Low Country

This is a queued tasting note.

There are still a couple teas from August Uncommon that I’ve yet to really tap into, so I took advantage of Easter to break out one of the ones I’ve yet to try, despite not really finding this to fit the “mood” of the day.

I’d forgotten that this one has smoked black tea in the base until I cracked open the sample bag. Then, I instantly remembered! Mmm, smoky black teas!

Steeped up, this tastes smoky at first! Like camping at the family cabin. However, the gentle smoke notes aren’t over powering, and really compliment the other flavours instead of crowding or overwhelming them. The rest of the flavor is a nice, smooth bourbon note accented with the flavour of something nice and roasty, like barley or buckwheat. There’s a pleasant sweetness that reminds me heavily of molasses or brown sugar. When I’m sipping on the cuppa, I feel like I should be on my balcony at midnight, surrounded by the light chirping of crickets and reflecting heavily on the past. In a way, while this tea is rich and indulgent, it reads to be as the appropriate choice for brooding.

But regardless, this is the noms.

Hats off to August Uncommon for really capturing the essence of bourbon in a tea. It was also smart to pair it with a smoky base since for me, personally, bourbon is quite smoky in itself. Anyone who knows me on here knows that I am most definitely not a fan of smoky notes in tea. Hell, I’m not even a fan of bourbon or scotch with any hint of smoke. It’s just not for me.

For that reason, I’m going to abstain from rating this. I can see bourbon or smoky tea lovers falling for this.

This tea smells incredible. I opened the pouch and was met with what I can only describe as ‘fall’. I could pick up smoke, bourbon, and something sweet. If August Uncommon ever decides to make a candle out of this exact scent, I’ll buy it right away.

When I steeped this tea the first time, it came out bitter. I reduced my water temp from 212 ºF to 195ºF and steeped for three minutes instead of five, and that ended up being the sweet spot for me. Speaking of sweet, another reviewer below mentioned the idea of adding maple syrup as a sweetener. What a great idea! I added about a teaspoon (real maple syrup, mind you, not that nasty fake stuff). This tea is so heavenly. I could pick up those sweet, smoky (almost burnt) notes, that call to mind roasting marshmallows over a bonfire on a cool, clear autumn night. I’m still in awe of the fact that August Uncommon has managed to capture that image so perfectly with this tea. Finally, something that’s quintessentially fall – without any pumpkin spice flavor involved ;)

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It really is a beautiful thing…..

https://www.instagram.com/p/BB_PCBuuE8F/?taken-by=dex3657

God i love this tea. It smells like caramel and smoke and bourbon and amazing ness. I forgot to add a little maple to this cup as i really think that would make it extra delicious. That being said, i don’t NEED it in this tea to enjoy it. It’s just a really artful blending of
smokey, without being too smokey.