The rating on this one doesn’t so much reflect the quality of the tea – because really it’s quite a nice tea – but rather my own personal tastes. I’m rarely in the mood for spicy teas (which is why I log chai so infrequently) and while this tea isn’t chai-level spicy, it has enough spice to it that I just really can’t see myself going out of my way to get this tea.
The leaves smell of lemon with a tingle of pink grapefruit, creamy vanilla and light spice. And that’s pretty much what it tastes like – creamy, fruity and a little spicy. It’s silky smooth but not as heavy as Troika. This could be because either I brewed Troika with hotter water or simply Troika is just a heavy, rich tea. Actually, I think part of it is the citrus used in this tea – it gives the taste profile a little bump into lighter, more refreshing territory and keeps it from feeling too heavy or rich. Perhaps if it were just vanilla and spice, this would be another rich, decadent tea.
I think those that like spice in their teas would really enjoy this. In fact, the husband, who is more partial to spice in tea, gave this an 81. But ultimately as tasty as the tea + fresh citrus + vanilla is, the tingle of spice at the end just makes me not love it.
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Hmmm. I have yet to break open my Kusmi arrivals, and this one looked really interesting. Or maybe I just like the name. It will be interesting to reread your note after I get around to trying it.
Loving the Kusmi reviews! Very intriguing indeed. Their teas seem to be heavy on the citrus-y flavors.
Love Kusmi teas – only because there teas are so simple – what they describe is what you get in taste. There isn’t much complexity nor that much nuance to their teas but sometimes, that’s what you need! I had an oolong yesterday that I can’t yet post because it was soooo complex and kept altering itself on every infusion but Kusmi teas (the ones I’ve had) are very obvious – you get what they say you should taste.
Morgana, I honestly wasn’t expecting too much from Kusmi but decided to go ahead and give them a try. I’ve been pleased so far! As lauren says, they are very straightforward teas, but nicely done (I think).
Teaplz, I picked up an assortment set from Kusmi which had 25g each of 5 Russian blends and, from what I gather, the Russian blends are kind EG variations. Thus all the citrus, I’m sure. (Plus, I do love me some citrus so I had to try them out!)
laruen, there really isn’t much complexity, but at the same time they aren’t boring teas which is kind of rare!
Totally agree! I think they do a nice job of the blending – smooth and uncomplicated! Kusmi & Harney’s top my list when I think blended or flavored (but, of course, I’ve only tried a limited number of tea companies … so far!).
Hmmm. I have yet to break open my Kusmi arrivals, and this one looked really interesting. Or maybe I just like the name. It will be interesting to reread your note after I get around to trying it.
Loving the Kusmi reviews! Very intriguing indeed. Their teas seem to be heavy on the citrus-y flavors.
Love Kusmi teas – only because there teas are so simple – what they describe is what you get in taste. There isn’t much complexity nor that much nuance to their teas but sometimes, that’s what you need! I had an oolong yesterday that I can’t yet post because it was soooo complex and kept altering itself on every infusion but Kusmi teas (the ones I’ve had) are very obvious – you get what they say you should taste.
Morgana, I honestly wasn’t expecting too much from Kusmi but decided to go ahead and give them a try. I’ve been pleased so far! As lauren says, they are very straightforward teas, but nicely done (I think).
Teaplz, I picked up an assortment set from Kusmi which had 25g each of 5 Russian blends and, from what I gather, the Russian blends are kind EG variations. Thus all the citrus, I’m sure. (Plus, I do love me some citrus so I had to try them out!)
laruen, there really isn’t much complexity, but at the same time they aren’t boring teas which is kind of rare!
Totally agree! I think they do a nice job of the blending – smooth and uncomplicated! Kusmi & Harney’s top my list when I think blended or flavored (but, of course, I’ve only tried a limited number of tea companies … so far!).