Labrador Tea

Sipdown (116)!

This one comes from OMGsrsly and I have to thank her for sending it, because it was really interesting and unusual. With the frequency of orders I make with Camellia Sinensis you’d think that I’d have tried this since it was on my wish list for so long, but for whatever reason I never grabbed any. Probably because you have to buy this one in a larger quantity.

I have so many thoughts about this one though…

First off; the health warnings! They’re a little unnerving, no? I mean the pregnancy warning is fine: I have no plans to get pregnant anytime in the immediate future. The parts that concern me are that longer infusions can cause bad cramps and frequent consumption is recommended against. I mean, I’ve certainly been known to lose track of how long I’m steeping something (and how long is "too long). As well, what if I absolutely LOVED the tea? I’d have to ration when I drink it? Not my favourite concept.

When it boils down to it though, this is just super unique tasting and very enjoyable though. There’s such a striking familiarity to the flavour; and yes I can break down that flavour into recognizable notes of citrus/lemon, cedar, camphor, grass, and under ripe green melons but that’s not it. There’s also a thickness to the mouthfeel that makes this really rich despite a more supple/mild flavour and it leaves my lips just slightly sticky?Like I’ve just had something to eat with lots of honey it. There’s something about how those individual notes and textures come together as a “whole” that makes me feel like I’m experiencing Deja Vu.

Sil touched on this too and to some extent I agree with her: it kind of tastes like early morning fresh air. There’s a crispness and naturalness to it that just reminds me of the outdoors. A lot. There’s something else to it too; but I just can’t place it. It makes me feel a little nostalgic and sad, though. Yet, in that sort of silent sadness there’s a peaceful and calming quality. Have you ever just burst into tears and cried? It’s not a pretty thing, but then at the very end when you’re finally done crying you feel so good.

Describing flavour in emotions is a tricky thing but one I’m compelled to do in this moment. Anyway; props to this tisane for tasting wonderful and almost making me have an emotional epiphany and breakdown.

yay for interesting teas! thanks for sending me this one omgsrsly i am quite enjoying this this afternoon. we tired the dog out at the dog park and then proceeded to make orange cupcakes with marshmallow cream frosting, dry rub ribs and later there will be awesome potatoes and salad in the house too!

this tea is just different. I can’t place the aroma, though there’s a familiarity to it. there’s a slight almost mint, but not mint taste to this one..the taste kind of reminds me of what outside smells like on the west coast…those early mornings on the island when the tide’s going out, it’s rained over night, and you’re walking through the trees on the trails… inhale….breath deeply…that’s what this tastes like. so good.

This is really, really light, sweet, and somewhat resinous. Very fresh feeling, although I wouldn’t say there’s menthol. It’s also sticky and kinda sorta (at this steep level) is making my teeth feel weird. That’s probably the tannins. It’s also rather thick.

(5 minutes at 95C, decided it was too light so I popped the basket back in for another 5 minutes.)