bad that its been discontinued. The soybean mix makes the tea really taste and smell like kinako (sugary soybean powder). Makes me wish I had some kinako mocha to eat with it. Nice. I like soybeans, I should look for more teas with them. I’m pretty sure that Lupicia had been advertising one with black soybean or powder.

Hmm, surprisingly, I like this tisane a lot better than I did the first time I had it. I’ve never been a big fan of this one, but the husband likes it, which is how we ended up with some. I was pretty sure I’d just let him drink it, but today has taught me that perhaps, in the right mood, I could enjoy it. I was looking on my shelves, and it caught my fancy, ’cause I wanted something herbal but not fruity. I steeped it for much less time than Teavana recommends, which made the normally too powerful savory flavors light enough for me to really enjoy. The crisped rice and the soy go really well together now, with the other leaves and sundry flakes filling out the depth quite nicely. It smells wonderfully grainy, very reminiscent of cream of wheat. The mouthfeel is smooth and almost creamy. I think I have just revised my opinion of this tisane entirely.

I bought this tea cause of the big discount the store had last month, usualy i dont shop at teavana any more, cause i think the taste of there teas are a bit blend, but hey i couldnt resist to go inside and check there big 50-75% discount. So in the end i bought this tea Dokudami Umami, first time ive ever heard of it, it suposed to be rare. so i brew my tea in a Gaiwan, and let me say i was expecting something less, but oh boy was i wrong. This herbal/oolong tea has a goldish brown color and a strong nutty smell, and the it gives tosted light honey flavor. And the more you brew the more concentrate tosted flavor you get. And even if you let it steep for more than 3min it wont taste bitter.
Im glad i bought this, and i drink it every night 3 to 4 batches.
Plus you can eat the soy beans ;D taste good.

Exotic ingredients and rave reviews at teavana.com gave the impression that this was a special, unique tea. It could easily be run-off from very poorly prepared oatmeal or a very refined interpretation of the water left over after soaking beans. It leaves a bit of a funny sort of metallic numbness across the tongue. Unique, yes. Special, hm, depends on your definition.

It is a savory tea. I have to be in the mood to drink it. I have 2 oz of it and have used 4 teaspoons of it. I will not buy any more when it is gone.