I am always quite cautious about teas when they list cinnamon in their flavorings. For me, like cumin, it overpowers all other spices that are present, and leaves subtlety to waste. I was hesitant when choosing this tea for my Tippy’s order, but I saw the star anise and the nutmeg in their photo and I thought it worth the gamble….I’m a sucker for nutmeg.
The dry leaf is extraordinarily fragrant when the packet is opened. From that first sniff it is apparent that this is not your average “chai” blend. When spices are blended with skill, it should be difficult to pick out the individual components of the blend. Such is the case with North Pole Estate.
In the cup, this is a very smooth tea with a satin quality to the sip. The spice blend does not overpower the quality tea ~ it does what it is intended to do by enhancing the richness of the keemun and assam. There are fleeting moments where a single spice in the blend (particularly the star anise and nutmeg) gently takes the lead, but then it recedes into the blend again with grace and deliciousness. The cinnamon is NOT mowing everything down in it’s path. The clove is delicate and supporting of all the flavors in the cup. I have remained intrigued from the first sip to the last sip….. and that, for me, makes a glorious cup of tea. Completely and utterly enjoyed. Thank you Tippy’s.
Flavors: Anise, Cinnamon, Clove, Earth, Malt, Nutmeg, Smooth
