Saunapolulla

I received this tea, along with so many others (!), from Courtney last week. This one in particular was originally sent to her by Martin. Thank you both! After going through all the teas in the box, I knew I wanted to try this one first. Not only did it smell amazing, I had read Courtney’s note about it a couple of weeks ago and it sounded like something I would like. And I do!

I’m not all that familiar with currants as a flavor, but I’m going to find some so that I can try them and get a feel for what they taste like on their own. That said, to me this smells like dark, juicy grapes. I don’t get any smokiness which is too bad because I was looking forward to that, but it’s still a delicious cup without it.

So Martin sent this to me without realising it was smoky, but I appreciate it nonetheless!

I was prepping some teas to send out this evening and figured I could send this on to someone who enjoyed smoky teas, but thought I should at least try one cup. I had no sooner poured the water in my mug to steep when the smokiest scent started wafting across the kitchen. I immediately felt nauseated. I ran to the still-steeping tea, dumped it down the sink. So sorry Martin — you were absolutely right about me and this tea, but hopefully the remaining 1-2 cups will be enjoyed by someone else!

Well yes… I love sauna. Dry and hot Finnish sauna. I miss it so much so I bought two teas with sauna in name and opened this one first. I bought 50 grams of it and I am nearly _finnish_ed with it. It is a bit of cheat, as I sent a bit to Courtney, while not realising she doesn’t like smoked teas at all. Sorry once more, and who will be new owner of that pouch is unknown to me, but I hope they will like it as I do.

As I was going through this tea, I was able to found more and more from it. At first it was plain, smoky tea, not even sure if lapsang, as it was flat, but smoky. The blue cornflowers do not add anything to flavour I suppose. Later, I was able to notice more. First of all, it wasn’t just some common smoke, but I believe it was pine/birch wood used. It wasn’t meat-y as some smoked teas are. Rather woody.
And as I was in the middle of the pouch, I started to feel fruits in a cup. It says it contains “aromas” and “currant leaves” and I believe, it has got indeed black currant berry flavour/aroma. Not sure if it is the “aroma” or what started to be berry like, but those cups were my highly-favorite and maybe a reason for such a fast sipping down.

I also offered it once to my family members, as they wanted any tea to be brewed. So I took this one, while I told them I am not sure if they will like it. And they have drank it without any complaints and said it is perfect for colder days as it reminds them being next to the fireplace, covered with blanket and drinking hot tea.

So, a winner at all points I suppose.