Gnat and Bee is such a wonderful small business. Not only does Natalie create some amazing teas, she also does seasonal extracts, soaps, and bath products. Her autumn Chroning tea is one of my all-time favorite smoky teas. This Whiskey & Fig tea was recently released as part of her autumnal shop update, and my brother placed an order the day it came out. We love supporting Natalie because you can tell that she truly puts the love into everything she does.
This tea blend is strikingly beautiful, with pink peppercorns and what I’m guessing is bright red cherry bark. There is a smoky aroma, no sweetness at all, and the taste is just the same. I have to say, I’m a little disappointed that I’m not tasting the juicy fig, but maybe she was going more for a Fig Newton. I actually get more of that flavor. There’s almost a breadiness reminiscent of that dense, unsweetened cookie so if you like Fig Newtons this tea may be for you. I’m not a fan of them at all. I don’t get any sort of whiskey flavor but I’m not a big whiskey drinker so I’m likely just not picking up on it. It’s very drying too.
I just wish I liked this one more. Unfortunately, it’s a miss for me. Perhaps a shorter steep next time will help with some of the bitterness.
Flavors: Bitter, Bread, Drying, Smoke
