The dry leaf smell is very similar to Adagio’s White Peony, but the hay aroma is more in the background. The liquor is the same light brown color, and the brewed tea has almost an identical aroma to Adagio’s version.
Hmm, the taste isn’t quite as strong, but maybe that’s because I used a little less leaf. I’m actually surprised how similar it is. I expected a bigger difference because I thought that Samovar was higher quality than Adagio.
It tastes a little bit woodier and nuttier, with more flavor coming in the aftertaste than what’s present during the sip. It’s definitely delicious, but I’ll probably keep buying Adagio’s version because it’s significantly cheaper (Adagio $5/ounce, Samovar $12/ounce).
I wonder if my palate isn’t refined enough to notice the subtle differences, or if there simply isn’t much of a difference.
Preparation
Comments
Only difference I’ve spotted is that the 3rd infusion of Adagio’s White Peony is usually my last. It gets pretty astringent by that cup. But the Samovar 3rd infusion wasn’t astringent in the least. Still, I don’t think that’s enough of a justification for the more than double price. I’m sticking with Adagio on this one.
Only difference I’ve spotted is that the 3rd infusion of Adagio’s White Peony is usually my last. It gets pretty astringent by that cup. But the Samovar 3rd infusion wasn’t astringent in the least. Still, I don’t think that’s enough of a justification for the more than double price. I’m sticking with Adagio on this one.