Blackcurrant Burst

Blackcurrant Burst. By Ahmad Teas.
I noticed the Ahmad Teas line of products while shopping at a local international market, and their blackcurrant black tea caught my eye. Since I generally adore blackcurrant, I had to try it. So very glad I did, too! Made with a generic “South Indian” black tea base, these tea bags are flavored with both blackcurrant flavoring and 2% blackcurrant pieces. The combination gives a potent, genuine blackcurrant flavor and aroma, and a good caffeine kick from the black tea base. Each paper teabag (standard string and tab) was individually sealed in a thick foil-lined, sealed envelope. I steeped in 8 oz boiling spring water for 4–5 min, as directed, and also found that over-steeping did not deter from my enjoyment. I did not really notice much from the base, other than the impression of yes, it is a black tea. Not noticeably astringent or brisk, but quite nicely rounded in currant flavor and aroma, especially when sweetened with a couple spoonfuls of sugar. I’m sure it would be wonderful if iced as well, and I’ll post a followup comment on that when I get a chance to try it. This tea is a good value at under 20¢ per bag. For now, I’ll score this as a 75 (because of the mediocre base tea), and recommend.
Lot No. LFG32731. Best before: 12/05/2028.

This is a great tea for summer into fall. Iced or chilled, it makes a refreshing fruity tea, especially with a little sweetener. The tea flavor itself is more pronounced when drunk as a hot tea. Either way, it’s perfect for late July or early August heading into late September or early October. The feeling one gets looking at late summer gardens, with ripening fruits and vegetables, the dark foliage from months’ worth of sun…this tea feels all of a piece with that. Enjoy it while that season’s still here!