sren Send Message

This is a fine, dense little tisane so not much dry volume is going into the infuser. I haven’t tried a barley base yet, so I am a little uncertain, more uncertain with the strong odor of anise as it brews. I don’t like licorice. Not to worry; this is heavenly…

First steep: very light amber in color even after a relatively long steep (6 min). Slightly salty, slightly sweet, slightly bread-n-buttery, and anise is enough of an undertone that it adds and not distracts (whew!). This is my second sampling from this company, and again I am reminded of a comforting broth.

Second steep: let this one go even longer (8 min), even so just a of hint of color to the liquid . Less flavor, too; this steep tastes like a watery version of the first. Not bad, just underwhelming after the pop of the first cup.

I think this might be worth a reorder— do wish there was a size option between 14g and 100g. 100g is quite a commitment.

Very smoky aroma, also a slight musty smell, although the dry leaves are in perfect condition— not surprising considering the slow drying process— I can almost picture them damp and out of sight somewhere.

First steep is the color of light amber with a pronounced smoky flavor. Burnt hay, not in a bad way. Not getting any peanut or sweetness. As it cools more… brown butter, very buttery especially at the finish of a sip.

I let the third steep go extra long, and it is a little more bitter tasting, but wow even more buttery and some saltiness. Broth-like quality— I keep expecting to see a layer of sheen on top but there is no actual oiliness here. Less smoky, this is my favorite steep. Strangely like a gourmet popcorn now, with brown butter and a little salt.
Very, very interesting.

This is a nice, light tea. Not much going on with the oolong, which means nothing to distract from the bright plum and slight floral undertones.
Upping my rating and chalking up my first try with this tea to user error. :)

Still tasting coffee more than cinnamon or cookie, and still a fan. Weird because I have always detested coffee, and many well-meaning people have assured me that it is an acquired taste or that it tastes almost as good as it smells…I don’t even like the smell. But I found this pu-erh off putting at first, and now it has grown on me enough to reorder despite the coffee undertones. Go figure.

Sipdown and won’t really miss this perfectly OK Rooibos. Pretty mild caramel flavor. As the weather warms up, I am finding Rooibos feels a bit heavy in the evenings, and if I do go the Rooibos route, I would much rather have Lupicia’s Caramel & Rum or Whistling Kettle’s Marzipan.

Wow, fennel and licorice root are really dominant here, with sweetness that must be the Tulsi. Husband over leafed it (more like double leafed it!) so all the more intense. I am guessing that fans of black licorice love this tisane— alas I really dislike it. But I am drinking for the health benefits (adaptogens!) so will pinch my nose and drink.

My apologies to the Whistling Kettle people… but this tea smells like feet, surely this can’t be news to them. In my efforts to de-stress, I am willing to try almost anything with valerian, but the locker room experience is too much. Guess I’m sticking to Mother’s Little Helper for now.

As another reviewer pointed out, the smokiness intensifies as it cools, which I find a good thing. There is still too much floral happening here for me; reminds me of perfume as I sip. I know that’s appropriate for an Earl Grey— years ago double bergamot EG was my favorite— but every time I revisit it just doesn’t work for me anymore.

I just pulled a bunch of neglected offerings out of my tea chest for my first sip down challenge. And actually drank a few of them today… but I am a little hungry and craved Banana Dulce, which is definitely not a sip down!

I really like this herbal Rooibos blend. I am always on the lookout for good caffeine- free choices, and with a little cream this is as comforting and flavorful as warm banana bread. Chamomile doesn’t dominate unless oversteeped.