Alright, my first yaupon ever, from Sips by.
It’s green and mostly powdered in the packets they sent. Very small, flat pieces. I know a lot of this is gonna go right through my infuser. The aroma reminds me of matcha or sencha. Very strong “green tea” scent.
As it steeped, I looked up the company to see what they were about. Something about it put me off a bit… It feels weird seeing a couple of white hipster brothers profiting off of a part of Native American culture. Something just felt wrong about it to me. Appropriated, maybe.
Anyway, the resulting tea is very dark. Sort of like the color of black coffee, but with a green tint. It smells strongly of green beans. And yerba mate. That’s almost exactly what it smells like, only sweeter. I am very, very hesitant. I do not like yerba mate. And I do not drink tea to sip on what smells like stewed vegetables.
The flavor isn’t quite as offensive as I expected. But it is really bitter. I wonder if 8 ounces was not enough water per packet. The instructions did not say. But yeah, this tastes like tea made by gathering up a wad of grass your lawnmower spat out a couple days ago. I do not see any appeal other than the caffeine boost.
Flavors: Bitter, Cut Grass, Grass, Green Beans, Vegetables, Vegetal
Hi Tabby
I am an owner here at Yaupon Brothers. Yup, our Warrior’s tea is unusual, completely uncivilized and people either love it or hate it. It has a dark, violent history. It was gathered in the forest marching to war, dried in cauldrons over an open flame and consumed by the gallon before combat. Warriors here in Florida were very much high on caffeine when they went to fight.
As far as profiting from Native American culture, perhaps you would feel better knowing that we are the official ceremonial tea for 4 American tribes, with more on the way. We have been in business for two years and nobody has been paid, yet we have donated over $1000 in tea to various tribes for fundraising and ceremonial events. Also, our company has pledged that 5 percent of our profits will go to Native American charities.
I’m not sure why Sipsby went with our Warrior’s blend, but if you will send me your address I will mail you a sample pack that includes our more civilized teas. Lavender Coconut and our Florida Chai will be included. All made from organic wild-harvested Florida Yaupon.
Happy steeping….
Mark
yauponbrothers@gmail.com
Wow, Mark! Good on ya, mate.