Dry: Lovely short black tea. Unfortunately, the dry leaf smells artificial. More like medicinal fake cranberry and almond than the rich strong dark fruit or nut notes I associate with some of the other blends. I was really excited to try it when I ordered samples, but from the dry scent I am already not so sure..
Steeped: I have had good luck going for longer steep times with Harney black flavored blends. I started this one at five minutes and I think it would have been fine with six at least. Clear brown liquor. The steeped aroma is more appetizing than the dry scent to me as I can smell a little bit of tea at least in the hot tea pot.
Taste: This one tastes better than I expected, but is not a reorder for sure. The black tea is mild and smooth with no bitterness whatsoever. The main flavor though is still that fake (to me) medicinal cranberry with almond. The almond is fine, the black tea is good.. I just don’t like the cranberry in this at all I think. I associate cranberries with rich, tart, potent flavors and this one is too sweet and artificial. I don’t hate it, but it reminds me more of cough syrup than of any of my other favorite Harney tea blends. Pass!
