The rating on this one doesn’t so much reflect the quality of the tea – because really it’s quite a nice tea – but rather my own personal tastes. I’m rarely in the mood for spicy teas (which is why I log chai so infrequently) and while this tea isn’t chai-level spicy, it has enough spice to it that I just really can’t see myself going out of my way to get this tea.
The leaves smell of lemon with a tingle of pink grapefruit, creamy vanilla and light spice. And that’s pretty much what it tastes like – creamy, fruity and a little spicy. It’s silky smooth but not as heavy as Troika. This could be because either I brewed Troika with hotter water or simply Troika is just a heavy, rich tea. Actually, I think part of it is the citrus used in this tea – it gives the taste profile a little bump into lighter, more refreshing territory and keeps it from feeling too heavy or rich. Perhaps if it were just vanilla and spice, this would be another rich, decadent tea.
I think those that like spice in their teas would really enjoy this. In fact, the husband, who is more partial to spice in tea, gave this an 81. But ultimately as tasty as the tea + fresh citrus + vanilla is, the tingle of spice at the end just makes me not love it.
