Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Guayusa
Where to Buy: Runa
Tisane Description:
Known for its stimulating effects, indigenous hunters drink guayusa to sharpen their instincts. They call it the “Night Watchman” because it helps them stay awake and alert all night.
Learn more about this tisane here.
Taster’s Review:
This is the second tea/tisane that I’ve tried from the April Steepster Select box – themed “New Frontiers” – and while I did express my disappointment previously with this box, I have to admit that I am enjoying this Guayusa. It is nothing spectacular, but, it is enjoyable.
Since I previously reviewed Traditional Guayusa from Runa, and really, the only big difference between this cup of Guayusa and the one that I’ve already reviewed is that the previous cup was prepared with a sachet of Guayusa, while this is loose leaf. Since it’s been almost a year since I had that cup, though, I can’t really tell you if the cups are significantly different, and in what ways they differ.
What I can say, though, is that this is a tasty cup of Guayusa – rich, flavorful, and it has a very energetic quality to it that I’d expect from Guayusa. It tastes a bit like a slightly thin cup of coffee, but without the bitterness. It’s very smooth.
So, instead of going into depth about this tisane again, I thought I’d share with you the information on the New Frontiers theme card. I always enjoy these writings from the minds at Steepster:
Classical tea drinkers hold fast to the idea that “tea” only includes leaves from the camellia sinensis plant. Our vision of tea encompasses a wide variety of non-camellia sinensis plants – better known as tisanes – prepared, consumed and enjoyed in the same way as traditional tea.
So we venture forward, tastebuds first, to explore the ever expanding tea world.
Our quest introduces us to new lands and new species, but unlike previous explorers who feared the precipice at the end of the earth, we know our voyage will bring us full circle, back home and enriched with a deeper love for our favorite drink.
Raise the anchor! Hoist the sail! Join us as we set forth to explore these unique teas from non-traditional homes.
When I first opened the box and saw that it included two unflavored tisanes, I was very surprised and as I mentioned, disappointed. But, I do understand the inspiration behind these choices after reading the theme card. And while I do understand … it doesn’t keep me from hoping that next month’s theme will allow for more exciting choices!
Ginger Citrus Guayusa from Runa
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Guayusa
Where to Buy: Runa
Product Description:
A zesty guayusa blend that wakes you up with an invigorating twist of ginger and citrus.
Taster’s Review:
I love ginger flavored teas. But even though I love the taste of ginger, I still usually brace myself for that distinctive peppery kick from the ginger. With this tea, I was surprised at just how gentle the ginger is.
It still has a bit of peppery taste, but, it is much softer than I expected. It is well-balanced with the bright citrus-y tones of the orange flavor. With this tisane, the two flavors do not compete with one another, instead, they work together to provide a smooth delivery. The orange tastes juicy and tangy-sweet, and the ginger is warm and zesty.
With this combination of flavors, the Guayusa tastes a little different. I wouldn’t say it’s “off” in any way, because I’m really enjoying the flavor of the Guayusa. Rather, I would say that the citrus and ginger seem to accent the Guayusa differently, highlighting different notes in the Guayusa. It tastes a little more vegetative and a little less earthy. It seems to have a lighter composure. It is still bold and flavorful, but it doesn’t taste quite as rich here. Still very enjoyable though.
This is a very energizing and delicious cup of tea!
Peppermint Guayusa from Runa
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Guayusa
Where to Buy: Runa
Product Description:
The energizing power of guayusa with a crisp and rejuvenating organic peppermint.
Taster’s Review:
The more I drink Guayusa, the more I like it. In many ways, it reminds me of Yerba Maté, as it has similar earthy/vegetative qualities. But Guayusa is smoother than Yerba Maté. Yerba Maté can sometimes be a little bitter, but I’ve never experienced any bitterness from Guayusa.
It also reminds me a bit of a good strong cup of black tea. It has a bold, rich flavor and has the stimulating effects of coffee – but with one significant difference – I don’t experience the same ill after-effects with Guayusa that I do when I drink coffee. So I have found myself turning to Guayusa more and more – especially when I need a good “wake up” on those mornings when I would rather be sleeping.
This Peppermint Guayusa is delightful. The peppermint flavor is strong. It is crisp, clean and vibrant. Very minty, but I am not finding it to be too minty, thanks to the Guayusa. It curbs the minty taste just enough. The result is a smooth, delicious cup. Slightly sweet and pleasantly minty. Just what I needed this morning!
Guayusa Spice from Runa
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Guayusa
Where to Buy: Runa
Product Description:
An Amazonian blend of energizing guayusa with full-bodied cinnamon and aromatic lemongrass.
Taster’s Review:
At first sniff, this became a blend I was not too sure about. I mean, I like cinnamon, and I like lemongrass, and I have also really been enjoying the guayusa that I’ve been trying. But what caught me off-guard here was the aroma of the dry leaf. It smelled cinnamon-y, sure, but I think I was expecting more “spice” from it. Perhaps I’ve been a little too spoiled by all the masala chai blends I drink!
Even though the dry leaf fragrance was not quite what I was thinking it would be, I am loving the scent of the brewed tisane. It smells warm and cinnamon-ish, reminding me a bit of cinnamon toast!
And it tastes really good. The cinnamon is strong, but it isn’t that spicy-hot kind of cinnamon taste, this is more of a savory cinnamon: warm, sweet and lightly spiced. The lemongrass comes through like a whisper throughout the sip, showing itself here and there. It is in the finish and aftertaste that the lemongrass takes its moment to shine with a crisp, citrus-y note.
These two flavors are a perfect match with the earthy/vegetative note of the guayusa. The earthy notes of the guayusa play well to the earthy tones of the cinnamon, while the vegetal taste of the guayusa enhance the lemongrass notes. It is a symphony on the palate – very enjoyable, indeed!
Traditional Guayusa from Runa
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Guayusa
Where to Buy: Runa
Product Information:
Known for its stimulating effects, indigenous hunters drink guayusa to sharpen their instincts. They call it the “Night Watchman” because it helps them stay awake and alert all night.
Taster’s Review:
I haven’t consumed much Guayusa, but what I’ve tried thus far I’ve really liked. I was certain I’d enjoy this offering from Runa, since Runa is one of the principal suppliers of Guayusa within the United States. This is FRESH from the source!
This Traditional Guayusa is the plain, unflavored Guayusa – and it’s really good on its own. It has a pleasant flavor. It is earthy and vegetative, and the immediate product that comes to mind to compare it to would be green Yerba Maté – but the earthy/vegetative taste is not as prominent with the Guayusa as it is with Yerba Maté. It also has a coffee-like taste to it, but without that coffee bitterness.
Guayusa is a powerful stimulant, so I recommend drinking this one early enough in the day so that it’s not keeping you awake when you should be sleeping. But, even though it is an eye-opening cup, it doesn’t pack that caffeine JOLT that coffee (and sometimes Yerba Maté) does. It is remarkably smooth with a pleasant undertone of sweetness.
I like this with just a tiny drizzle of honey to bring out some of the sweeter notes of the Guayusa, although it is tasty served straight up too. And if you want a creamier cup, it takes the addition of milk well. If you’ve been curious about Guayusa, this Traditional Guayusa from Runa is a perfect place to start!