Continuing with my apparent disregard for the non-holiday season (remember when I sipped on a Chanukah-themed tea in March?), I grabbed this sample out of my stash for our nightly tea lattes the other day. Skeptical as I was, as I usually am with red rooibos, both my fiancé (fellow nighttime tea lover) and I couldn’t get enough of this one.
All the goodness of red rooibos with none of the medicinal ick, this one is like a woodsy-orange, with hints of custard and pink peppercorn spice. Rather than a creamsicle-esque orange, this one is a bit more reminiscent of a holiday orange, dotted with cloves, smothered in warm custard cream. Mmm. Am I making anyone else as hungry as I’m making myself right now? No? Moving on.
Would I necessarily harken these flavors to a gingerbread man? Probably not. Would I sip this one nightly, regardless of name or closest holiday (I’m pretty sure this one isn’t meant to be sipped on the 4th of July, but I say it matters not)? Yes and yes.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Rooibos
Where to Buy: BRUU Tea
Description
This tea was part of a monthly tea subscription box. Click below for more info.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Robust Offering from BRUU Tea Club. . . . .
There are some teas from specific tea companies that have been on my own personal WISH LIST for EVER it seems. Teas from Bruu Tea Club are among those teas. Recently I was FINALLY able to sip on China Keemun from BRUU Tea Club and I have to say that it was worth the wait!
The flavor was on the stronger side of medium with notes of smoke and roasted nuts, even. It was even a bit floral at times – fading in and out – gently but elegantly, too! The aftertaste was a bit more smoky that the sip was but it lingered nicely. I’m not saying that it was a smoky tea like an Lapsang Souchong but there were nods of smoke that made it pretty unique.
The aroma, the taste, the darkness in the cup post-infusion all have the glorious trio of traits I look for in a stright-up, stand-up, and stand-alone black tea. I can’t wait to try other teas from BRUU.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: BRUU Tea Club
Description
Whilst sitting dry in its container waiting to become your BRUU;
Smokey and very much a black Camelia Sinensis. Reminiscent of a roasted monkey nut.
As the drink is BRUUing;
The aroma is almost flowery.
The taste journey;
A light black tea with a hint of smokiness in the aftertaste.
Best enjoyed;
1tsp // 100°C // 2-4 mins
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Congou Mao Jia by Bruu Tea
Hello Tea Friends!
This tea comes from the February Tea Club box and though it’s not currently available on their website it may be available soon.
The tell-tale signs of silver tips in this tea signifies selective harvesting that has been plucked every day to ensure only new shoots are gathered. rown in the mountainous region of the WuYi mountains China, the tea is allowed to ferment briefly which results in a slightly dark hue on the leaves. A smooth tasting tea, though surprisingly pungent, it would be a good first green tea to try if you traditionally drink black tea. Origin: Zheijiang Province, China. Grown 5000ft above sea level.
Opening the packet I am met with a dry, sweet grass and wood scent. The leaves are long and thin for the most part, with some silver tips present and a few sticks/stems. For a green tea the leaves are surprisingly dark.
Steeping Instructions: 1tsp – 80C – 2-3 minutes
Once steeped the tea is yellow in colour and bares a sweet and floral, grassy scent. Very green and mineral.
The first few sips reveal a medium strength and fragrant melody of sweet grass, flowers and fresh broccoli. In fact the vegetal factor is part fresh, young cabbage and broccoli. There is some dryness in the after taste too. Some bitterness but in a nice way.
As it cools the flavour thickens and develops thick mouth feel and richness.
Super fragrant and flavourful, this is a delicious green tea. Perhaps too dry for my personal taste but this would make a delicious iced tea.
Happy Steeping!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Bruu Tea (This tea is not currently for sale)
Description:
A smooth tasting green from the WuYi mountains of China, hand picked and fermented to give the leaves a darker hue.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Ginger Bread Man by Bruu Tea
Hello tea friends!
With Christmas almost here and the cold weather set in I’m drawn to the festive teas. This one was from my late November tea club box and I’m only just getting around to trying it.
Ingredients: Rooibos, Almond Pieces, Pistachios, Orange Peel, Coriander, Flavouring, Pink Peppercorn.
Opening the packet I am drawn in by the scent of ginger biscuits. It’s the most ginger biscuity thing I have ever smelt that was not actually ginger biscuits. It’s incredible! Ginger with baked bread and sugar but also a touch of spice.
Steeping instructions: 1tsp // 100°C // 3-5 mins
Once steeped the tea is golden red in colour and bares a sweet yet spicy ginger biscuit and Rooibos scent. Very similar to that of the raw scent.
The first few sips reveal a very sweet and gingery note that lingers in the after taste. When I say ginger it’s more like a ginger candy than raw ginger, sometimes blends are too much on the ginger front but this is such a sweet ginger and it’s very nice. Very biscuit like! Also a touch of dryness in the after taste.
After those initial first few sips it remains sweet and with a touch of actual Rooibos flavour with a creamy orange and ginger and peppercorn spice. The whole blend was well done, it doesn’t taste too much like Rooibos at all which is favourable with me.
I can’t say much other than it tastes like sweet and creamy ginger biscuits with a dry after taste. It truly does.
Bruu Tea have done some good blends but this may be my favourite so far. It’s very delightful and festive.
Until next time, Happy Steeping!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Rooibos blend
Where to Buy: Bruu Tea
Description:
The rich, naturally woody taste of rooibos is already a perfect treat for cold days, but the added tastes of gingerbread and orange in this blend allow you to truly spoil yourself. Caffeine-free and incredibly festive, this decorative infusion makes a wonderful gift – for others or yourself!