Stix and stems!! I had read about this one a bit back but forgot until I opened the package!! The scent of the dry leaf is hay and Earth.
The tea does not have an appealing scent as it brews. Bits get into the liquor thru my stainless little mesh infuser, lol.
Surprisingly, this tasted WAY better than it smelled. There is a good bitter (not bad) aspect with notes of cacao and over-roasted walnuts.
I definitely liked this one for the novelty!
I got the idea while drinking this to taste some cacao nibs (which I happen to keep on hand, yum) with it. This brought out more of the cacao notes.
I was glad that I tried this alone in the afternoon for a snack time and was going to eat a banana afterward. I wouldn’t taste this with a meal.
Also, if you keep your nose out of it and just taste with your mouth,,,,you get good flavors and not the scent which is very strong with hay bale.
So glad I got to try this and cannot wait to see the other reviews!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From the Steepster Select Box, February 2014
Flavors: Chocolate, Nuts, Plant Stems
i totally understand what you mean about missing complexities when you’re un-versed. me and this month’s black teas just aren’t getting along. i mean, we are, they’re fine, and i can tell the difference in taste between them, however i know there’s a universe of complexity that i must be missing (at least i hope so!).