I’ve had this one plain and it showed a lot of potential but ultimately disappointed me because of the bitter-nut taste at the end. So I thought I’d try it today with some half & half and sugar. Because of the remembered icky end note, I added a little more sugar and half & half than I normally would but I figured better safe than sorry, right? I do believe I was rewarded. With the additives, this tea actually brought to mind Thomas Sampsom (always a good comparison). It wasn’t quite as smooth and there was still a tiny hint of the bitter-nutty unpleasantness at the end which I never get from good ole TS but it was still stout and bake-y with a nice, thick texture that made me want to chew on it a bit. So while this is not something I’d want to have plain (because of the end note), it is a good morning tea when doctored. Thomas’ place in my heart isn’t at risk, but one day Thomas will not be and I could see this being an acceptable (if not quite as good) substitute.
