Gnat and Bee

It’s been a long day, so I’m having a cup of black tea this afternoon (something I normally make a point not to do, because sleep). As a treat, I added some sweetened condensed milk to this cup instead of my regular honey and oat milk. It’s not overly sweet so the flavors are still coming through, but it’s also mega creamy which makes my soul happy today. This is an interesting blend from Gnat & Bee. I’ve bought several of her teas, and some are really good while others are not so great. I would say this one falls squarely in the middle. It’s certainly not a repurchase for me at this point, but I’m really enjoying the cozy vibes I’m getting from it in this moment. It calls to mind a decadent hot chocolate, but light on the chocolate. If that makes any sense at all. It’s faintly floral but also earthy and a bit spicy in the way that ginger is spicy – more of a punchy heat than a spicy heat.

Cold brew/steep. A mint tea. I don’t taste blueberries but it’s refreshing nonetheless.

I’ve been sipping on this one all day. I don’t think Natalie uses any kind of artificial flavorings in her teas, so it’s not a strong or overpowering blend. It’s very balanced. I had this side by side with Adagio’s Earl Grey Bella Luna not too long ago. While I love them both, the flavors in the Adagio blend are much more assertive. With the Sister Grey, I can taste all the flavors – lavender most of all – but they are more subdued in a really delightful way.

Gnat & Bee is one of our favorites around here. If you’re at all interested in herbs, cats, or beautiful nature photos, definitely check out her Instagram. Natalie is the sweetest and has always been more than willing to chat with me about herbalism and tea blending when I have questions.

https://www.instagram.com/gnatandbee/

TTB #11

I was compelled to try this blend based on the lovely dry leaf, filled with bright red peppercorns and flower petals. Unfortunately, the lapsang souchong is overwhelming whatever other flavors are present. I don’t get whiskey and I don’t get fig…just smoke and an unfortunately bitter and drying black tea. Not a fan.

Gnat and Bee is such a wonderful small business. Not only does Natalie create some amazing teas, she also does seasonal extracts, soaps, and bath products. Her autumn Chroning tea is one of my all-time favorite smoky teas. This Whiskey & Fig tea was recently released as part of her autumnal shop update, and my brother placed an order the day it came out. We love supporting Natalie because you can tell that she truly puts the love into everything she does.

This tea blend is strikingly beautiful, with pink peppercorns and what I’m guessing is bright red cherry bark. There is a smoky aroma, no sweetness at all, and the taste is just the same. I have to say, I’m a little disappointed that I’m not tasting the juicy fig, but maybe she was going more for a Fig Newton. I actually get more of that flavor. There’s almost a breadiness reminiscent of that dense, unsweetened cookie so if you like Fig Newtons this tea may be for you. I’m not a fan of them at all. I don’t get any sort of whiskey flavor but I’m not a big whiskey drinker so I’m likely just not picking up on it. It’s very drying too.

I just wish I liked this one more. Unfortunately, it’s a miss for me. Perhaps a shorter steep next time will help with some of the bitterness.