Fujian Baroque

If you live in the South, you are familiar with the muscadine grape, or scuppernongs, as they start making an appearance in the grocery stores and farm markets about now. They are rather alien looking, as they are perfectly round and very large, and have this incredibly thick, tough skin. They also have the oddest flavor – very sweet, musky like a cantaloupe, but with a tannic, rather bitter bite.

This tea reminds me strongly of fresh muscadines. Which is a good thing. And which reminds me – since the muscadines are coming in, it’s time to put up some scuppernong jelly. Which would taste wonderful on toast, with a cup of this tea.

I ordered the toasted sesame flavored tea a while ago, and frankly, I should have ordered this one instead. It’s got a barn smell in the bag that’s sure to bring a smile to the lips of any equestrians, cowboys, or 4-H-ers.

Once steeped, that aroma becomes this warm, enfolding embrace of nuttiness and savory—just like coming home.

Now, as Cogsworth said, ‘You can’t fix it if it’s not baroque.’ There is nothing baroque about this tea, therefore there is nothing that needs to be fixed. I’d call it steampunk rather than baroque, since the brassiness and sesame-salt flavor evoke rust-worn metal, gears and goggles. A distinct copper tone. Or if steampunk isn’t your thing, then this tea will seat you at a harvest feast in a modest abode, cozy with the sense of hearth and home.

More reviews can be found on the Snooty Tea Blog at snooteablog.com

This smells like Fruity Bubblegum or something…the dry leaves that is. Once infused it’s a combo of fruity and woodsy and black tea.

I don’t think it tastes anything like it smells…yes, there is a bit of a fruity taste but not the type of fruitiness that I smelled. Hard to explain. Has a hint of cereal taste to it as well.

Not bad…glad I tried it and would most likely have additional cups! Interesting tea, indeed. I am thinking this is one of those teas that might infuse differently almost every time you ‘brew’ it!? Time will tell…

This is strange, I really don’t know how to describe it! I don’t think I’ve had a black tea with these sort of flavors before. I definitely get a wine taste from some sips, and a bit of fruit. Interesting!

A nice solid black tea with a malty sweetness. Two minutes works perfectly for me.

A good black blend with potent wake-up appeal. Had a strange taste I have trouble identifying, a natural sweetness, and a nice smooth strength. Tea had a decent energy kick to it as I felt rejuvenated drinking it rather than relaxed, which is a good thing depending on the moment. Although the tea is enjoyable, not sure I’d order it again. Just no sure what that ‘other’ taste was and it’s not my favorite version of the black teas. Was sure to only steep for three minutes and this produced a lovely color and strong taste without any bitterness at all.

Drinking this right now, it’s ok. Red wine ish flavor, it’s a nice strong brew, but it isn’t something I will reorder or drink without blending anymore. It has an ok rating which is cool, but I’m just not a big fan. I’ll stick to Assam Melody for my plain black tea for now until something better comes along.

This tea is very smooth, but the nutty|woodsy flavor is not something I’m especially into. I have to add a lot of milk before I can drink it.

One of my favorites. I love the hints of cocoa. Very complex and satisfying.

Opened my sample of this the other morning. Enjoyed it very much. The liquor was smooth and velvety. Loved the soft notes of cocoa. Wished I had more.