Honey Ginseng

Got a cup of this to go as we were leaving Panera, because my throat’s been bugging me. Added some honey to it, so I don’t know how accurate my perception of the tea itself was, but it was a very sweet and soothing blend. The green tea was vegetal without being fishy, and not very strong (which is good). I think I’d try it again.

I have had a couple of sample bags of this for awhile, but haven’t tried it because it is a Chinese green. In the past, I typically have not cared for Chinese greens and I’m not sure this will be an exception. The bag prior to steeping smells very strongly of honey mixed with something else which I’m assuming is how ginseng smells. I may have let this oversteep, the bag was in the water for around 4 minutes…. The smell after brewing is very much a pleasing honey aroma and the color is a nice golden honey also. The first taste is a bit underwhelming considering the amazing aroma. I’m barely getting a honey taste though I’m mostly tasting the ginseng (I guess it is the ginseng, it sure isn’t the green tea base). Overall the tea is pleasant and light….wait….oh my, the aftertaste is a bit funky. Must be the ginseng or something. Ugh, I almost want to keep drinking this just to keep the aftertaste at bay. Okay, it probably isn’t as bad as I’m making it seem. The tea would be very good without the aftertaste though. I may have to adjust the rating after I try this steeped for a shorter length of time.

Just like their Ginger Peach, I find myself sniffing the tea cup even after it’s gone. Weird, huh? And just like Ginger Peach, I find myself wanting another cup immediately after finishing the first.

This brewed tea smells wonderful! I love honey in my tea so was very excited to try it. The smell of honey really comes thru. Unfortunately even with a touch of sugar it was severly bitter. I brewed at the recommended 3 minutes so will try steeping shorter next time and see if it helps..then try cold brewing as iced tea. I didn’t taste any honey only bitterness when drinking this tea.

Another tea I still enjoy inbag. Probably one of the first teas that made me start looking at looseleaf, this tea gives a one of a kind experience and a good focus

Steep Information:
Amount: 1 teabag 1.8g
Additives: none
Water: hot spigot water, 1/2 mug (6 oz?)
Steep Time: a little over 1 minute
Served: Hot

Tasting Notes:
Dry Leaf Smell: Mango, fruity and floral, honey
Steeped Tea Smell: Floral, something else…
Flavor: Light, weak, watery
Body: Light
Aftertaste: none
Liquor: Translucent yellow green

Free sample included in the mail order catalog they send out.

Post-Steep Additives: none

gave another 1 minute (2 total) and it got very bitter

it was not grassy though

images: http://amazonv.blogspot.com/2010/03/republic-of-tea-teabag-green-tea-honey.html

This is another sample from the Republic of Tea’s “Experience Sampler” cube. I didn’t expect to like this as much as I do! It is a flavorful but mild green tea with just a hint of honey flavor. It smells and tastes very soothing and refreshing, and has less of the sharpness that I’ve found in some greens. Very nice.

A sample of this came with the RoT catalog in the mail today. It’s a light cuppa green tea. I can taste the honey and smell the honey but not getting any ginseng. They sell this at work, so maybe I’ll try it sometime with two bags and see if I get a better cuppa. Not a bad tea, but not tasting much from it.

I wanted to like this tea, there ARE green teas out there I very much enjoy. The fragrance for Honey Ginseng is lovely. It’s a little earthy, a little grassy, a little spicy and a little floral. I can definitely feel the kind of musky background note of honey in it. Steeped, it reminds me of a incredibly tame chai, but a chai mixed with flowers? I’m not so sure about this one. It’s not bad, I just don’t see myself purchasing this again in the future.

We have a little British Tea Shop here in the quiet corner in CT. They serve all kinds of tea from the leaf to the bag. This I tried once and was hooked. I put just the tiniest bit of honey on with it and its the perfect flavor to me. Believe it or not the added honey doesn’t make it un bearably sweet :)