Trying this with a shorter steep because I felt my first tasting did not really match my expectations. It is not as brisk this time. It’s still basic to describe though. That doesn’t mean it’s not good, it just doesn’t require much to describe it.
It has an earthy black tea aroma. Not strong, yet not light either. Just distinctly “earthy black tea”. I spent some time to pick out other elements, but that seems to sum it up. It smells fine, but I doubt anyone will be making candles of it. There is nothing to complain about, or celebrate. “Earthy black tea” is truly all I needed to write.
The shorter steep seems to have eliminated the briskness, which was not overwhelming last time, but got in the way of enjoying it. The tea still has a nice body, so this seems to be the right steep time at this temp.
The flavor starts off bold but mellows right out leaving a lingering hint of malty sweetness for the finish. Otherwise the taste matches it’s aroma, it’s an earthy black tea.
It’s good, but I will most likely never order it again. I was expecting more in the flavor department than this delivers, but perhaps that is more my fault with such expectations than this tea’s fault with it’s simplicity. It is quite drinkable. I have actually finished this whole brew as of finishing this up these notes.
Flavors: Earth, Malt