Tea Series Challenge: Day 8

Hello and Welcome to Day 8 of the Tea Series Challenge!

This morning I went with an herbal tea as I wanted the ability to make the tea and let it sit, not worrying about steeping times or anything else.  I know, herbal teas have a recommended steep time as well, but I find that they tend not to get bitter if they over-steep so I normally don’t worry about it.  It’s probably a bad tea habit but it only affects me so I don’t worry too much about it.

Today I chose Ginger Lemongrass, described as having “Citrus notes balanced by cool spearmint and mellow licorice.”  I get that the citrus comes from the lemongrass but I find it interesting that ginger isn’t mentioned in the description.  I’m beginning to suspect that there’s a tendency with this tea company to ignore one of the ingredients, if not both, from the title when writing their descriptions.  

Ah well, at least I know to temper my expectations based on the description.  Also, maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised and they’ll be notes of ginger after all.

So, let’s get to the ratings and find out:  

Appearance/Color

The color is a kind of yellowy-brown, fairly dark but I think that’s because I’ve let it steep for so long.

Aroma

I can smell the ginger.  That doesn’t necessarily mean much for the flavor but it’s a good start.  I’m a bit stuffy this morning so that’s the main thing I can smell.

Flavor

This is complex in a way I wasn’t expecting.  Everything blends together but sticks out at the same time somehow.  I can taste the ginger but it’s a little muted by the other flavors, not a bad thing as it can be overwhelming if not balanced correctly.  Similarly, the licorice is there but muted.  I had wondered about that as, while I like the flavor, it can be a controversial one.  Citrus is definitely in the background but comes across to me as more brightness than lemon.  That makes sense since lemongrass is different from just lemon.  It almost tastes sweet as well, almost like I added honey except I didn’t.  I’m not sure I’m getting spearmint but maybe it’s just so well blended it’s not sticking out to me.

Body or Mouthfeel

Similar to how it tastes a bit like I added honey, it feels a bit like I added honey as well.  There’s a kind of, not quite syrupy but not just watery feel to it.  

Astringency/Structure

It’s bright and sweet, almost cloying but thankfully not enough to put me off drinking it.

Aftertaste/Finish

The sweetness is my main note in the aftertaste as is a faint echo of the actual flavor blend.


Conclusion

I actually really like this tea.  It is a bit sweet but next time I just wouldn’t let it steep as long.  It would be a good tea for when I want ginger and lemon but I don’t want to be blown away by the flavors of it.