Well, I finally did it, I finally stopped dragging my feet and playing the avoid at all cost game and went to the doctor. Other than helping me with my really messed up asthma, my new doctor could not do much except set me up with appointments with four different specialists. Good thing I finally have good insurance! I am not looking forward to the testing and experimenting with all the various medications I am going to have to try. Sigh, at least I will have tea to keep me sane.
Today’s tea is The Diplomat by Java Tea Co, a company that creates tea blends that taste like famous coffee drinks but as a healthy alternative. This little gem is made in the image of Caramel Macchiatto, created from (all organic) Rooibos, Green Tea, Chicory Root, Barley, Cornflowers, Almonds, Caramel Creme, Natural Flavors and Polyphenol Extract. The aroma is very much so true to the idea of a Caramel Macchiatto with caramel, sweetness, cream, and coffee’s earthiness. There is also a mild floral hint and a touch of woodiness. I actually found the caramel sweetness a little too sweet, but I feel that way about the aroma of the coffee equivalent.
The brewed leaves bring out more of that coffee aroma (from the chicory) with nutty and woody qualities. The creamy, caramel sweetness is also still present but more subdued. The tea without the steeping leaves has strong coffee notes along with faint floral and intense caramel sweetness. I still find the aroma a bit too sweet for my liking, which is saying something considering how much of a sweet tooth I have.
I am going to admit to not being fond of this tea right off the bat, it did nothing for me. I thought the taste was too much like low quality watered down bitter coffee with too much sweetness. It reminded me of gas station lattes and I am not a fan. There are also notes of woodiness from the rooibos and root like earthiness from the chicory. I probably dislike this tea because of the chicory, it is an herb that just makes me go blech. I decided to add a little cream to the tea and that made it a little more palatable, the taste of the chicory was milder and the bitterness mostly faded. The aftertaste is mildly sweet, which is my favorite part of this tea. On a side note (I feel a little bad bashing this tea) I included this one in my annual Advent Tea Calender and it was a big hit, so I am glad others enjoyed it more than I did.
For blog and photos: http://ramblingbutterflythoughts.blogspot.com/2014/05/java-tea-co-diplomat-tea-review.html
