The initial taste is spiced and bitter. The spiced is new, but the bitter is exactly like the dried tea only not as strong. The thing to note here is that yes, some teas get bitter when they are steeped, but this was bitter before it was steeped so it is safe to assume that the bitter is not from being steeped, but rather from the tea itself. After a little bit it starts to taste a little like dandelion, but with a splash of spice. It has the same type of bitterness of a fresh dandelion, mixed with a similar sweet aftertaste. If you don’t know what that tastes like it is light and flowery, with a rich bitter undertone.
If you would like to full tasting notes go to: http://teasnobbery.com/2010/05/21/tea-review-tao-of-tea-licorice/