I don’t know what a longan fruit smells or tastes like, but I’m guessing it’s very similar to lychee because the dry leaf smells like lychee with an undernote of spicy, whooshy citrus. Post-brewing the top note of the smell is still sweetly lychee with a stronger undercurrent of bergamot.
The taste is not quite lychee, almost muscat and with a smooth note of bergamot underneath. Sometimes there’s a hint of bitterness at the end of the sip. Other times it feels smooth and silky. There’s a little spicy tingle in the aftertaste – I’m not sure if it is from the tea or the bergamot. The description says ‘smokey’ but I don’t really get much of that (unless you count the spicy bit). It’s more of a hint of darkness/richness that would pair well with a smoky tea but, in this, pairs with almost-lychee.
Ultimately, probably a little too fruity/unique for it to be a regular sipper but enjoyable.
Comments
I’ll have to check this one out. I’ve been eyeing up many of their teas and really want more of their basic earl grey in my cupboard….not that I need any more tea.
I just have to convince my husband that it’s okay to take over a full cupboard with tea:) At least he is coming round and drinking iced tea more and more. Now I just have to get him into the hot beverage.
I’ll have to check this one out. I’ve been eyeing up many of their teas and really want more of their basic earl grey in my cupboard….not that I need any more tea.
You can never have too much tea! :)
I just have to convince my husband that it’s okay to take over a full cupboard with tea:) At least he is coming round and drinking iced tea more and more. Now I just have to get him into the hot beverage.
Lychee is similar, but more juicy.