Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Honeybush
Where to Buy: Tea Licious
Tisane Description:
Honeybush, lemon grass, lemon myrtle, rosehips, eucalyptus, hibiscus, safflowers, marigold and orange.
Learn more about this tisane here.
Taster’s Review:
Summer is almost here! Alas, summer is not my favorite time of year – I prefer autumn and winter … why? Because hot tea is so much better when it’s chilly outside! Yes, it’s all about the tea! However, I am certainly enjoying this African Summer tisane from Tea Licious!
The first thing I notice is the zesty flavor of lemongrass and lemon myrtle which gives it a delicious lemon taste without the pucker-y tartness. Then there is a tangy orange note that melds nicely with the lemony herbs. But even with the zesty and tangy flavors, the overall cup is pleasantly smooth, which has a lot to do with the honeybush, which gives it a sweet and nutty taste.
I was a little worried at first that it might be hibiscus-y, but really, the hibiscus only seems to contribute a little to the color of the cup while adding very little tartness or its syrupy texture to it. That being said, I do recommend exercising some caution when steeping this tea, as hibiscus can quickly overpower a cup when left to steep too long. I steeped my cup for six full minutes, and it turned out just perfect!
There is a soft mouthfeel to the cup, which I think is because of the hibiscus. This tells me that there is just the right amount of hibiscus in it … not too much, but enough so that the flavor and texture is not too thin. Kudos to Tea Licious for doing hibiscus the right way!
This is a very pleasant cup of tea, one that is tasty hot, and very refreshing served over ice! This is one that you can serve to kids as well as adults, because it is naturally caffeine free, and it has a pleasing flavor that everyone will love.
Dark Forest Chai from Townshend’s Tea Company
Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Honeybush
Where to Buy: Townshend’s Tea
Tisane Description:
Dark Forest Chai is made up of honeybush, cacao, carob, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, red clover, rosemary and roasted chicory.
Learn more about this tisane here.
Taster’s Review:
This tisane smells incredible. As I was pouring the tea into my favorite mug and the amazing aroma wafted through the air, it was as though I had been magically transported to a donut shop – believe it or not, this smells like a cake donut that’s been dusted with cinnamon and sugar!
And while it doesn’t taste exactly like a cinnamon and sugar donut, there are elements in this that give it a similar (and very sweet-tooth satisfying) flavor. A strong cinnamon essence, pleasantly sweet, with a somewhat savory, freshly baked cake sort of element to it, which is further enhanced by the presence of the cacao and carob.
The roasted chicory gives this cup a satisfying depth and a toasty element that is very harmonious with the other ingredients, and I think that this ingredient is what gives the cup that rich, freshly baked flavor. It also lends a hint of coffee-like flavor to the background. Coffee and donuts!
I like that this doesn’t taste strongly of any one ingredient, instead, it is a medley of all the ingredients. It is mildly spiced, and while there is some heat to it which continues to develop as I make my way to the bottom of the cup, I would not categorize it as spicy. It is warm, though, and I don’t know that I’d recommend this to someone who is extremely sensitive to spice, but, if you like a medium-warm heat to your cup, this tisane provides that.
I figured I’d like this chai – as I do love chai! – but, what a surprising treat it turned out to be! I love this!
Coconut Truffle from Inspired Leaf
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black Tea & Honeybush
Where to Buy: Inspired Leaf
Tea Description:
Cocoa nibs and indulgent flavors of the islands. Brew up a vacation!
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
YUM!
This is the first tea that I’ve tried from Inspired Leaf, but I must say that I’m a fan. My experience with them has been very positive, and this tea is like the cherry on top of the sundae! I would say coconut on top of the sundae but that didn’t seem as illuminating as cherry on top.
The base is a blend of black tea and honeybush which I find enjoyable because I have the rich flavor of the black tea – lightened somewhat by the presence of the honeybush, but not too much. It is light enough to enjoy the complexity of the tea while adding a delicate sweetness from the honeybush. There is a hint of nutty flavor to this as well, and this compliments the coconut in this blend.
The chocolate flavor is at a pleasing level, but, I (being the chocoholic that I am) still find myself wanting MORE chocolate. Some cacao shells would give this more of a truffle-ish flavor, I think. As it is, it is quite delicious, but even more chocolate would make it over-the-top indulgently awesome. (Remember my simple equation? more chocolate = better)
The coconut is creamy and sweet and luscious … and definitely the star of this cup. Sure, I love the chocolate, but, its the coconut that makes this so remarkably good.
And that’s exactly what it is!
Chaider from World Spice Merchants
Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Honeybush & Rooibos
Where to Buy: World Spice Merchants
Tisane Description:
Chaider is sure to take off the chill with its original blend of Star Anise, Tellicherry Peppercorns, Cassia Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Green Cardamom Pod and Seed, Honeybush and Rooibos. Serve it steeped as you would tea, or in warmed apple cider.
Learn more about this tisane here.
Taster’s Review:
This is a very tasty tisane from World Spice Merchants. It does indeed have a flavor that is reminiscent of hot spiced cider, all that’s missing is the apple! Then again, it is a little different from a typical cider. This has a strong licorice-like flavor to it that gives it a sharpness and a sweet flavor and gives this its own unique flavor.
I’ve had this twice now, and the first time I steeped it, I steeped for ten minutes using a little too much leaf – about 2 heaping teaspoons per 8 ounces, which is about the normal amount for me when I make a chai blend, as I usually plan on diluting it with steamed milk to make a latte.
However, I didn’t make it a latte, so I had a very strong-tasting tisane, and I think it was a bit too strong, especially after tasting my second cup which I steeped for about 8 minutes and used 1 1/2 teaspoons per 8 ounces instead of the 2 heaping teaspoons. This made a big difference in the taste, and I found the second cup to be much more palatable.
The anise flavor is quite strong with this tisane, and as I am a fan of anise, I don’t have a problem with that. However, if you’re not a licorice or anise fan, this is not the tisane for you. The other spices are nicely balanced, and the cinnamon and anise complement each other very well. But this isn’t too cinnamon-y which is something I often find with cider-like teas or tisanes, and I like that I can taste the other spices here.
I can also taste the rooibos and honeybush, and they bring a nice, woody tone to the background. Normally, I am not a fan of the woody flavors of these herbs (especially rooibos) but it works here, because of the overall rustic quality of this tisane.
A nice, warming tisane for these chilly early spring evenings.
Breakfast Smoothie Honeybush from 52Teas
Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Honeybush
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Tisane Description:
Our latest honeybush blend is a delicious medley of sweet honeybush, freeze-dried orange sections, freeze-dried pineapple, and dried banana slices blended with natural orange, pineapple and banana flavors. It’s a caffeine-free treat you won’t want to miss, perfect for breakfast or anytime.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Well, I’m not drinking this at breakfast time, I generally drink teas with as much caffeine as I can get in the morning, because I need it! Instead, this “Breakfast” Smoothie is a late-night treat, and what a treat it is!
Upon opening the pouch, my nose was greeted with a deliciously fruity scent that reminded me a bit of Juicy Fruit gum. And, when served hot, it actually tastes a bit like bubble gum. It is sweet and fruity and it is satisfying my sweet craving. All that without caffeine, calories or guilt! Winning!
I like that the fruit flavors here are well-balanced. I can taste each element without one overwhelming the other. I can also taste the honey-like sweetness of the honeybush, but not so much of the nutty flavor of the herb, which I think might distract from the “smoothie” aspect of this cup. Frank certainly knew what he was doing when he created this blend … but then, I should not be surprised, because Frank certainly does have a way with honeybush; this blend certainly hits that point home!
Overall, this cup is sweet and a little creamy, and it has just enough tangy flavor to keep it interesting. It doesn’t need any additions at all, it tastes great served straight. And as good as it is hot, it’s even BETTER iced. It’s not quite as sweet as it is when it’s hot … it’s just pure refreshment! I love this!