I’ve had a sample pouch of this one tucked away in my stash since last autumn. It’s never been opened, so it’s still wonderfully fresh! The maple scent is sweet and distinctive, and there’s no hint of bacon at all. I have a feeling I’ve kept this one for so long out of fear of the bacon, but I wish I hadn’t now!
This was my breakfast tea on Sunday morning. I used 1 tsp of leaf, and gave it four minutes in boiling water, after which there’s a slight oily film on the surface from the sprinkles. The rooibos brewed up pretty dark, so I added a splash of milk. The scent is still mostly maple syrup, and it’s a truly delicious thing! I’m not usually a breakfast person, but I could make an exception if it smelled like this!
To taste, this is pretty much pure maple syrup. There is a tiny, tiny smokiness that’s half reminiscent of bacon, but it’s not overpowering at all. I had feared it would be, but it’s actually a lot milder than many smoked or smoky teas. It’s also sweet, so it really is putting me in mind of bacon, waffles and maple syrup. Really delicious.
Rooibos isn’t usually the tea variety I’d choose for a morning cup, but I have to admit that it works well here. The slight woodiness fits with the sweet/smoky combo, and there’s a mild, almost spongy note at the end of the sip that appears out of nowhere and rounds this one off perfectly. I wasn’t expecting to like this one, but it’s actually pretty perfect. I feel a little sad that I only have a sample pouch now!
