Bought this one today to try out (actually I bought the most of this one). I’ll admit, I was not initially excited about it when I first read about it, even if it is essentially claiming to be the Nutella of teas. However, when I started reading other Steepsterite’s reviews I noticed something: a lot of the more negative critiques seem to be in regard to the licorice root in the blend. I happen to love licorice root, though – so that actually got me MORE interested in this.
In store, this was one of two teas they had samples of. I actually really liked this in store and found that I got prominent flavours of chocolate and hazelnut and basically the exact same, very sweet licorice aftertaste I get with Bravissimo (my favourite part about that blend). So I took the plunge and bought this instead of Spiced Fig (which I, sadly, didn’t enjoy the sample of even though I thought I would).
I’m making this at home now. Dry leaf smells pretty good. Very strong chocolate and hazelnut smell, and you can definitely smell the licorice root in there too. I also smell something weirdly metallic: I’m thinking that has something to do with the sort of weird combination of ingredients. The smell of the oolong base is essentially completely covered up.
For steeping, I used 1 1/2 tsp. for a 10 oz. mug in 96 degree water for about 4 1/2 minutes. The smell of the steeped tea itself doesn’t have anything metallic about it, which is good. The odd sort of metallic smell of the dry leaf is the only thing that has turned me off so far. The smell is Nutella with a very subtle licorice scent to it, and it’s pleasing. There is an oily sheen to the top of my cup (probably from the artificial stuff added into this).
First few sips are good: I get hit with an initial Nutella burst, sort of like the first bite of a piece of toast slathered in Nutella. The licorice root slowly works its way into your mouth unlike the “punch” of licorice root in Bravissimo, but this lingers in your mouth for a long time much like the licorice root in Bravissimo does so these two teas share that in common. I seem to be amassing a lot of chocolate teas (I bought two today alone), but this one really seems quite different from everything else I have and I’m happy to be adding another Oolong tea to my inventory. The fact there’s black tea in this makes me happy too.
Honestly, I think this is really good and I could see myself picking up a full tin of it before the winter collection leaves. We’ll see if it continues to live up to my awesome first impression of it after I’ve had it a few more times, though. I know Robyn will be interested in trying this out next time she’s over though – she’s crazy about Nutella so Nutella tea will probably be exciting for her too.
EDIT: Resteeped, and this was still really, really good! Lots of chocolate and hazelnut flavour still, but most of the licorice root flavour had faded and the oolong base was more present. Also, I can very weakly taste the black tea too.
Preparation
People who liked this
Comments
Nice review! I’m still wondering why they decided to put licorice in this, but maybe it makes more sense once you experience it?
I don’t know why it was included – it seems like an unusual choice. That said, I loved it but reading all the reviews it seems to me that everyone who loved it is also a fan of licorice root, and those who didn’t strongly dislike licorice root. So – I think people’s fondness is definitely going to strongly hinge on that. If nothing else, the licorice root definitely sweetens this tea a lot (I can’t imagine what it’d be like with added sugar).
I’m happy you enjoyed it. I liked it but the licorice kept wigging me out until I identified the flavour. Now that I recognize it, I’ll try it again, but I don’t know if I’d be able to justify buying more. It’s a bit prcier than the others too.
Great review though.
Nice review! I’m still wondering why they decided to put licorice in this, but maybe it makes more sense once you experience it?
I don’t know why it was included – it seems like an unusual choice. That said, I loved it but reading all the reviews it seems to me that everyone who loved it is also a fan of licorice root, and those who didn’t strongly dislike licorice root. So – I think people’s fondness is definitely going to strongly hinge on that. If nothing else, the licorice root definitely sweetens this tea a lot (I can’t imagine what it’d be like with added sugar).
I’m happy you enjoyed it. I liked it but the licorice kept wigging me out until I identified the flavour. Now that I recognize it, I’ll try it again, but I don’t know if I’d be able to justify buying more. It’s a bit prcier than the others too.
Great review though.