Elder Grove

So, I was going to make this tea, and then saw Golden Orchard and decided to make that one next instead. And then I wasn’t really thinking, and poured milk and water into a pot like I had planned on doing with this tea, not GO, so I guessed that was a sign to make this first instead.

I don’t know if Brenden really is some kind of tea wizard or what, but this is all kinds of awesome. Looking on this tea’s page, I’m realizing that maybe this isn’t meant to be a chai tea, but I made it up chai latte style, and it’s one of the most unique and delicious chai teas I’ve ever had. Theres cinnamon, and what tastes like maybe clove, and something peppery. But then theres a fruitiness from the elderberry, which somehow goes with the spices perfectly. There is a lot of ingredients that I either have never had before, or don’t know what they taste like (elderberries, chicory, holy basil) so they could have easily been gross to me, but it turned out scrumptiously!

Method: 1.5 tsp, 208 degrees, 8 oz, 5 min, French Press

Dry Aroma: The elderberries are center stage. I don’t even smell any cinnamon, which surprised me.

Brewing Aroma: Now there’s the cinnamon, but the elderberries are gone

Flavor: Cinnamon is the most obvious flavor. I don’t taste the elderberries outright, but the tea has a light fruity flavor and a sweetness that I suspect could be from the berries. I didn’t add anything to this one, and it was still quite sweet. I just wish I had realized it was not caffeinated when I picked it this AM. :)

I actually had this one last night, but I completely forgot to log it this morning as I had planned to. I made sure to include this in my recent order, since the last time I had it, for some reason it didn’t come out very well for me. And it’s so darn inexpensive! So anyway, I really wanted to try it at once, but I saved it for the evening since it’s caffeine free. I overleafed a bit on purpose (2 teaspoons instead of 1/2 tablespoon) just to make sure the flavor was strong this time.

I definitely love this tea! The aroma and taste are both spicy and sweet and darkly fruity. I love the way the elderberries end up tasting – dark and syrupy but still sweet and berry-like. The spice is perfect! I can definitely taste the cinnamon and I get a clove-like flavor even though there are no cloves. I have no idea what holy basil is, so maybe it’s the cause of that. Overall, the flavor of this tea reminds me of a nice mulled apple cider with a deeper fruity flavor. Delicious, and a definite must-have from now on! I can’t wait to sip this in the colder months.

It was hooooot in here today folks!

I had cold brewed a 3 litre pitcher of this baby and it’s almost gone.

Best cinnaNOM treat ever… (Yes, Sarsonator, we call it cinnaNOM ’round here!!)

There’s a such a smooth cinnamon balance in this blend. You also get a nice earthy fruitiness from the elderberries. It taste so naturally sweet, and a little roasty and chocolaty, probably from the chicory.

What makes it such a lovely cold brew is the lemon balm. It just adds that little je ne sais quoi that makes it perfect. So good!!

Also, I know it’s getting late…but I’m listening to the Black Keys’s new album full blast, and it makes me happy :-)

Thank you friend who gave me an iTunes gift card a little while ago ;-)

This was a sample with my first Whispering Pines order. The dry leaf smells strongly of cinnamon, and actually reminds me of christmas cake. I know it’s summer, and this is another tea that’s hopelessly inappropriate for the season, but I have a sore throat (STILL), so I’m more or less pleasing myself.

I used about 2tsp of this (the packet says 1/2 tbsp, but I don’t have a tablespoon measure with me so I’m guessing a bit!). I’ll have enough for another cup left if I use this quantity of leaf, so hopefully I have the right idea. I’m using a pretty big cup to boot.

I gave this the recommended 5 minutes in boiling water. When I returned to retrieve it, the whole of our office kitchen smelt of cinnamon, and the liquor was a surprising dark brown. Somehow, I wasn’t expecting that!

This is an interesting tea — probably the most interesting I’ve tried in a while. The flavours are pretty complex — the first sip reminded me strongly of chai, but it’s actually quite different in style even though some of the flavours are the same. Cinnamon is the main flavour, followed by elderberry. There are other spices kicking around in the background, I think, but I’m finding it hard to identify them individually. A swirl of spicy heat finishes each sip, although it soon fades. At that point, the bitter-sweet, slightly tart elderberry returns. It’s a pleasant combination, although admittedly not one I’ve come across before. It would make a wonderful winter tea to sip before bed curled up by a fire! Although the ambiance is off at the moment, it IS making my throat feel better, so it’s a definite win with me. One I’d consider repurchasing come winter.

“Mom, if you’re making tea could you make me some Elder Grove please?”

Have to bring them up right.

Mmmm, spicy, fruity, yum! I am not quite certain exactly what elderberries taste like, so I can’t really identify if I’m tasting it now or not, but there is definitely a berry-ish quality to this tea that could possibly be them. Regardless, it has a deliciously thick mouthfeel and a wonderful spicy bite from the cinnamon and chicory. Well worth the money! I will be going to this one in the evening, especially when it’s cold.