Dark Chocolate Tea (Kukicha Twig and Niligri black teas)

This has to be one of the most unique chocolate teas I’ve tasted in quite a while. The kukicha adds a slightly smoky dimension to the cup, as well as lightens the body a little bit. The chocolate is not as strong as I would like it to be, but then, I’m a chocoholic that adheres to a simple philosophy: some chocolate = good. More chocolate = better. There is some chocolate in this blend … therefore it is good. But more chocolate would make it better.

As it is though, I find it very unique and interesting. I like the compelling differences between this and just about every other chocolate tea that’s out there. I like the Kukicha in there… I like how it pairs with the Nilgiri black. It tastes rich, but it also has a lovely lightness to it. And the smoky/toasty taste is really a nice touch.

A very interesting cup, indeed. I like it.

I couldn’t wait any longer to try this. The try my sizes are big enough to make at least 2 16oz mugs so I have some left for when I finally kick this cold and can truly taste it.

I’ve always totally disregarded any tea with any mention of chocolate associated with the flavor. I think I had a couple low quality, artificially flavored chocolate teas that made think chocolate and tea were just not a good combo. Seriously, like the left over milk from cocoa krispies mixed with tea. Gross. But then I tried the infamous Laoshan Black and Laoshan black chocolate Genmaicha and whole new world of flavors opened up.

So I decided to give Dark Chocolate Tea a try. The kukicha twig tea is what really sold it to me in the description. The roasty flavor sounded like an obvious compliment to dark chocolate. It’s also got Yunnan and a little nilgiri to add some complexity. And of course cocoa nibs. (I also just read the description again and there is espresso powder, that would normally turn me off, but I didn’t notice it at all)

Yum. I’m so thankful to have gotten over my fear of chocolate tea. This tea is so crazy tasty. Especially once it cools a bit. The chocolate flavor really emerges and the nilgiri and kukicha balance it so well. I’m so glad I have more to try when I can really taste all the flavors.

I wonder if it resteaps as well as cinnamon swirl bread. I doubt it, but I’m off to give it a try.

Thank you yet again TastyBrew!

I brewed this one up at the same time that I brewed Jumpy Monkey so that I would have a back up if I didn’t like one. I often do then when trying new teas. I put this one in the larger cup because I predicted that I would like it more, but I actually liked the jumpy monkey more. This isn’t bad, its just so-so. The chocolate tastes a bit off. I’m not sure I can really describe the rest of it. There is a sort of smokiness about it, nothing too offensive though. And it’s just ever so slightly tart. I am happy to finish my cup, but regretting just a little that I chose the bigger one for this tea. Oh well. :)

I bought a lot of sample sized teas from sTEAp Shoppe, but have finally gotten around to trying some of them! This particular tea is good. There is a smokey dimension to it, though it is overall light in flavor. The chocolate stands out, but given the name, I was really hoping for a stronger tea. Maybe I need to increase the amount of tea for the steep? I’ll try it again to see if it helps. If I can find the right tea/water ratio, I might buy the full size!

It does not become too strong for me. The taste and smell of the chocolate flavor in this tea is very intense, and there’s not an overpowering taste. I will keep buying this blend again and again!