You can sure smell the Apricot prior to steeping. While steeping you can almost smell what seems to be a hint of chocolate even tho I know it’s not…and maybe even a very little bit of fresh wood or bark even…but just a pinch. After Steeping it’s more of a earthy and apricot-esque smell. Nice. The coloring is a rich reddish-brown. The taste is a great blend of Honeybush and Apricot – neither too overpowering. Very pure tasting.