Ogle Brothers General Store

This timely surprise arrived today from a Tennessee friend who loves her Smokies as much as I love my Ozarks. Timely because they’re talking record high temperatures for Christmas Day, so summer tea may be highly appropriate.

I couldn’t wait till Christmas and broke into a cup tonight. Straight off a five-minute steep, the hibiscus hits you first, but just before you frown and pucker, the pineapple steps in to moderate the tartness. A nice fruit juicy balance. Will try a little sweetener with the next cup, but it is notable that I enjoyed it straight up.