My Overall Impression (Score of 86.0%)

This is the first ‘flavored tea’ that I’ve reviewed, and the website description does not do this tea justice!!!  This has been my base tea for over 8 years, and I drink this every three days. 

The first time I tried this, I was immediately hooked for one reason.  I’ve purchased other black currant teas and they always seem artificial in flavor and aroma.  This one has dried currants in the blend which add incredible umami and flavor.

The price as of 4/20/23 is $16.95 Canadian for 100 grams.

Broken down:

• 100 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 33 cups
• 33 cups from package = app 51.4 cents per cup (Canadian Pricing)

Typically, I double steep all my teas (use the tea twice) so I can get 66 cups or approximately 26 cents per cup Canadian.  Once you have converted this to US Dollars, I think you will realize that the price is fantastic for the value. 

Quick note: For years, I’ve been a fan and enemy of black currants.  Growing up in Canada, I would love black currant jelly on everything.  It was not cheap so we would purchase it from time to time and I considered it a huge treat.  My dad planted a black currant bush in our yard.  I had to pick them and only was able to make one bottle of jam.  The Jam was amazing.  😊 The picking was the bad part ☹.  I now purchase them frozen when I can get them.

Aromas

• Opening the package, bright fruit tones of the currants and blackberries. There are some faint tones of toast and a sweet floral note.
• In the cup, it’s big on the fruit tones. Lots of luscious black currants and black raspberries dominate the blend.  There are notes of violets, blackberry, and toasted/smoky malt with a small hint of citrus.

Flavors

• This is big, juicy fruit on the palate from the black currant but also has a mix of other black fruit (plums, raspberries). The fruit does not have an artificial taste.
• Underlying tones of toasted malt with a hint of smokiness.
• Full bodied with a creamy rich coating mouthfeel and a hint of brine at the end (not unpleasant).

Scores

• Aromas (4.5/5)
• Flavors (8.4/10)
• Overall impression (4.3/5)
  • Total score = 86.0 percent (17.2/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• Black currant Caesar Salad with grilled chicken to match the flavors, mouthfeel, acid levels and body.
• Scones infused with currants to match the flavors, body, mouthfeel, and sweetness.
• Berry rolls (berry spread instead of cinnamon spread inside) to match the sweetness, body, mouthfeel, and flavor.
• Baby Back ribs glazed with a red currant BBQ sauce to match the flavors, mouthfeel, acid levels and sweetness.