Country of Origin: not listed
Leaf Appearance: small, dark with bright rose petals
Ingredients: black tea, vanilla bean, rose petals, natural vanilla flavor
Steep time: 3 minutes
Water Temperature: 212 degrees
Preparation Method: ceramic teacup and mesh infuser
Liquor: dark reddish brown
Isn’t it funny how vanilla flavored things (like coffee and tea) always seem to be associated with the French? Wikipedia tells me that they played a large part in cultivating the plant outside of its native Mexico. Nevertheless, this blend from Octavia Tea smelled amazing. The taste was full of vanilla flavor without coming off as overdone or artificial. I thought that the earthy, somewhat malty base black tea served as the perfect stage. It had just enough astringency to be brisk without bitterness. The rose petals didn’t add much to the flavor profile but they are always a pretty addition. Overall this blend produced a complex and comforting cup. You could add milk and sugar if you really wanted to but neither one is necessary.
French Breakfast sample provided by Octavia Tea.