I bought this because everyone on Steepster seemed to rave about it. And I’m a follower.
Well I’m not, but I don’t have enough money kicking around to buy too many teas blindly. I would rather let others try them out so I can read first hand accounts and decide based on those whether or not it would be worth it to me, something I’d care for.
I only really buy tea these days if I think I will love it.
And aside from Lupicia, I’m not into heavily flavoured teas much anymore. I’m really digging the straight black ones or the flavoured ones that are done in a very natural way. (Butiki, Whispering Pines).
So, I was wanting a bold tea to have with milk or cream for breakfast. This was a popular one, and I’d wanted to order from H&S, so I got a tin of Queen Catherine.
Honestly, I do enjoy it for breakfast. And it IS growing on me with every cup….but I think there is a bit too much of that “hay” note present for my liking.
It’s a bit smokey, also.
I don’t find it entirely unpleasant, but I didn’t love it at first sip like I’d hoped to.
However, it is slowly worming its way into my cold black heart.
I wish it was slightly less hay-like and maltier instead.
I don’t think the smokiness bothers me.
Adding milk or light cream really turns it into something nice, though.
I bet a smidge of sugar would transform it into another tea altogether. Maybe I will try that next time :)
This tea wasn’t love at first sight(taste) for me either . I love it now. I also love to mix it with Rose Scented H&S and I’m not floral tea person