1st infusion:
After a 5 minute steep time the liquor was nowhere near the “intense purple” touted in the description, more like a dingy peach-gold. I did try drinking it without sugar but my taste buds are too trained towards the sweetness for me to be able to taste anything complimentary without it. So, after adding sugar I had another go. It was not at all what I had been hoping for. The only term I could think of to describe it is “dishwater”. Perhaps it was just my disappointment speaking.
2nd infusion:
I used cooler water this time and steeped for 8 minutes. The liquor was a dull gold color, a bit brighter than the previous infusion. The flavor had definitely improved. Fuller, sweeter, and smooth.
3rd infusion:
The water was about the same temperature as the previous infusion, steeping time was 10 minutes. The liquor was more of an antique gold this time, a bit lighter and brighter than the last. The flavor also was lighter, slightly vegetal. I think I could also taste a bit of the amber note this time.
The leaves could probably stand up to a fourth infusion but I didn’t have the time.
Next time I try this tea I’m going to try using a bit more leaf, cooler water, and a longer initial steep time. I really want to like this tea, the description of it was so lovely, so I’ll hold off my rating until the next time.
