The Subject: Blackcurrant Black Tea from The English Tea Store.

Rating:

Water temperature: 212° F
Steeping time: 5 minutes

Tea type: Black
Scents, flavorings, etc.: blackcurrant, other unspecified
Aroma, dry: Bitter, weedy smell that’s familiar but can’t identify
Aroma in the cup, plain: Bitter, weedy smell that’s familiar but can’t identify
Taste, plain: Blackcurrant strong, also some astringency from the black tea
Aroma in the cup, enhanced: Bitter, weedy smell that’s familiar but can’t identify
Taste, enhanced: Smooth, blackcurrant still comes through

2nd Infusion: Lighter color and taste, aroma unchanged

Chilled: Didn’t do

Comments:
Upon opening the pouch, our noses were assailed with a strong scent of blackcurrant. We were surprised to see flower petals and non-tea leaves in the mix, and an absence of blackcurrants. (By non-tea leaves, we mean they came from some plant other than Camellia Sinensis or one of its varietals.)

While steeping in the teapot, this tea has a strong aroma that is sort of weedy and on the bitter side, almost a burntness. This smell is less strong in the cup but still very evident. However, it does not affect the taste, which is rather unusual since those two senses are interdependent. The flavor is dominated by blackcurrant but has some astringency from the black tea. A shorter steeping time might solve this; or you could add a touch of something sweet.

That bitter edge led us to try this tea with our customary milk and sweetener. (Of course, pouring the milk from a kitty-shaped creamer makes anything taste better.) The taste was smooth, but the aroma remained.

We did a 2nd infusion and, as expected, the liquid color was lighter and the blackcurrant taste was subdued. The bitter edge had increased, also.

Blackcurrant has a reputation for containing many beneficial elements. Our advice, though, is to research this online a bit more and also talk with your doctor if you’re considering drinking this tea as a homeopathic remedy. However, if you just want a nice-tasting tea with a fruity bent, give this one a try.

Disclaimer: This tea was provided by the company named. However, the rating of the tea and any opinions concerning it are always strictly objective.

You can find more great reviews at Little Yellow Teapot Tea Reviews!