SimplyJenW

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SimplyJenW drank Cranberry Autumn by Harney & Sons

Tea of the afternoon…..

I have had this sample since last Winter. I figured I had better try it now that it is the prime season for this tea. I like the balance of the cranberry with the hint of orange and the black tea base. I am guessing that Harney’s African Autumn is the rooibos counterpart to this tea. The black version is definitely much more appealing to me than the rooibos. I guess that should not be a surprise as I prefer black tea in general.

Edit to add: After drinking the whole pot, I am not so sure on this. The first few cups were good, but by the end of the pot I am not liking it as well. It is reminiscent of hibiscus even though it is possible there is not any in there. In thinking about it, cranberry and orange flavoring could be kind of like the tartness I do get from hibiscus….. Final verdict…not for me.

(from the website) Ingredients: Black tea, cranberries, orange peel, natural orange oil, and artificial cranberry flavor.
No hibiscus. I am guessing I just don’t do well with this flavor combo……

Steeped the usual way….

2011-10-22 16:58:32 -0400

Boiling

4 min 0 sec

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Comments

aisling of tea 2011-10-22 19:26:42 -0400

You are guessing wrong :P. African Autumn is like Celestial Seasoning’s Red Zinger. Hibiscus galore!

SimplyJenW 2011-10-22 19:32:27 -0400

It was definitely a cranberry/orange, though. It was one of my whole pound purchase regrets (of which there have been 4, ACK!)….. I rehomed most of it.

SimplyJenW 2011-10-22 19:33:39 -0400

aisling…Didn’t I even send some to you? :)

ashmanra 2011-10-22 19:42:17 -0400

I love Cranberry Autumn and Boston. Almost out of Boston and I mustn’t let that happen! Have you had Boston?

SimplyJenW 2011-10-22 19:53:04 -0400

ashmanra…I did have Boston last Fall. I did like it, but have been out for a while. I must not have been compelled to rebuy.
And I just had to edit my post on this one. It tastes too much like the African Autumn that I really did not like much after the first few cups. Just like the African Autumn…this tastes good after the first cup or two, but it goes downhill from there for me.

aisling of tea 2011-10-22 20:06:51 -0400

lol yup. I’ve had a whole one cup.

ashmanra 2011-10-23 01:02:17 -0400

LOL! I gave away my tin of African Autumn and told the recipient that if she didn’t like it she could regifting it or throw it away – I didn’t care! Rooibos = Robitussin.

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Bio

Tea enthusiast, trying to keep up my cardio for the zombie apocalypse. I have come to accept that I am a western brewing black tea drinker as that is where my ‘tea heart’ lies. I started on loose leaf as a way to have my dessert and not suffer the caloric issues. Once I tried it, I was hooked.

I drink what I like, which is mostly China blacks, traditionally scented blacks and Earl Greys, plus a few other flavored teas. I don’t mind spending a bit on premium varieties on occasion, but an expensive tea has to deliver. My favorite places to order are Harney & Sons and Upton Tea Imports. TeaVivre is great for Chinese tea.

My ratings are pretty subjective. If it falls under 70, I may not take the time to post about it unless I had something specific to say. If it is 70-80 I like it, but I will probably not rebuy. Favorites are over 80 and up, but sometimes the less expensive or more easily obtainable version of a similar taste will win out for my cupboard space.

Usual teapot steeping method: 24 oz teapot, 3 perfect scoops of tea (4 1/2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual mug steeping method: 15 oz mug, 1.5 perfect scoops of tea (just over 2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual pan method: 1 1/2 cups water, 2 perfect tsp chai (3 actual tsp). Simmer for 3 minutes. Add 2/3 cup skim milk. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Strain and sweeten.

Usual pitcher method:
5 or 6 Perfect Spoons of tea (this means about 7-9 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, brewed essentially double-strong in my 24 oz teapot for 4 minutes. Fill my Fiestaware Disc pitcher (about 60 oz.) halfway with ice. Add brewed double-strong tea to the pitcher. Stir it a little and enjoy. No additions.

(*SRP is my Sample/Stash Reduction Plan starting on April 12, 2012. I got so far, but just decided it was too fussy to keep track.)