1908 Tasting Notes
It seems a bit odd, but I’m getting a sort of spiced apple scent to this tea, both dry and wet, though when it’s wet I can also pick out the ginger. There’s even a bit of it in the taste although that might be rooibos. Definitely not a conventional chai flavour, but I don’t mind some variety – the same-old gets boring after awhile. One thing I especially enjoy is the bite of the pepper at the very back of the tongue, like a delayed reaction.
Preparation
I got this in a tea trade with Angrboda and it came with a few other teas in a large envelop. As soon as I brought it in I was all sniff sniff “What is that strange smell?” When I opened the envelop the odor became almost overpowering and I had to hold it away from my face. Let’s clear a few things up, it isn’t a bad scent, it’s a very sweet, almost floral scent, – it’s just way too strong.
Angrboda had sent me two other teas and it took me awhile to figure out which one the smell was coming from, but I eventually I figured out that it was this one. In the end I had to stick it in another cupboard because otherwise the scent would have permeated all the teas in my cabinet. It’s sitting on a shelf keeping the mugs and dishes company right now. And even though it’s in a sealed ziplock bag I smell it every time I open the cupboard. 0_o
I worked up the courage to try some today – when I poured the water in the scent actually wasn’t as bad – or maybe my scent receptors are just becoming habituated. It dulled to something that smell strong, but not kick-you-in-the-face strong, and more tea-like.
The flavour is surprisingly non-perfumy, in fact the black tea base is probably the dominent flavour I’m picking up. It’s not bad, not too bitter or astringent. The coconut is fairly faint but I am picking up the fruity-sweet date flavour. I’m not a date-hater unlike the Angry Dane (hehe) and I’ll quite happily eat dates by themselves or in baking – actually I’m a fan of most dried fruits.
The way it seems to work is that first I get some sweetness on the tip of my tongue, then the Nilgiri tea, and then the date and coconut at the very end, almost as an aftertaste. The taste isn’t objectionable, but unfortunatly this tea loses points for its obnoxious smell.
Preparation
I totally agree about the smell, it absolutely reeks! When I first got it I kept it on the window sill so most of the smell would be drawn out of the window instead of into the rest of my kitchen and, more importantly, my nostrils. I hope it hasn’t messed wtih the flavour of the other two, though. I thought about how to send it, but with that particular one, I’m not sure it would have mattered anyway.
I’m glad you liked it better than me though. :) (Have since found out I’m not much of a Nilgiri fan either, which might have contributed to me not liking it)
I think the other two are fine – as soon as I opened the enveloped I seperated the teas and ‘aired’ them out by themselves. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think this tea horrible, it’s just not really something that I like enough to be willing to spend money on it.
I think the almond flavour might be what’s responsible for the sweetness of the tea – it’s covering up the astringency you’d normally get from any kind of citrus fruit. The mix of spices in the tea really ‘goes’ with the citrus flavour – they’re strong enough to be noticed, but not so strong that they take over the entire tea.
This isn’t a very robust, but it’s light and easy-drinking, so I think it’d be nice as an afternoon or after-supper tea to sip.
Preparation
I’ve noticed that the liquid is surprisingly dark for a honeybush, more of a very dark amber colour than a reddish tone. The scent is still amazing – I keep wanting to stick one of those little cocktail umbrellas in my mug. XD
When I first tasted the tea while it was still quite hot, the honeybush was the more dominent of the flavours, but as it cooled it became sweeter and more pina colada-like. This is tropical memories in a mug, ladies and gentlemen. It takes me back to hanging out on the beach at Caye Caulker in Belize where I went on a field course the summer before last. Good times. :)
Preparation
I’m tempted to get this for my mother, this would be her favorite drink.
Funny you should mention this getting better as it cools. I think it is the most spectacular iced tea. I just LOVE it iced.
I can’t wait to try it! I spent one day of my wonderful honeymoon hanging out at Caye Caulker, Belize… that was 8 years ago. I can’t wait to try this tea!
Another tea I haven’t had in awhile. It’s not the best flavoured tea out there – the apricot is a bit on the artificial-tasting side, but I surprise myself by really enoying it. If you feel like a nice, lightly-sweet, unpretentious white tea, I think this would be a good candidate.
Preparation
It’s been awhile since I had this. Its canister seems better at staying full than say Thai Chai for some reason… ;)
