I am amazed at the quality of Kroger Tea

I am Amazed at the Quality of Kroger Tea

Tea:  Black Tea Bags

Producer: Kroger

Website: Kroger Black Tea Bags

Website description: 

Kroger® Black Tea Bags offer a specially crafted, smooth and delicious cup of delight. Immerse yourself in a beloved tea ritual, savoring genuine Black Tea. Rejuvenate your mornings or enjoy an afternoon tea time, these bags are a tasty, reliable choice. Add these black tea bags to your life today.

Brewing Specs

  • Water: 32 oz
  • Temperature: 80 F outside in direct sunlight (Sun Tea technique)
  • Steep Time: 4 hours for 3 gm

My Review System: https://artofthepair.com/tea-overview/

Iced Tea Technique

  1. All iced teas are brewed using direct sunlight for a minimum of 4 hours.
  2. Only 3 gm of tea is used per 32 oz / 1 Quart of water.
  3. Once tea is brewed, it’s strained and placed into refrigerator to cool to under 40F (typically overnight).
  4. Samples are evaluated without ice, fruit additions (such as lemon) or additional sweetener.

My Overall Impression (Score of 69.25%/79 %)

Due to my sommelier and chef training, I see things differently when it comes to sensory evaluation.  A good Chef prides themselves on creating something appealing for their guests.  It might be pretty, but it always should taste good and really go after their senses.  So, when I evaluate loose tea in a shop, I always love to smell it, if possible, to see how it wakes me up and excites me. 

Tea should be exciting right?  Seriously!!  It should captivate and talk to you by its scent and texture and taste.  That’s what I love about tea, and frankly all beverages.  They bring the potential of excitement and anticipation of what is coming.  Or should it??? 

Last week at TEXSOM, I was fortunate to be able to sample a few drops (and I mean he used an eyedropper), of a 1927 Tawny port.  People asked how I would describe it.  Honestly, I can’t put it into words because the entire experience was magical (from the scent, to tastebuds to knowing its age).  Just truly awesome beyond measure.  Later that day, I grabbed a glass of Iced tea.  Maybe it was dehydration from alcohol consumption.  Maybe it was my tastebuds were shot from trying so many wines.  Maybe I was tired but I drank the entire glass in about a minute.  Was it exciting like the port?  It actually was.  It did not have the nuances or age (probably made that morning) but it did its job quite well.  That was to refresh me.

I brew a great deal of iced tea by the sun in the warmer months.  It just is smoother, less tannin and has a better overall structure (mellow).  As much as I love flavored teas, the good old fashioned black tea sun brewed can not be beat.  That’s why I keep the Kroger Tea bags just for this reason (Yep, my secret is now out).  On the nose, there is nothing exciting as compared to other teas.  The flavor profile is simple and clean.  And that’s what makes this good.  I had a sommelier tell me one time that they drink the basic wines on a list so they can have a glass of something and NOT WORK but to appreciate.  The same can be said about tea.

The overall evaluation on this tea may be low.  But I have a glass of it in my hand right now drinking and writing.  That says something important.  Life is too short to get your shorts in a knot – just enjoy!!!

What do I think this Tea’s Personality is?

  • “If you think about restaurant Iced tea, then you have it right in your hands. You don’t have to think about this one, just enjoy it for what it is.”

The Price

The price on 9/2/26 is $3.49 for 100 bags.

Broken down:

  • 1 bag is used per brew/quart.
  • 1 quart brewed is 3 cents.
  • Divided by four servings, the cost is less than a cent.

That is nothing for a glass that reminds me of restaurant tea.  I think I can happily live with this and be happy.

Aromas

  • Opening the package, you are met with notes of black malt but only if you hold it up to your nose. The paper bag (bleached paper) does mask the scent.  I did cut open a bag and the malt aromas are stronger.
  • The malt has a sweetness to it similar to caramel/golden syrup/toffee which is appealing.
  • Once brewed, the sweet notes are reduced but the toasted malt is stronger.
  • Very clean and neutral with no off odors.

Flavors

  • Once brewed, it’s a very clean non distinctive flavor profile. I could describe it as a flat bell curve when it comes to flavors.
  • Surprisingly, it does have a touch of sweetness to this. I also like the acidity levels.
  • I weighed the bag and it holds about 8 grams of tea (which is double what is used in my evaluations). Therefore, sipping on this straight chilled without ice makes this tea very astringent with super high tannins.  Place this over ice (to dilute the tannins) and it becomes medium in strength.

Scores

  • Aromas (2/5)
  • Flavors (7/10)
  • Overall impression (4.95/5)
    • Total score = 69.75 percent (13.95/20)
    • This is on the regular scale but for its simplicity, value and relaxation, it moves up to a total of 79.

Foods to Pair and Why

  • Just enjoy whatever and be happy!!!
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