Both the loose “leaf” and the liquor have a scent that’s mostly rooibos with a hint of some kind of generic sweetness. The taste is a bit more interesting; I’m not sure I’d call it similar to red velvet cake, but it’s definitely cake-y and I can taste the hint of cacao and raspberry, and there’s a nice even balance between the base and the flavoring. I’m not in love with it, but it’s the best dessert rooibos I’ve tried (although to be frank, I don’t think rooibos and sweet tastes are really made for each other).