This blend has some pretty divisive ingredients in it, namely the hibiscus. The hibiscus is not hidden or pretending to be something else in this blend, nor is it added merely for the colour effects; it’s one of the main stars and it’s proud! It’s tart-sweet, almost metallic, and charmingly red-pink in hue. The ginger also provides a sweet note before jeering off into territory that’s as zesty hot as the hibiscus is tart. The gentler and quieter notes of sweet Mango, floral Jasmine and almost invisible but subtle floral White Tea kind of ground things a bit through the sip.
Second steep smooths out the hibiscus and ginger. Jasmine and a fruity sweetness from both the mango and hibiscus have more rein. Beyond the noticeable subdued ginger and floral jasmine flavours, there are fascinating notes, ranging from red berries, lemon, and even cardamom.
There’s a lot going on here, but the result is a complex cup that moves through mercurial phases of sour, spice, sweet, floral, and even the faintest hint of creaminess. I’m kind of a fan at this point and anticipate that this will be a favourite porch tea in weeks to come. You know.. when I need to pretend I’m at the spa. It’s definitely going to be cold brewed but I imagine I will drink it hot an equal amount of times.
Steep Count: 2
Flavors: Cardamon, Cream, Floral, Fruity, Ginger, Hay, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Lemon, Mango, Sweet, Tart
I love hibiscus ginger teas. Great cold brewed in the summer, and hot for a bad cold (vitamin C from the hibi and ginger for the throat) during the winter.