What do you do the first time you encounter a new tea? Look at it, then smell it. I was intrigued by the variety of ingredients. There’s a lot going on in that little silken pouch. Bonus points for that. But then I sniffed it — and it smelled like cleaning fluids!
Somewhat put off by that, but adventurous nonetheless, I brewed a cup. I’m happy to report that the industrial chemical scent was significantly abated by the hot water bath. Then the taste test: Not bad. A little medicinal, but not bad at all. Then it occurred to me — the “medicinal” comment was more of an emotional reaction than a taste sensation. As I pondered this, it seemed to lead me to an innate sense that this tea was good for me, that it would be a go-to when I’m fighting a cold or sinus problems.
I shared it with my wife. She drank three cups of it the next day. Her stand-by for years when fighting allergies or cold symptoms has been Lipton Honey Lemon black tea. She’s not a tea snob (yet), but since I’ve been buying and trying good teas from Mighty Leaf and Adagio, it’s gotten so that she wouldn’t wash her feet in Lipton, much less gravitate toward the stuff. This one will definitely go on our re-order list. Try it with clover honey.
