I was so excited to find this in the organic section of my grocery store—this is by far the fanciest tea I’ve ever seen them stock. (I also noticed they’ve gotten in Twinings Earl Grey looseleaf tea! They’re really stepping up their game, tea wise.) This tea smells insanely delicious—I was floored when I opened the tin, it smells like a bakery, all warm and sugary. When brewed, the smell becomes a bit lighter, and vanilla and caramel become the most obvious notes. The tea itself is great—the black tea is rich and bold and spicy, and it pairs well with the sweet, mellow vanilla flavors. I think that’s what I like best about this tea—the push and pull between the bold and the sweet. It has a great silky mouthfeel, and a bit of a bite in its aftertaste.
I really appreciate the complexity of this tea—it manages to feel elegant and primal all at once, and is immensely satisfying. The perfect rainy day cup.
