Dry: Pretty black tea with what appears to be flower petals, orange peels, and whole cloves. Smells spicy and winter-like. I’m surprised this was a Fall tea instead of being released later in the year!
Steeped: Mostly clear medium brown liquor. I read after I brewed it that it can withstand seven minutes, but I only did four minutes and thirty seconds and I only had the one sample to work with. It smells very strongly of cloves fresh from the teapot and is reminded me more of a spicy chai brew than of cake.
Taste: I first tasted this with nothing added and all I was getting was orange and cloves while hot. I’m pretty sure I’ve had something very similar from the grocery store bagged teas and my husband wouldn’t even try it. I added sugar and 2% milk and it is much more enjoyable. Getting more of the other flavors like cinnamon and perhaps a hint of carrot? I am not getting any vanilla or apple at all. I wish I had enough to try it with sweetened condensed milk or something with more vanilla power, but I’m glad I was able to sample this tea because I would have been tempted to buy a 50g bag otherwise from the name alone. Alas, I don’t think this will be a purchase for me this year, but Pumpkin Chai sure will be!
