This is a light black tea with a yummy marzipan undertone, along with a slight biscuityness that I could honestly do without. I’ve read that there is supposed to be some candied violet in there (one of my favorite things!) but I’ve not seen or tasted any hint of it. The rose is definitely present and works really well with the almond. Owing to my issues with caffeine I never have this as a desert tea but I bet it would work really well. Instead I often have it as a first cup of tea in the morning on days when I need a gentle introduction to the waking world. Then I follow it with a cup of something with a kick like 52teas’ Mayan Chocolate Chai.
I tried this first at the recommended 195 degrees for 2-3 minutes, but it tasted slightly off and undeveloped to me, the way black teas do if the water isn’t absolutely boiling. Using boiling water really brings out the best flavor in the tea leaves, and doesn’t harm the marzipan notes at all. I usually steep it for 3-5 minutes before drinking, but if there is another cup in the pot after my first one that cup usually tastes just fine too (though there’s a stronger contribution from the black tea) so I wouldn’t worry about over-steeping.
