Another batch of tisanes...

Aura Teas - Herbal Dream Chai
Ingredients: Mint, Chamomile, Rose Petals, Bay Leaves, Coriander, Cumin Seeds, and Ginger Root
Brewing: 2 tsp per 4 ounces water for 2 1/2 minutes at 212 degrees
The dry mix of this tea included large pieces of mint leaves and a colorful assortment of seeds, chamomile buds, and pink rose petals. It smelled like mint and herbs, reminding me of this natural food store I occasionally visit back in Maine called "The Store." You know the kind of place - slightly dark, full of bins of herbs and beans and rices...(No, this is not representative of all natural food stores, by any means, but definitely of a particular type of store that was established in the '80s and '90s.) The tea brewed to a yellow/honey colored liquor with a scent that reminded me of rosemary, pine, bay leaves, and then, mint. The flavor was primarily minty but with the lightness of chamomile. It wasn't overly spicy, but it was complex.

David's Tea - Spicy Chocolate Rooibos (Organic)
Ingredients: Rooibos, pink peppercorns, banana, and apple
Brewing: 1 1/2 tsp per 8 ounces water for 5 minutes at 212 degrees
I was intrigued by this one when it arrived. Then last night I attended a class on tea and chocolate pairing (more on that later.) We were served a chocolate rooibos that was really impressive so it guaranteed that this would go on today's tasting list.

The dry blend was a mix of the dark and rust colors of the rooibos with bright pink peppercorns and chunks of dried fruit. It reminded me of a field in Maine with the pink and white granite peeking up through the soil and the bright lichens growing on the stones. The scent was nothing less than shocking. It was a stunning amount of aroma. I kept settling on Circus Peanuts (the marshmallow-y candy) as the closest thing. The chocolate scent snuck in there too.

It brewed to an orange-y red liquor with the scent of chocolate, orange, and the aforementioned Circus Peanuts. I think it was the banana that was giving me that sensation.

The flavor was of orange, bananas, and chocolate. Sweet, like candy. It reminded me a little of those orange cream filled chocolates. Truly fabulous. What an incredible treat. A real winner. Can I say more?

Rishi Tea - Organic Cinnamon Plum
Ingredients: (All organic) Cinnamon, Fair Trade hibiscus, currants, licorice root, natural plum flavor
Brewing: 1 tbs in 8 ounces water for 5 minutes at 212 degrees

I actually received this sample a couple months back in a surprise package from Rishi. (Thanks Rishi.)

The dry blend was vibrantly colored with large pieces of flower petal, dried berries, and chunks of root. It reminded me a bit of potpourri. The scent was of berry juice blends and cinnamon. It brewed to a cherry red liquor with a scent of berry and cinnamon and mulled cider.

The flavor was quite sweet and bold, full of berry flavor and cinnamon spice. It reminded me of Thanksgiving and Christmas...winter nights. What a gorgeous winter treat.

Thank you to Aura, David's Tea, and Rishi for these fabulous offerings.

Taken from http://teapages.blogspot.com/