Tasting note written a couple nights ago: This was in a mini-box of gift teas that Bluebird was selling during their sale. I was happy I get to try it! It’s a different play on their Mulled Wine that I tried ONCE before and was one of my favorite herbal teas. (Mulled wine was also included in the gift box even though they barely had it for sale this year!) I always get worried when I see hibiscus listed in ingredients, but I should always remember that Bluebird always uses the perfect amount of hibiscus. Their blends never overdue the stuff, or maybe I always get the perfect little teaspoon. The flavor here is perfectly balanced between fruit and spice, with hints of tartness from the hibiscus. The brew is only light pink and NOT a murder of dark red hibiscus. I actually steeped for three minutes but on noticing that the brew was pink, went on for another three minutes because I knew the hibiscus wouldn’t be overdone. (I must use this rule for other hibiscus blends.) The main fruit note is apple, so mulled cider it is! I need to save this tea for when I know I’ll want to guzzle TWO steeps of no-caff at night. I’m happy with Bluebird’s herbals! This is about the highest rating I’ll give for any tea with hibiscus though, even if done well. Steepsterers really need to be drinking Bluebird’s teas more!
Steep #1 // 1 heaping teaspoon for full mug // couple minutes after boiling // 6 minute steep
I agree with you on the hibiscus, they definitely show some good restraint.