Bramble Ramble Tea - Bluebird Tea Co.
Like the previous review, today's tea is one of the limited-edition teas from Bluebird Tea Co. which is in their poll to decide which ones will become a permanent blend (as will be the next few reviews, no doubt).
It is called Bramble Ramble and is one of a trio of teas inspired by cocktails. This one is, apparently, based on a gin cocktail called The Bramble, of which I've never heard, but then I'm not really a cocktail aficionado (not since the dark days of the 1980s, anyway, and gin was never really my tipple of choice).
Ingredients: Chinese Chunmee green tea, juniper berries, elderberries, apple pieces, hibiscus, angelica root, coriander seeds, freeze-dried blackberry, liquorice, lime leaves, cardamom, lemon peel, blackberry leaves, blackberries, raspberry pieces, strawberry pieces, flavouring.
They describe it thus:
The smell upon opening the packet is reminiscent of hedgerows and berry-picking season and is quite welcoming. This is further intensified once it's in the pot. The colour is an interesting mix of grey and red, that sort of purple that’s in-between both (and is impossible to capture in a photo when you’re a bad photographer like me) and it gave me a warm glow of pleasure as I was pouring it (who says the little things in life aren’t important?)
For the first pot, I stuck to the 3-minute suggestion for brewing time, which gave a subtle flavour that complements the green tea. As always, I found that adding a spoonful of demerara brought out the berry flavours better (yes, I ‘know’ green tea is supposed to be drunk without sugar, but I’m not drinking it for my health, I’m drinking it for pleasure and I like to taste the berries.)
I left the second pot to brew for a few minutes longer which allowed the flavours to be released even more, but also made for a slightly more bitter undertaste. I easily counteracted that by adding an extra spoonful of sugar.
Presumably, the ‘gin’ part (juniper berries) and the Angelica, along with the green tea itself gives it that greenery aspect that sets this fruitilicious offering apart from usual berry teas. Instead of being overly fruity, it has the bush in there too as well as some flowers, which makes for an interestingly florally, shrubby, berry taste.
I quite liked it hot but actually, I preferred it once it was cold, which bodes well either as a summer cooler or for use with a touch of gin (or maybe even vodka?) to make a nice rambly, brambly cocktail.
Overall, this is one I would probably buy again but likely only in the height of summer (a bit like Pimms) and it doesn’t quite make it as my choice for permanent tea blend in the poll.
THIS WEEK'S DEALS
So, with Bank Holiday on the horizon, there are several deals going on this week.
First, a quick reminder to head over to Bluebird Tea Co. to VOTE in their poll if you haven't already done so (I would recommend Ginger Beer if you don't have a strong preference . . . please help it to stay!) This poll may have finished by now as it's been going for a while, but all votes for Ginger Beer are welcomed!
Adagio Teas has redesigned their website and are giving away double points for all orders (every order with them attracts points that can be used towards future purchases). They are also giving away free goodies if you find and report a bug. I think this one finishes tonight, but you've still just about got time to get in there and get ordering.
Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee Co. is offering 15% off all stock until Midnight on Monday 28 August with the code BANK15.
T2 are doing an online exclusive. If you buy one of their iced tea jugs they will give you a tin of their Packs a Peach tea for free. This offer runs until 2359 on Monday 28 August. The tea is automatically added at the checkout.
It is called Bramble Ramble and is one of a trio of teas inspired by cocktails. This one is, apparently, based on a gin cocktail called The Bramble, of which I've never heard, but then I'm not really a cocktail aficionado (not since the dark days of the 1980s, anyway, and gin was never really my tipple of choice).
Ingredients: Chinese Chunmee green tea, juniper berries, elderberries, apple pieces, hibiscus, angelica root, coriander seeds, freeze-dried blackberry, liquorice, lime leaves, cardamom, lemon peel, blackberry leaves, blackberries, raspberry pieces, strawberry pieces, flavouring.
They describe it thus:
"The Bramble cocktail is a delicious, blackberry based, sweet yet sour gin cocktail, garnished with a slice of lemon. Use raspberries instead and you get a Ramble! Totally inspired, Chief Teabird Krisi captured these flavours into one berryful blend!”
The smell upon opening the packet is reminiscent of hedgerows and berry-picking season and is quite welcoming. This is further intensified once it's in the pot. The colour is an interesting mix of grey and red, that sort of purple that’s in-between both (and is impossible to capture in a photo when you’re a bad photographer like me) and it gave me a warm glow of pleasure as I was pouring it (who says the little things in life aren’t important?)
For the first pot, I stuck to the 3-minute suggestion for brewing time, which gave a subtle flavour that complements the green tea. As always, I found that adding a spoonful of demerara brought out the berry flavours better (yes, I ‘know’ green tea is supposed to be drunk without sugar, but I’m not drinking it for my health, I’m drinking it for pleasure and I like to taste the berries.)
I left the second pot to brew for a few minutes longer which allowed the flavours to be released even more, but also made for a slightly more bitter undertaste. I easily counteracted that by adding an extra spoonful of sugar.
Presumably, the ‘gin’ part (juniper berries) and the Angelica, along with the green tea itself gives it that greenery aspect that sets this fruitilicious offering apart from usual berry teas. Instead of being overly fruity, it has the bush in there too as well as some flowers, which makes for an interestingly florally, shrubby, berry taste.
I quite liked it hot but actually, I preferred it once it was cold, which bodes well either as a summer cooler or for use with a touch of gin (or maybe even vodka?) to make a nice rambly, brambly cocktail.
Overall, this is one I would probably buy again but likely only in the height of summer (a bit like Pimms) and it doesn’t quite make it as my choice for permanent tea blend in the poll.
THIS WEEK'S DEALS
So, with Bank Holiday on the horizon, there are several deals going on this week.
First, a quick reminder to head over to Bluebird Tea Co. to VOTE in their poll if you haven't already done so (I would recommend Ginger Beer if you don't have a strong preference . . . please help it to stay!) This poll may have finished by now as it's been going for a while, but all votes for Ginger Beer are welcomed!
Adagio Teas has redesigned their website and are giving away double points for all orders (every order with them attracts points that can be used towards future purchases). They are also giving away free goodies if you find and report a bug. I think this one finishes tonight, but you've still just about got time to get in there and get ordering.
Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee Co. is offering 15% off all stock until Midnight on Monday 28 August with the code BANK15.
T2 are doing an online exclusive. If you buy one of their iced tea jugs they will give you a tin of their Packs a Peach tea for free. This offer runs until 2359 on Monday 28 August. The tea is automatically added at the checkout.
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