Indian Nimbu

So I’ve got the day off today (yay!) and what better way to spend my day then relaxing at home this morning while drinking a cup (or many cups) of tea! This is another one from the GCTTB, when I first came across it I found the scent very compelling. I don’t generally enjoy lemon in much but the scent profile, though lemony, had quite a few sweeter caramel-like notes mixed in which almost reminded me of a lemon meringue pie.

The steeped liquor is orange-brown in color and smells of subtle, sweet lemon (almost mayer lemon like) with a few deeper caramelized spicy notes underneath. As for the flavor… This is definitely a Darjeeling, just a touch astringent with some lovely spicier notes layered underneath the refreshing hit of lemony citrus. The caramel notes are subtle and just sweet enough to not need sugar if you’d rather keep it straight.

I tried a second steeping with a touch of cream (had some left over from last nights dinner) and sugar. The result was almost decadent; rich, creamy and sweet… the caramel notes were definitely enhanced by the sugar and the lemon was just the right highlight.

Overall a lovely Darjeeling, flavored just right. I was really surprised at how well the vendor did in balancing this tea out; natural and subtle but yet brisk and refreshing. It made for a wonderful relaxing morning.

Have a sample of this; seems unique to flavor a Darjeeling, but I think its a cool idea. (At least, I haven’t seen many flavored Darjeelings).

The lemon is a very pleasant, noticeable addition. I didn’t taste caramel, but I think it sweetened/enhanced the lemon flavor. This almost smells like Earl Grey, but tastes nothing like it. There is nothing floral, perfumey, or bitter in the tea, just a smooth lemonyness. (Is that even a word?) I find it a bit hard to give a rating, but I think it’s not quite as good as their straight up DJ blend.

A sweet citrus caramel brew
a bit dry in the back
with body that doesn’t lack
we’d come up with a better track
but we’re tired and through.

The lemon and caramel flavors are perfectly balanced with the Darjeeling base, which is not overpowered by the added flavors. I don’t like it when added flavorings make it difficult if not impossible to taste the tea base: I might as well not be drinking tea! But Harney and Sons blends the flavorings in this tea in just the right amount to enhance the tea base rather than cover it up.

very satisfying cup of tea. perfect for those mornings when its hard to choose and you dont want to think. citrusy,lemony, just right, not overdone. i was afraid to use boiling water because its Darjeeling base and it could become bitter quickly. also i steeped it under 4 min

Just purchased 4oz. of this tea and I have no regrets. The lemon in my opinion is subtle or even non-existent but the caramel is noticeable and quite nice.

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to like this. I thought I didn’t care for lemon in tea, and darjeeling isn’t my absolute favorite (I like black teas with some heft – delicacy is lost on me!)

The aroma of the tea is a bit medicinal – the lemon is sharp! Without additions it tastes mostly of lemon, with the caramel falling behind. I think this tea is better with milk, which rounds out the sharpness of the lemon. The caramel tastes like vanilla to me, which isn’t a bad thing. The tea has a bit of a soapy or perfumey taste, which I personally really enjoy.

As I was drinking it, the tea seemed familiar. I couldn’t think what it reminded me of, and then I remembered – Lady Grey! I ran right out and bought a box of Twinings Lady Grey, which I have been enjoying ever since. If you like Lady Grey teas I think you would like this, although I have to admit I prefer the sharper taste of the Lady Grey to this tea. I don’t think I’m going to buy anymore, but I’m very happy that it led me back to one of my favorites!

Very tasty, I love how the flavors are just barely there!

After really enjoying most of the Harney & Son’s teas I’ve sampled it seems I’ve run into a couple that left me quite disappointed, and I’m afraid this was one of them ..

I couldn’t taste Caramel and I couldn’t taste Lemon – in fact it was nothing more than what I’d expect from a common supermarket bough tea-bag :(

Perhaps my sample was old ??

One of my current favorite teas. Hints of caramel and lemon. I tend to enjoy this later in the week in anticipation of the weekend.