Always a sucker for vanilla, I had to try Demmer’s variation on the theme. The scent of the dry leaf is rich with vanilla and also has a fruity note to it reminiscent of cherry. I don’t see many pieces of vanilla bean in there, so I think the scent is probably from the addition of vanilla extract.
It steeps up to a clear medium orange-brown color with a much milder aroma compared to the dry leaf. The first sip is nice; I can taste the vanilla warmth and roundness in the back of my throat, and am still getting a cherry taste as well as some astringency from the Ceylon base. I typically doctor vanilla tea with cream and sugar, so I’ll try that on this now.
The tea has now settled into a medium full vanilla groove. Definitely there, but not overwhelming in complexity or body. Perfectly acceptable and drinkable, but no substitute for Mariage Freres Vanille des Iles or Black Orchid.
