This poor tea! No tasting notes and it’s four years old – not even a tasting note from me and I received an entire big pouch in a mystery grab bag. As I’m thinking now that this tea was made right after a certain someone was first elected - which in itself is really stretching the years and is making me cringe at the age of this delightful tea. This tea SCREAMS that it’s for me – berries and basil!!! So many berries here! I think it might be best with two teaspoons since it has so many berries in a scoop. But this time I steeped up a teaspoon and a half. This is fairly balanced (though keeping the age in mind) – a variety of berry notes, a bit of basil from the three types(!) of organic basil, and a savory note of two types of pepper to really give it an inspired kick and different level to these other flavors, all on a base of green tea. How great is this berry combo: strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, juniper berries! This poor tea deserved and deserves more appreciation. I also wonder how all of these ingredients would taste on a black tea (though the green base is perfect enough!) To be honest, this blend reminds me a bit of Bird & Blend’s Bramble Ramble (though that one doesn’t have basil or pepper), so these two teas might be fitting the same cupboard niche right now, so I’m not drinking this one as much as I should.
Steep #1 // 1 1/2 teaspoons for full mug // 40 minutes after boiling // 2 1/2 minute steep
Steep #2 // 22 minutes after boiling // 3 minute steep
Comments
A berry tea with no hibiscus (I didn’t see any in the tea description) is a rare and precious thing.
I rarely use hibiscus, it is not a go to with berry teas for me, generally only used when I make an herbal/fruit type of blend that needs a little body and/or a hibiscus type flavor profile. I do not generally care for hibiscus unless it’s used thoughtfully – which is what I try to do when I use it.
Oh, that one sounds delightful!
A berry tea with no hibiscus (I didn’t see any in the tea description) is a rare and precious thing.
YES. this blend deserves points for not including hibiscus!
I rarely use hibiscus, it is not a go to with berry teas for me, generally only used when I make an herbal/fruit type of blend that needs a little body and/or a hibiscus type flavor profile. I do not generally care for hibiscus unless it’s used thoughtfully – which is what I try to do when I use it.
Yes, I’m very glad your teas aren’t drowning in hibiscus!