I want to start by saying that I actually don’t like licorice, I got the sample of the tea and thought I’d give it a try. The tea smells very much like chamomile to me. It doesn’t actually have a licorice taste, but every time you take a sip there is like a 2 second distinct “feel” of licorice. You don’t so much taste or smell it, you just kinda feel it. Better experienced than explained. One thing that does turn me off quite a bit is the splenda aftertaste, it’s lingering for a good 30sec after a sip.