I love star anise, so I was really looking forward to this sample I got from derk. The dry leaf aroma displays star anise and black licorice. I didn’t pick up anyhting behind these, but truth be told, my olfactory abilities are still very much impaired by the sickness. Same goes for the wet leaf smell, which is much more pungent and very woodsy. Amazing aroma, there’s no denying that.
The taste is also reminiscent of licorice, but I think I actually like it much more than licorice itself. It doesn’t overpower the Ai Lao black tea characteristics, which are present, rather it is a nice complement to it. It’s fruity, sour with a bitter finish and fragrant aftertaste. I’m loving it.
This is probably the first scented/blended tea that I actually liked. I feel that the scenting here adds to and complements the experience rather than covers a subpar (at best) tea. I will need to pay even more attention to WPT. Several times, I already almost placed an order on their teas, but got put off by the high shipping costs.
edit: The second steep is far less spectacular, I would definitely recommend western style brewing with probably just one infusion.
Flavors: Anise, Astringent, Bark, Bitter, Cherry, Fruity, Licorice, Medicinal, Sour, Wood
This is a lovely tea to have post-Indian or other highly spiced meals as a digestive. I prefer it over house chai at restaurants which I almost always find lacking in spices and milk isn’t something I want post-meal. Glad you enjoyed.