Red Stick Spice

This made a refreshing cup. The on the initial sip I tasted a chemical wang but as the tea cooled a little the soft apricot flavor came through. The green tea was mild with little astringency. Good for nights when I want a lot of tea but also would like to sleep later.

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Let’s start with the smell. It smells so chocolate-y and spicy and fruity. I was really looking forward to drinking this. Then while it was brewing, it smelled like hot chocolate with fruity spicy flavors. I let this steep for a good long while since I wanted maximum flavor. I knew I’d be adding milk and sugar.
At first sip, I was greeted by the slight burn from the spice. Then, a nice full chocolate flavor with a sour fruity finish. I was startled by the sourness. It seemed out of place with chocolate. Then I added my evaporated milk and honey and I got sort of used to the sour. It, however, remained a minor background buzzing that I couldn’t quite ignore. Hmm…I’d say this would be pretty near perfect if not for the fruity sourness. I’d consider getting more, but I’ll have to explore my options some more. :) I need to find that perfect chocolate spice herbal tea!

Thanks for sending this teataku!

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I am well acquainted with the owners of Red Stick Spice. When they told me I had to try this tea because it had won first place at a tea-tasting competition in California, I agreed that that sounded like a good idea. Let me tell you, I was very skeptical about the idea of rooibos and mint together. The tea spoke volumes for itself, however. It smells mostly of mint, with only a little of the musky-nutty rooibos scent, and the other flowers nonexistent. However, when you steep it, the flavor of each component somehow comes to life, like children standing in a line on the stage of a school play. You can see each one of them distinctly, each bringing their own drama and quirks. It totally amazed me that the mint, normally known for being a strong flavor, was so subtle and accommodating to the other flavors. This will be one of the permanent denizens of my tea shelf.