As you can probably figure from my reviews, Ahmad is my favorite brand for bagged tea. Spearmint is my least favorite flavored tea. It’s like sipping tea with gum in your mouth. Except I NEVER chew spearmint gum. Ick. So what happens when my favorite bagged brand makes my least favorite flavored tea? Maybe I am giving them a pass because I trust them, but I don’t find this repulsive. It will never be a favorite but if someone offered me a cup I would definitely accept. The mint is not overwhelming and I can taste the green base. I did not find this astringent. I heated the water to heavy steam then turned off the kettle and waited until it grew quiet before pouring – no idea what the temp is but it works.