Michelle

I couldn’t drink this tea. I don’t particularly like strong rooibos teas – once in awhile, but not often – and I really didn’t like this one. I may have brewed it a bit weak, but I wouldn’t want to try it again. I found the banana to be overpoweringly cloying, and the chocolate didn’t mesh well in it. Additionally, the walnuts in it gave me a bit of a headache (but I think I’m mildly allergic, so that was to be expected).

First steeping: very light, jasmine scented tea. It’s fragrant and floral and very slightly sweet. The delicate brightness cuts through the light smokiness of the oolong. The tea brews a golden color and has a short, dry finish.

Second steeping: The floral and oolong flavors come out more clearly. It brews a bit of a darker color, and the white tea is more difficult to taste here. It’s smokier, and the oolong leaves have expanded much more fully .

The leaves when dried are bright green and tightly rolled into little twists and curls. On a first steep, they unroll partially and have a very vegetal aroma. The tea liquor is a very light green and smells grassy. It has a very light, clear taste. It’s mellow and delicate with notes of honey and almond, and has a smooth, lingering finish.

I found the tea to be too dark and earthy. And did not think that the peppermint meshed at all. I could see the idea working, but not the execution.

It’s a very light, clear black tea. The color is that of an orangey-gold, a little darker than that of a green tea. It smells crisp and floral. Upon a first steep, the floral tones present in the smell come out. It’s not a strong black tea. It has about the body of a green tea with the earthiness of a black – there isn’t a lot of natural sweetness to it. But it works. I’m not sure I would pay the $10/oz, but since I picked up about 6oz at 75% off, I’m certainly going to enjoy what I have. It’s nice that this tea can be steeped several times, and is good when blended – I’ve tried it steeped up to five times, and my favorite blend is this Darjeeling on a second steep with about a teaspoon of Dragonwell green tea added.