fall demands blackberry sage to be brewed either way

My Overall Impression (Score of 90 %)

Fall is coming.  It’s been cooler and the fall rains are here.  That leads to the amazing leaf turn and thoughts of braised items, ginger cookies and the holidays.  I LOVE this time of year.  There is something dynamic about the weather change.

With these temperatures, sadly I’m unable to brew sun teas anymore.  Yes, I know how to make iced tea other ways but the softness of the tannins and delicate nuances that sun brewing delivers can not be matched.  So, as I was writing up my review for this Blackberry Sage blend, I decided to look at both sides and brew it both ways.  I have to admit that the Republic of Tea has done a great job with this blend.

Years ago, I came upon this in the bulk section at Central Market in Austin and it’s been a favorite of mine.  Every time I go back to Texas (my third home after Canada), I always check my stock to see if I have this on hand.  Straight away, it has depth and a great balance between the tannin, fruit flavors and acidity.  Brew it using God’s method, and it develops these same notes that are more delicate.  Its quite refreshing and such a change.

This is a great universal blend.  After shoveling snow or a hike, I reach for this.  In the warmer months, it pairs with a variety of fruit forward menu items.  The price is incredible for this quality.  Just something to enjoy and have on hand.

What do I think this Tea’s Personality is?

• “Come dance on my palate to lead into the upcoming fruit bonanza. An amazing option of both hot and iced.”

The Price

The price on 9/1/26 is $49.99 for 454 grams (one pound).

Broken down:

• 454 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 151
• 151 brews from package = app. 33 cents per cup.
• If brewed twice the cost is app. 17 cents/cup.
• If made into an iced tea (4 servings per brew) the cost is 8 cents/cup.

This is one of the few teas that is delicious hot and cold and for a great price.

Aromas

• Opening the package, you will find that the blend is very fruity (seems a touch artificial) filled with dark berry and sweet floral notes.
• This is followed by hints of candied malt, black and red raspberries and black plum.
• Once brewed, it shows unripe black fruit (lower sweet tones but not unpleasant) but increased red fruits (strawberries and red raspberries). The malt is still there but a bit muted.

Flavors

• There is a great deal of notes on the palate with lots of berries and tree fruits (cherries and plums)
• The black tea malt comes in underneath and is quite refreshing.
• This flavor sits on your palate for a long-time showing depth.
• The acidity is there leading to a good palate clean. I love the integration between the body and tannin (both present but not big or imposing).
• Its off dry (both hot and cold) giving you options if you wish to add sweetener.

Scores

• Aromas (4.5/5)
• Flavors (8.75/10)
• Overall impression (4.75/5)
  • Total score = 90 percent (18/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• Ok, you have to consider matching the berry notes in the brew with berries in the food. As much as love a handful of black raspberries or blackberries, a little can go a long way.  I’m going to lead with desserts for the first pairing and it has to be some type of black raspberry, blueberry or seedless blackberry fruit pie.  Now you can also make cobblers, buckles, grunts, etc.  Just use fruit and this will work.
• This is something I never had understood. Yes, I know that berries in the summer are amazing fresh.  However, we can have berry salads in the other months as well.  Living in MI, I can’t wait for fall as blackberries in October will sell for 79 cents/pint.  Yes, I load up and eat a ton fresh in salads with a hint of sugar and this brew.
• Grilling should be done all year round so I love to infuse my BBQ sauces with fresh berries (blackberries or blueberries) as a great flavor boost. Think of burnt bacon ends with a drizzle of blueberry sauce.
• Let’s keep this simple.  Grilled black plums with Vanilla ice cream and shortbread.