Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Charleston Tea Plantation
Product Description:
Whether you brew by the cup or the pot, tea lovers will enjoy the subtle nuances and fresh-from-the-farm flavor of full leaf loose American Classic Teas. Reminiscent of a bygone era, our Rockville Raspberry tin contains 1.6 oz. of flavored premium black tea.
Taster’s Review:
There aren’t a whole lot of teas grown in the United States. In fact, to my knowledge, the Charleston Tea Plantation is the only commercial tea farm in the continental United States. So I feel very privileged (and even a little proud!) to be able to try this tea.
The black tea base is remarkably smooth. There is very little astringency to the tea. There is a slight starchiness that is somewhat drying toward the tail end of the sip, but it isn’t “pucker-y” like some other teas astringent quality, and even that slight dry feeling is, indeed, slight. It is a rich tasting tea, bold but not particularly aggressive in this cup.
Which is just fine! I like the way the raspberry flavor reveals itself here. The flavor is sweet with just a bit of berry tartness that lingers in the aftertaste. It isn’t overwhelmingly “fruity” – this is a black tea that has been gently flavored with the essence of raspberry. It isn’t overdone or too sweet. It is just right.
This is a tea that is delicious served hot – it’s perfectly cozy on a chilly day like today. But I suspect it would make an even better iced tea! A light drizzle of honey or agave nectar will bring out some of the more delicate flavors of both the tea and the raspberry, but, it really isn’t necessary. It’s quite delicious without, too.
I like this one a lot!
