Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Harney & Sons
Tea Description:
Years of Japanese and Scandinavian tradition come together in this elegant blend. The fruit-forward notes of tart Nordic lingonberries strike a delicate balance with the refreshing green tea.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I found to get the level of flavor that I wanted from this Ligonberry Green tea from Harney & Sons’ new Ambessa Tea line, I needed to make a stronger brew. This is where loose leaf shows up the bagged or sacheted tea, because I could have easily added a little extra leaf … but for a sacheted tea like this, it’s either use less water or another tea sachet. I used two tea sachets for my cup.
The first time I brewed this (with just one bag), there was certainly flavor, but it was just a little too delicate for my liking. But now, with two tea bags, the flavor is THERE, and I’m liking it.
The lingonberry is a unique flavor … not one that is often found in tea blends. I think I’ve found lingonberry as an ingredient in one or two other teas … it’s a rare thing, though. Usually, the only other place I can find lingonberry at all is at IKEA.
And I like the flavor that the lingonberry brings to this cup. It is mostly tart, but there’s a little bit of sweetness to it to and it adds a really bright, enjoyable flavor. I’m not one who usually rejoices in tart flavors, but I am really liking the flavor of the lingonberry here.
The green tea offers a sweet taste with a soft texture. It’s a nice contrast to the sharp, tart notes of the lingonberry. It’s really a very pleasant culinary experience … and it’s almost like I can taste the mastery of a chef (in this case, Chef Marcus Samuelsson) behind this cup because it’s no ordinary tea!
I have tried all four of the Ambessa Teas now, and I really enjoyed all four, and overall, I’d say that this tea is a win. It does lose points, however, because I needed two tea bags to satisfy my palate flavor wise. For me to be thoroughly impressed by this Ambessa line, I would like for it to be offered in a loose leaf format.
I was just thinking that I’d love to experience another Chef Marcus Samuelsson tea creation now … but what flavor should he attempt next? He’s done Earl Grey, he’s done Chocolate … I guess … I’d love to try a Chai from Chef Samuelsson!
The Earl of Harlem Ambessa Tea from Harney & Sons
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Harney & Sons
Tea Description:
This new take on an old classic adds an air of mystery to the traditional Earl Grey. Citrusy layers, bergamot and floral aromas mingle with lingering smoky base notes for a rich and fragrant finish.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Of the four teas in the new Ambessa Tea Line from Harney & Sons, you know that the one I had to try was this: The Earl of Harlem! I do love Earl Grey, and I was excited to try chef Marcus Samuelsson’s interpretation of one of my favorite teas, especially after reading a comment from one of our readers who suggested that this one be the next from the Ambessa Tea line that I try.
It should come as no big surprise to my readers that the one big drawback to this new line of teas is that they are only available in sachet form. I am not a big fan of Harney & Sons teas in sachet form, as I have noticed a difference in taste between the teas packaged in sachets versus the same tea in loose leaf form (most notably – the Hot Cinnamon Spice).
That complaint aside, I am really enjoying this Earl of Harlem tea! The description above describes the base of this tea as a smoky tea base, and while it does have a smoky profile, I appreciate that it is not an overwhelming smoky note. It’s a softer smoky taste that doesn’t compete with the citrus-y bergamot.
I like that the bergamot is strong here, but not overdone. It has a pleasant tangy, fruity note to it, with hints of floral tones in the background … without tasting perfume-ish. The smoky tones of the black tea base give this a more masculine character, and I get the “Earl of Harlem” connection – or at least, I get an interpretation of it – as it evokes thoughts of a smoky jazz club in the 20’s and 30’s in Harlem.
The tea has a very smooth, compelling flavor. The black tea is rich, earthy, and possesses a gentle, smoky tone. The bergamot is has a tart, zesty flavor with a hint of exotic sweetness. Whispers of floral tones drift off in the background. A really delightful spin on my beloved Earl Grey – Chef Samuelsson does my suave gentleman proud with this tea.
Choco Nut Ambessa Tea from Harney & Sons
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Harney & Sons
Tea Description:
You can taste the velvety undertones of dark chocolate, caramel, and peanuts in this rich, aromatic black tea blend. Time for a sweet teatime indulgence.
Ingredients: Black teas, marigold petals, apricot, natural and artificial flavors. Does not contain nuts.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Yummy! I’ve been wanting to try the new Ambessa tea line from Harney & Sons for a while now (ever since I saw the beautiful tins!) so when they offered their most recent free shipping deal, I decided to finally indulge and try these new teas! This Choco Nut black tea blend is the first of the Ambessa Teas that I’ve tasted, and so far, I’m really liking this new line from Harney & Sons!
This tea delivers what it promises with its name. I taste chocolate: rich, dark, luscious chocolate! I taste a sweet nutty flavor too. There’s even a hint of caramel undertones which is quite delightful. As I continue to sip, I notice a fruity quality to the cup … is that apricot? Then I read the ingredient list, and yep! It’s apricot! What a really lovely addition to this tea.
The black tea base is rich and bold. It’s not an overpowering black tea … but it does have a rich, full-bodied taste that complements the dark chocolate-y notes. This is really quite a smooth, robust cup of tea – perfect for a breakfast tea if you want to be a little bit indulgent first thing in the morning! (And really, who doesn’t want chocolate first thing in the morning? You wouldn’t ever catch THIS chocoholic turning it down!) It has an almost creamy quality to it which might be further accentuated by the addition of a splash of milk. For me, personally, though, I find it to be just delightful served straight up!
A really lovely cuppa!