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derk drank Pink Anise Black Tea by 52teas

1639 tasting notes

December 2023 Sipdown Challenge – a tea with a red ingredient — almost gone

Loved the idea of this tea so I picked up a small pouch.

Brisk and coppery-earthy black tea meets slightly creamy root beer and sweet spices. The overall experience is sharp and hits mostly high and bright thanks to the raspberry which mixes with the coolness of wintergreen; a light fluff of marshmallowy vanilla-malt plays underneath.

While I’m not a fan of this kind of black tea, the composition works well. Sometimes it reminds me of medicine but overall it’s such a unique interplay of flavors that I find it strangely satisfying. Best as an afternoon tea.

Flavors: Bright, Brisk, Clove, Copper, Earthy, Licorice, Malt, Marshmallow, Medicinal, Raspberry, Root Beer, Sarsaparilla, Spicy, Star Anise, Tart, Vanilla, Wintergreen

Preparation

205 °F / 96 °C 3 min, 0 sec 3 g 10 OZ / 300 ML

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This place, like the rest of the internet, is dead and overrun with bots. Yet I persist.

Eventual tea farmer. If you are a tea grower, want to grow your own plants or are simply curious, please follow me so we can chat.

I most enjoy loose-leaf, unflavored teas and tisanes. Teabags have their place. Some of my favorite teas have a profound effect on mind and body rather than having a specific flavor profile.

Favorite teas generally come from China (all provinces), Taiwan, India (Nilgiri and Manipur). Frequently enjoyed though less sipped are teas from Georgia, Japan, and Nepal. While I’m not actively on the hunt, a goal of mine is to try tea from every country that makes it available to the North American market. This is to gain a vague understanding of how Camellia sinensis performs in different climates. I realize that borders are arbitrary and some countries are huge with many climates and tea-growing regions.

I’m convinced European countries make the best herbal teas.

Personal Rating Scale:

100-90: A tea I can lose myself into. Something about it makes me slow down and appreciate not only the tea but all of life or a moment in time. If it’s a bagged or herbal tea, it’s of standout quality in comparison to similar items.

89-80: Fits my profile well enough to buy again.

79-70: Not a preferred tea. I might buy more or try a different harvest. Would gladly have a cup if offered.

69-60: Not necessarily a bad tea but one that I won’t buy again. Would have a cup if offered.

59-1: Lacking several elements, strangely clunky, possesses off flavor/aroma/texture or something about it makes me not want to finish.

Unrated: Haven’t made up my mind or some other reason. If it’s puerh, I likely think it needs more age.

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