New Tasting Notes
I can see why Tazo describes this tea as having “boldness” and being “invigorating” but I’d interpret those qualities in a negative manner. The tea is harsh and has actually left a slight burning sensation in the back of my throat. Sure its “invigorating”, but invigorating in the same way as I imagine chugging mouthwash would be invigorating and bold. I usually stick to lighter teas, so maybe I’m biased, but this isn’t quite my cup of tea. Please excuse my cheesiness.
Grabbed a cup with breakfast on the way to office. Since I was still in transit it may have been over steeped but I think it should have been pretty close. Not the greatest aroma. Not the greatest flavor. A pretty average green tea with a slightly overpowering bitter flavor. Its probably something you would find in the office kitchen. If you have the opportunity to get something of a little higher quality, I’d recommend doing so.
This tea, with a deep purple (not the band), red liquor, has a wonderfully sweet fruity aroma that hits you as you bring the cup to your mouth. The first sip comes across strong and the more poignant pomegranate and apple flavors rise to the top of the pack. Then the middle of the tasting came across more bland, just like hot water, than anything else. But finally, the tea finished again with a kick of the more subtle fruity flavors like the raisins, carrots, and vanilla. What makes this tea interesting, possibly drawing me back for another tasting, is the variety of experience from each sip. The many different fruity flavors come out each in their own way at different times in every sip. Every time the tea hits my tongue seems like a slightly new and unique adventure, keeping me guessing and wanting more.
This is my first experience with a roobios (red bush tea) and it is interesting to say the least. Being that I usually gravitate towards much lighter, fruiter tea blends, this is a change of pace for me. The deep reddish liquor is a nice touch and the aroma and taste have a rich earthy/dirty component. However, this tea tastes too much like actual raw plant than I would prefer. The flavor of the roobios bush is much different from the natural flavors of the tea I normally drink…much more “in my face”. Probably going to have to turn it away next time it comes to my attention.
I made the mistake of ordering a chai and thinking it was similar to a regular tea with milk (still getting into this whole tea thing). So being that I have come to discover I’m not the biggest fan of chai, I don’t think this review will be all that helpful. However, the tea has a good creamy consistency (I assume this is characteristic of most chais) and the berry flavors come through strongly. I can’t quite pick out what the actual berries are but they are fairly tart and strong and must be darker berries given the brownish purple color of the tea. If you like chai and tart, sweet berries, this may be for you. If you don’t like the spices of chai…I would pretty much stay away from chai in general.
Everything about this tea is slick. It’s packaged in a triangular patent-pending tin, and even though the name is Earl Grey Lavender, you have to read the small print to see that there’s oolong blended in too. It’s a nice surprise — I always seem to forget it’s in there until I pick up the cup.
