Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Republic of Tea
Product Description:
Perfect Picnic Tea – This iced tea captures the essence of summer with the natural, fresh sweetness of sun-ripened watermelon finished with a touch of cool peppermint. A smooth base of fine black tea rounds out this bold, bright, refresher.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Ahh! This Watermelon Mint Black Iced Tea from Republic of Tea is so refreshing!
While shopping at Chuck’s Produce Market the other day, I came across a display of new teas from Republic of Teas – all iced tea that have been prepackaged in large, quart-size unbleached tea pouches. Whenever I shop at Chuck’s (or Whole Foods or New Seasons), I always take a moment to peruse the tea aisle to see if there are any new teas that I haven’t yet tried. (Because you know me … I GOTTA try ’em all!)
There were several different flavors of these new iced teas from Republic of Tea, but the one that was the most appealing to me was this Watermelon Mint Black iced tea. Mmm! Watermelon? Mint? Yes please!
And this is really delightful. I cold-brewed the tea, tossing two of the large tea pouches in my glass 2-quart pitcher and filling it with freshly filtered water, securing the cap and stashing it in the fridge overnight. This morning, I had a pitcher full of cold-brewed, thirst-quenching refreshment.
The watermelon in this iced tea is really well-defined. Very often, with watermelon teas, sometimes the watermelon is a bit too demure for my liking. When I’m tasting a watermelon tea … I want watermelon! You know what I’m saying? Here, the watermelon comes through very nicely. I could even smell it when I opened the pitcher to remove the pouches. The watermelon DOES taste a little on the sweet side – tasting a bit more like watermelon Jolly Ranchers than something that’s more true to the fruit. But, I’m still finding it rather tasty, regardless (I guess because I happen to enjoy watermelon flavored Jolly Ranchers!)
And I’m also happy to report that while the peppermint is discernible, it is NOT an overwhelming flavor. The Republic of Tea did the mint just right in this blend. Because peppermint can sometimes be a rather aggressive herb when added to a tea blend, it is important to add it with caution and not go overboard! That was kept in mind with this blend … the mint is there, but it isn’t overpowering the other flavors. Instead, it is more of a cooling presence … a crisp note of mint that seems to cool the palate as I sip.
The black tea is a pleasant background flavor. It tastes like it is probably a Ceylon tea that is used in this blend, because it’s rather mild-tasting. Sort of even-tempered and not overly assertive. I can taste it, it’s there … but, sort of like the aforementioned mint, it’s not a strong presence in the cup.
This is an agreeable balance of flavors. Sweet, juicy watermelon, hints of mint, and a brisk black tea base. It is one of those teas that you could serve at the family picnic and everyone will enjoy it – even those who are fussy about what they eat and drink. It’s so enjoyable that I think I’m going to have to pick up another tin of the new Iced Tea Pouches the next time I’m shopping at Chuck’s!
