Calorie-Free Naturally Sweet Tea

Dear The Republic of Tea,

We’re over. This tea is horrid. I can’t even put my finger on what element makes it so bad, but nondescript horridness is enough for me to bid you farewell. Remember Bing Cherry Vanilla? That one was terrible too, and don’t even get me started on that Meyer Lemon iced tea… that was just mean!

We will always have Mango Ceylon, Plantain Coconut, and oh so lovely Coconut Cocoa. Those three teas aside, I have been underwhelmed or dissatisfied with your tea more often than not. I vow to no longer be tempted by you at Cost Plus World Market where, let’s face it, I buy all manner of nonsense. The End.

This was the second cup of tea I had in class today. I was one of the first ones to try this flavor. The second person to try it was my teacher. I didn’t think she minded it, but it didn’t go over so well for me.

It started off very, very sweet. Then the taste got slightly sour on my tongue with a fake-sweet taste. Then it made my tongue go numb for a little bit. Apparently, I made faces and amused the girl sitting next to me before class started.

It sounds like a novelty, but do not get this tea. Numb tongue and sour. I didn’t even finish my cup.

… Um. I really wanted to like this. I still hold out some hope that it will be better chilled, but I won’t try that until this summer. It’s the “lingering sweetness of Korean Hydrangea serrata leaf” that gets me. It tastes very artificial, although I know it’s “natural” (which I suppose a fair number of people feel is synonymous with “better”). It has a sweet bite, then the cloying, almost tangy aftertaste remains far too long.

It’s just… weird. If you get a chance to swap for a bag, it’s almost worth it for the novelty. Hey, I’ve got a whole tin over here waiting for your offers!!!