The first thing I noticed about this tea is the appearance: it reminds me of Oatstraw, all chopped up & fluffy. The aroma is awesome, at least to me. It’s roasty, toasty, inviting.
When I got my first steepster select box, I scoffed at the brew bags they include. I’ve used some of them for brewing the occasional rooibos, & I have to admit I haven’t had any pieces of rooibos stuck to my tonsils lately, so I guess those bags have a place in this world.
So I’m actually using one of the bags this time. I have no idea why, I just decided to.
And I am really enjoying this tea. I used to drink a lot of Houjicha, years ago. I’d say it was a big part of my transition from green to oolong & black teas. I love the roastiness. I’m a big fan of roasted walnuts, & it tastes a lot like them. There is a light charcoal bitterness, but it is off-set by a sweet caramel. This would make a great genmaicha.
