Wow! Looking back over my tasting notes makes me realize this sample is over two years old! It has been that long since I visited Santa Monica.
Since I last had this tea I have developed an appreciation for breakfast teas. This reminds me of the hearty base found in breakfast teas, without the complexity and depth. I’m guessing that comes with the blending of other teas to make a fuller flavor. I get a hint of smoke in the flavor and a slight leathery taste. I like it much better than the first time I tried it, but I think I’d prefer a breakfast blend over this.