Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Honeybush

Where to Buy:  Tea Licious

Tisane Description:

Honeybush, lemon grass, lemon myrtle, rosehips, eucalyptus, hibiscus, safflowers, marigold and orange.

Learn more about this tisane here.

Taster’s Review:

Summer is almost here!  Alas, summer is not my favorite time of year – I prefer autumn and winter … why?   Because hot tea is so much better when it’s chilly outside!  Yes, it’s all about the tea!  However, I am certainly enjoying this African Summer tisane from Tea Licious!

The first thing I notice is the zesty flavor of lemongrass and lemon myrtle which gives it a delicious lemon taste without the pucker-y tartness.  Then there is a tangy orange note that melds nicely with the lemony herbs.  But even with the zesty and tangy flavors, the overall cup is pleasantly smooth, which has a lot to do with the honeybush, which gives it a sweet and nutty taste.

I was a little worried at first that it might be hibiscus-y, but really, the hibiscus only seems to contribute a little to the color of the cup while adding very little tartness or its syrupy texture to it.  That being said, I do recommend exercising some caution when steeping this tea, as hibiscus can quickly overpower a cup when left to steep too long.  I steeped my cup for six full minutes, and it turned out just perfect!

There is a soft mouthfeel to the cup, which I think is because of the hibiscus.  This tells me that there is just the right amount of hibiscus in it … not too much, but enough so that the flavor and texture is not too thin.  Kudos to Tea Licious for doing hibiscus the right way!

This is a very pleasant cup of tea, one that is tasty hot, and very refreshing served over ice!  This is one that you can serve to kids as well as adults, because it is naturally caffeine free, and it has a pleasing flavor that everyone will love.

Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Honeybush

Where to Buy:  Townshend’s Tea

Tisane Description:

Dark Forest Chai is made up of honeybush, cacao, carob, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, red clover, rosemary and roasted chicory.

Learn more about this tisane here.

Taster’s Review:

This tisane smells incredible.  As I was pouring the tea into my favorite mug and the amazing aroma wafted through the air, it was as though I had been magically transported to a donut shop – believe it or not, this smells like a cake donut that’s been dusted with cinnamon and sugar!

And while it doesn’t taste exactly like a cinnamon and sugar donut, there are elements in this that give it a similar (and very sweet-tooth satisfying) flavor.  A strong cinnamon essence, pleasantly sweet, with a somewhat savory, freshly baked cake sort of element to it, which is further enhanced by the presence of the cacao and carob.

The roasted chicory gives this cup a satisfying depth and a toasty element that is very harmonious with the other ingredients, and I think that this ingredient is what gives the cup that rich, freshly baked flavor.  It also lends a hint of coffee-like flavor to the background.  Coffee and donuts!

I like that this doesn’t taste strongly of any one ingredient, instead, it is a medley of all the ingredients.  It is mildly spiced, and while there is some heat to it which continues to develop as I make my way to the bottom of the cup, I would not categorize it as spicy.  It is warm, though, and I don’t know that I’d recommend this to someone who is extremely sensitive to spice, but, if you like a medium-warm heat to your cup, this tisane provides that.

I figured I’d like this chai – as I do love chai! – but, what a surprising treat it turned out to be!  I love this!

Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Honeybush

Where to Buy:  The Tea Smith

Tisane Description:

A unique herb from South Africa, honey bush is slightly sweet and reminiscent of a baked dessert. It’s a great way to cheat on your diet!

Learn more about this tisane here.

Taster’s Review:

I’ll be honest, when I opened this month’s Steepster Select box, I was a little disappointed.  Maybe even a lot disappointed.

Inside, there was a package of pure Guayusa, and a package of pure Honey Bush (which is what I’m reviewing right now).  Really?  Really???  The only package that seemed to be somewhat redeeming in this themed collection – called “New Frontiers” – from Steepster was the Hawaiian-Grown green tea.  But even that didn’t really seem worth the $19 bucks a month that this subscription costs.

I mean, okay… I like Guayusa.  And I even like honey bush.  But in the case of these two leaf types, I find them to be much more enjoyable as flavored tisanes or as part of a blend … especially honey bush.  It’s tasty enough as a pure tisane, but, it’s kind of just boring.  Not all that exciting.

This is basically what I expect from a honey bush:  lightly sweet with nutty tones and a background of wood-like flavor.  I find that I notice more of the natural nutty tones and woody notes when it is unflavored, but, that’s not necessarily a good thing.  I find that the toasty nut flavor is enjoyable, but, the wood tones can be a bit on the sour side, especially if you steep it for a long period of time.

Fortunately, I didn’t steep it too long, so, I find myself actually enjoying this nutty, honey-sweet tisane, even though I do find myself wishing that there was a little more to this month’s “New Frontiers” box.  I do appreciate that it is an organic honey bush, as I find that there is a distinct difference in flavor between organic and conventionally grown honey bush (as well as rooibos). It’s enjoyable, but, just a little ho-hum.

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black Tea & Honeybush

Where to Buy:  Inspired Leaf

Tea Description:

Cocoa nibs and indulgent flavors of the islands. Brew up a vacation!

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

YUM!

This is the first tea that I’ve tried from Inspired Leaf, but I must say that I’m a fan.  My experience with them has been very positive, and this tea is like the cherry on top of the sundae!  I would say coconut on top of the sundae but that didn’t seem as illuminating as cherry on top.

The base is a blend of black tea and honeybush which I find enjoyable because I have the rich flavor of the black tea – lightened somewhat by the presence of the honeybush, but not too much.  It is light enough to enjoy the complexity of the tea while adding a delicate sweetness from the honeybush.  There is a hint of nutty flavor to this as well, and this compliments the coconut in this blend.

The chocolate flavor is at a pleasing level, but, I (being the chocoholic that I am) still find myself wanting MORE chocolate.  Some cacao shells would give this more of a truffle-ish flavor, I think.  As it is, it is quite delicious, but even more chocolate would make it over-the-top indulgently awesome.  (Remember my simple equation?  more chocolate = better)

The coconut is creamy and sweet and luscious … and definitely the star of this cup.  Sure, I love the chocolate, but, its the coconut that makes this so remarkably good.

And that’s exactly what it is!

Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Honeybush & Rooibos

Where to Buy:  World Spice Merchants

Tisane Description:

Chaider is sure to take off the chill with its original blend of Star Anise, Tellicherry Peppercorns, Cassia Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Green Cardamom Pod and Seed, Honeybush and Rooibos. Serve it steeped as you would tea, or in warmed apple cider.

Learn more about this tisane here.

Taster’s Review:

This is a very tasty tisane from World Spice Merchants.  It does indeed have a flavor that is reminiscent of hot spiced cider, all that’s missing is the apple!  Then again, it is a little different from a typical cider.  This has a strong licorice-like flavor to it that gives it a sharpness and a sweet flavor and gives this its own unique flavor.

I’ve had this twice now, and the first time I steeped it, I steeped for ten minutes using a little too much leaf – about 2 heaping teaspoons per 8 ounces, which is about the normal amount for me when I make a chai blend, as I usually plan on diluting it with steamed milk to make a latte.

However, I didn’t make it a latte, so I had a very strong-tasting tisane, and I think it was a bit too strong, especially after tasting my second cup which I steeped for about 8 minutes and used  1 1/2 teaspoons per 8 ounces instead of the 2 heaping teaspoons.  This made a big difference in the taste, and I found the second cup to be much more palatable.

The anise flavor is quite strong with this tisane, and as I am a fan of anise, I don’t have a problem with that.  However, if you’re not a licorice or anise fan, this is not the tisane for you.  The other spices are nicely balanced, and the cinnamon and anise complement each other very well.  But this isn’t too cinnamon-y which is something I often find with cider-like teas or tisanes, and I like that I can taste the other spices here.

I can also taste the rooibos and honeybush, and they bring a nice, woody tone to the background.  Normally, I am not a fan of the woody flavors of these herbs (especially rooibos) but it works here, because of the overall rustic quality of this tisane.

A nice, warming tisane for these chilly early spring evenings.

Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Honeybush

Where to Buy:  52Teas

Tisane Description:

Our latest honeybush blend is a delicious medley of sweet honeybush, freeze-dried orange sections, freeze-dried pineapple, and dried banana slices blended with natural orange, pineapple and banana flavors. It’s a caffeine-free treat you won’t want to miss, perfect for breakfast or anytime.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

Well, I’m not drinking this at breakfast time, I generally drink teas with as much caffeine as I can get in the morning, because I need it!  Instead, this “Breakfast” Smoothie is a late-night treat, and what a treat it is!

Upon opening the pouch, my nose was greeted with a deliciously fruity scent that reminded me a bit of Juicy Fruit gum.  And, when served hot, it actually tastes a bit like bubble gum.  It is sweet and fruity and it is satisfying my sweet craving.  All that without caffeine, calories or guilt!  Winning!

I like that the fruit flavors here are well-balanced.  I can taste each element without one overwhelming the other.  I can also taste the honey-like sweetness of the honeybush, but not so much of the nutty flavor of the herb, which I think might distract from the “smoothie” aspect of this cup. Frank certainly knew what he was doing when he created this blend … but then, I should not be surprised, because Frank certainly does have a way with honeybush; this blend certainly hits that point home!

Overall, this cup is sweet and a little creamy, and it has just enough tangy flavor to keep it interesting.  It doesn’t need any additions at all, it tastes great served straight.  And as good as it is hot, it’s even BETTER iced.  It’s not quite as sweet as it is when it’s hot … it’s just pure refreshment!  I love this!

Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Honeybush

Where to Buy:  Red Leaf Tea

Tisane Description:

Learn more about this tisane here.

Taster’s Review:

This is definitely one of the most unusual variations of the classic Earl Grey I’ve yet to try, and it is no surprise to me that it comes from Red Leaf Tea, as they have the largest collection of Earl Grey teas I’ve seen from a tea purveyor.  This delights me because not only am I a big fan of Earl Grey tea, but, also, when I was just starting out in the tea business I wanted to have a vast Earl Grey collection.

Unfortunately, I did not succeed in that quest, mainly because it is quite difficult to blend Earl Grey!  It is one of the trickier flavors to perfect for many reasons:  not only is the quality of flavoring important, but also, the amount of flavoring is key … too much bergamot, and you’ll wind up with a tea that tastes like your grandfather’s aftershave, and too little and well, it’s not flavorful enough.  So when I come across a tea purveyor that has got it right, I’m impressed.

And this Honeybush Earl Grey from Red Leaf Tea is very well done, indeed.  The dry leaf aroma smells of honey, citrus and even a hint of flower.  The fragrance is really quite lovely.  The infusion smells like a mellower version of the dry leaf.

Wow!  This tastes amazing.  The honeybush offers its usual honey-like sweetness to the cup, and also brings a somewhat herbaceous flavor and a nutty note to the party.  The bergamot is less floral than the aroma suggests, and it is less sharp than a classic black tea Earl Grey might be.  It has a zesty citrus tone to it, and it tastes bright and tangy.

This is a refreshing change from the traditional Earl Grey, and it’s really nice to be able to enjoy Earl Grey later in the evening, when I usually have to limit my caffeine intake.  This tisane allows me to have my Earl Grey and drink it too!

Photo from Chef Eddy Van Damme's website. Click on the photo to check it out!

Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Honeybush

Where to Buy:  52Teas

Tisane Description:

Ingredients:  Honeybush, organic cacao nibs, freeze-dried raspberries, natural flavors.

This tisane is part of the Box of Chocolates sampler.

Taster’s Review:

I have really been enjoying the chocolate teas and tisanes that came in my Box of Chocolate samplers.  This is the third of six new-to-me chocolate teas in the box, and the only naturally caffeine-free selection.

When served piping hot, I find that the flavors of this are a little muddled, but when allowed to cool slightly (to a drinkable temperature, but it’s still hot), the flavors begin to pop.  So, if with your first sip or two, you find that you’re not tasting much chocolate or raspberry flavor, give it a few minutes to cool down, and I think you’ll find the flavor begins to come alive.

What I’m discovering with this cup is that the flavors seem to weave their way in and out … with one sip, I notice a stronger raspberry flavor, and the next sip, the chocolate is more pronounced.  The raspberry tastes sweet and juicy, with a berry tartness that emerges in the aftertaste.  The chocolate has that deep, rich cacao kind of flavor.

The honeybush is nutty and sweet, and as I mentioned a couple of paragraphs ago, the flavor of the honeybush is strongest with those first couple of “hot” sips, and as I make my way toward mid-cup, the flavors become more balanced.  This one gets a thumbs up from me!

Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Honeybush & Rooibos

Where to Buy:  Adagio Teas

Tisane Description:

Freddy’s a little creepy, goofy, and nutty – kind of like this blend of Honeybush and Rooibos Flavors.

Learn more about this tisane here.

Taster’s Review:

Over the past week or so, I’ve been trying to focus on some teas that could be considered “romantic” Valentine’s teas.  While I don’t think that I’d want to kiss Mr. Krueger, this custom blend created by my SororiTea Sister, Jennifer aka TeaEqualsBliss, is a delicious alternative to going mouth-to-mouth with Freddy.  It is a blend of Adagio’s honeybush orange, rooibos cinnamon apple, and rooibos almond.

While I am not always particularly fond of rooibos, I do like the combination of rooibos and honeybush together.  Somehow, when blended together, the honeybush softens the tames funky tasting rooibos.  The two taste better together than individually, in my opinion.

The orange flavor is the most distinct note in this cup, but it doesn’t overwhelm.  It is complemented by the apple, which softens the tangy citrus notes, and lends a very smooth sweetness to the cup.

The background is nutty and has a hint of woody undertones.  The nutty flavor is further accentuated by the almond flavor.  While it is not a particularly strong note, the cinnamon gives the overall cup some interest and depth.

A tasty tisane that can be enjoyed any time of day!

Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Rooibos

Where to Buy:  Jennifer’s Tea Garden

Tisane Description:

Based in organic rooibos, this blend with an invigorating aroma and luxurious spices makes a full-flavored treat! Best with steamed milk. Naturally caffeine free.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review: 

My favorite winter-y tea is chai.  Not chai as in tea but chai as in the warm blend of spices combined with tea (or in this case, rooibos and honeybush!)  Nothing warms me up better than a delicious chai.

And this one is quite yummy!  The “usual” spices are all there:  cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and ginger.  In this blend, there are a couple of other spices too:  anise seed and fennel.  These two spices are not as noticeable in the flavor as they are in the aroma, but, they do add just a hint of licorice-y flavor to the cup which is really quite lovely.

One thing that is also a little unusual about this particular blend is that the ginger has a softer flavor than I’m used to with chai.  Yes, I can taste that peppery heat from the ginger, but it is more of a mild, gentle kind of heat.  It doesn’t have that prickly, peppery effect on the tongue that ginger sometimes has.

The biggest effect that the lighter ginger flavor has on this cup – at least, in my opinion – is that the flavor of the cloves and cardamom are really coming through very distinctly.  Especially the cardamom!  Citrus-y and exotic, and pleasantly soothing.

I’ve said before that I really like the combination of rooibos and honeybush together.  I find that the honeybush helps to curb some of the funkier flavors of the rooibos.  The result is a nutty flavor that is honey-sweet, and that’s what I’m tasting here.  It compliments the spice tones of this blend quite well.

Overall, a nicely balanced chai that is not too spicy or sweet, but, somewhere in between.  I brewed mine extra strong and then added a bit of steamed, frothed milk and it became a dessert-like treat.  Sweet and delicious, it didn’t even need honey!