The dry leaf is so pretty! The darkness of the chocolate and the bright red of the saffron really add depth to the medium brown of the rooibos and honeybush. The chiles contribute a strong, spicy smell.
The brew is a medium reddish-brown. There’s a bit of film on the top that I’m not excited about. The chile scent is deeper now, with a chocolate background. The flavor is nummy. Dark chocolate at the beginning of the sip fades into a sharp spiciness. The chile really lingers on the palate. I’m normally not very good with hot spices. The lingering heat of this blend is just on the edge of what I can handle. A bit of rice milk adds creaminess but does nothing to tamp down the spiciness. This is an intense cup for me!