124 Tasting Notes
Meh. Maybe I didn’t steep this long enough? It just tastes like hot cigars. And if I want that I drink Tea Spot’s Red Rocks. I’m really disappointed in Adagio’s Rooibos Sampler. I’ll give this another shot with a longer, stronger steep and add some milk & sweetener.
Preparation
Hm, somehow I did not realize that Earl Grey has bergamot, let alone that bergamot is THE defining ingredient of Earl Grey. Therefore, I was quite surprised and confused to open my new sampler tin of Rooibos Earl Grey and get a huge waft of orangey, floral bergamot. The bits of blue and orange petals scattered among the red honeybush further convinced me that Adagio had mislabeled my tin. I was expecting something more stoic, dignified, and well . . . grey. But a quick internet search told me that I am an idiot and Earl Grey is far more complicated than I’d imagined.
After all that, I’m still not sure if I like it. The strong floral and citrus (I assume this is bergamot) scent is too reminiscent of Pledge and potpourri. My mouth is left tasting like some fancy soap my mother used to use.
If anyone wants this let me know. I’ll definitely swap this one
Oops. Accidentally forgot about this and let it steep for an hour. It tastes like sour rotting fruit. DO NOT STEEP FOR AN HOUR! What a waste.
Strong lemon/lime and spicy ginger. Can’t discern any rooibos. This would be be great as a replacement for pickled ginger in between bites of sushi. Very zesty!
Great alternative to plain old peppermint. The rooibos adds a little more body, without competing. This is perfect when I’m avoiding caffeine but still want to feel refreshed and alert. No need for sugar even. It also tastes similar to Foxtrot, but lacks the sleepyness inducing chamomile element.