I’m glad to be drinking this one again – it’s certainly been a while! For the record, this pouch is the 2016 version (I know, I’m so behind). As usual, I used 1 tsp of leaf for my cup. As with the 2015 version, it appears to be predominantly rooibos, with some ceylon leaves – about 70:30 to my mind. Dry, the scent is very orangey, with an undercurrent of almond. I gave it 3 minutes in boiling water, no additions.
To taste, it’s more or less hot cross bun. There’s a lot of orange, some dried fruit (raisin, cranberry), and a big hit of vanilla. There’s a whisper of cinnamon, but it’s fairly fleeting. Lapsang Souchong is listed in the ingerdients, but it’s fairly well down the list, and to be honest I can’t taste it. I’d have liked a touch of smoke – I remember last year’s (2015) sample had just a little, and that was perfect.
Ultimately, I’d have really liked more of a “bread” flavour – maybe if the Ceylon was a Yunnan? As it stands, it’s not quite hot cross bun for me, but it’s close enough. It’s certainly a pleasantly creamy, fruity cup, and great for spring! Next year, if I’m caught up with my cupboard, I’ll definitely try again.
