Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Simple Loose Leaf
Tea Description:
Our robust South Indian black tea meets the intoxicating flavor of summer blackberries in this rich and decadent tea. A touch of white sage completes the blend, balancing the plump, juicy flavors of berries with its mystical, earthen essence. With each sip of this deliciously ethereal tea, find yourself closer and closer to true awakening.
Learn more about this tea here.
Learn more about Simple Loose Leaf’s customized subscription program here.
Taster’s Review:
Recently, I was offered a chance to try out Simple Loose Leaf’s subscription program, and this is Blackberry Sage Black Tea Blend is the first tea that I received as part of my fully customized subscription.
So before I talk about the tea, I want to talk a little bit about how the subscription works. You start by checking out the vast selection of teas that Simple Loose Leaf offers (and it’s quite an impressive selection!) Find a few teas that interest you. This shouldn’t be hard, because like I said, the selection is impressive! Put the teas that you want in your cart (Simple Loose Leaf recommends a starting point of 3 – 6 teas), and pay once – including one shipping charge (I was charged $7.50 for six teas to be shipped over the course of the next six months.) In the comment field at check out, you can list the teas in the order you’d like to receive them.
That’s it! Once a month, you’ll receive a package from Simple Loose Leaf containing the tea you selected for that month. (You can also request to have two teas shipped per month rather than just the one.) It is definitely a simple process, and I like the idea of getting a new tea every month like this.
If I were to offer a criticism of the program from what I’ve experienced thus far, it would be this: I would like for Simple Loose Leaf to offer its teas in 1 ounce portions as well as the 2 and 4 ounce portions that it offers. Especially with so many unique flavors, a smaller size would allow customers the opportunity to try it before they commit to a larger amount. In addition, I think it would be a nifty idea if they chose to include a small (one serving size) sample so that customers could try something new and possibly add on to their wish list.
Now, on to the tea for this month: Blackberry Sage Black Tea!
The dry leaf is beautiful with lots of dried blackberries tossed in with black tea leaves and torn pieces of white sage leaves. The aroma is enticing with its strong fruity presence and notes of earthy sage.
The flavor is really enjoyable. The blackberry is sweet, and the sweetness of the fruit is cut by the savory elements of the sage, making this a sweet yet savory cup. Really delightful! The black tea is rich and tasty. No bitterness, but I don’t think it’d be a good idea to over-steep this tea … because I think it could become bitter if it’s oversteeped. (I steeped this at 205°F for 2 1/2 minutes in my Breville One-Touch.) The tea is moderately astringent.
I’ve tried this tea both iced and hot, and I personally prefer it hot (which makes me really glad that it’s autumn! Hot tea tastes so much better when it’s chilly outside!) The flavors of sage and blackberry really pop when the tea is served hot, and as it cools, these flavors become somewhat muted and less distinct.
Overall, I’m very pleased with this first month’s selection for my six month subscription with Simple Loose Leaf! Next month: Earl Grey Assam! I can’t wait!
