Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Simpson & Vail
Product Description:
This black tea blend has a strong aroma and a nutty flavor. Reminiscent of the winter holidays when the tastes of warming hazelnuts pervade the senses. Can be enjoyed as is, but is also delightful with a little added cream.
Taster’s Review:
The aroma of this tea is unbelievably delicious. From the moment I opened the pouch, I could smell the delightfully warm, sweet nutty fragrance of hazelnuts. Now that the tea is brewed and sitting in front of me, I am finding it difficult to not want to just hold my head inches above the rim of the cup, taking in the radiating warmth of the cup while at the same time enjoying the yummy scent. It’s one of those kinds of teas that you just want to grab a blanket and a good book, and just curl up and get cozy with tea in hand.
The flavor (as well as the incredible scent) is very reminiscent of the holiday season for me, which is why I chose to schedule my review of this tea just a couple of weeks before Christmas. The delicious, nutty fragrance and flavor reminds me of Christmas at my Gramma’s house, which was always warm with inviting aromas and flavors. Gramma made the most incredible cookies and other yummy foods this time of year, and hazelnuts (she called them filberts) were one of her favorite nuts (along with pecans) to include in her baking.
The black tea base here is fairly mellow and seems to help inspire (along with the flavor of the hazelnuts) that cozy sort of feeling that I described earlier. It isn’t one of those “get up and go” kind of black teas … and therefore isn’t a tea I’d recommend for breakfast unless you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast in bed and do not need that gusto that black tea can often deliver. This isn’t one of those teas … instead, this is a “slow down and enjoy life” kind of tea. Take time to smell the roses … or… tea.
The hazelnut flavor is in keeping with this mild attitude of the tea. It doesn’t overwhelm, instead, it delivers a gentle, delicious nutty flavor that tastes of sweet roasted nuts fresh from the oven. YUM!
This tea would make a delightful gift for the tea lover on your shopping list! And, while you’re gift shopping, check out Simpson & Vail’s fantastic array of tea gift packages. You’re sure to find something that will please even the most difficult tea enthusiast on your gift-giving list!
