I haven’t had many rose scented teas, or floral teas for that matter. I tried this one because I have spring fever and I like the smell of roses, and I thought it sounded romantic – and also because I get the itch to try new teas! I don’t try hard enough to control it!
First, the aroma of the dry leaves is not overpoweringly rose, but it is most definitely present. When steeped, the tea has a lighter rose fragrance. It isn’t strong enough to make me feel that I am drinking bath water or eating soap! It is a light rose middle note that lingers for a moment and teases your sinuses as it wafts up.
The tea base is smooth. Very, very smooth. I drank the first two cups of this without milk or sugar and enjoyed it very much that way. I made another cup with sugar, and I think I like it best without. The rose flavor is very civilised, but I don’t know if it might be a bit too much for you, Paul, having been through a floral trauma! :)
I tried a little milk in the cup with sugar when it was about half gone. It didn’t hurt it, but didn’t do much for it, either.
The tea was served with pears and it was a nice pairing.
I am always looking for teas that taste great plain because I have two guests who DO NOT add milk or sugar to their tea. (And three who always always add milk and sugar no matter what the tea!) This will be a fun addition to the next two tea parties since we enjoy trying new things and comparing notes, and I think it is balanced enough that everyone will like it. We’ll have to see if anyone LOVES it! I am glad I bought it, and will drink it whenever I want to feel the way Marco Polo makes me feel – soothed and a little spoiled.
I cut a “Madame Marie Curie” rose from the garden to join me at table for afternoon tea today, but it was far enough away that it wasn’t lending any extra aroma to the tea!