Advent Day #12

Tea #12 - Elderflower, Strawberry & Rose Infusion

As you have probably figured out, I am not a HUGE infusion fan. I have a very particular flavor profile that needs to be hit in order for me to give it a second look. The rooibos was a huge wildcard, and I was quite surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. So, when I opened the door to the 12th day of advent and saw another infusion, I was a little disappointed. However, I was heartened by the fact that two of the three flavor profiles were present in this rendition.

I did save it for my 3PM warm drink ritual at work. I put the kettle on and prepared my travel cup: I put a tablespoon of orange blossom honey in the bottom of my cup and waited for the kettle to boil. As soon as it boiled, I filled my cup and dropped my silky tea bag in. I closed the lid and set the timer for the prerequisite 3 minutes of steep time.

As soon as the timer went off, I removed the bag and waited for it to cool a bit. I could tell right away that it was going to be a winner. The aroma coming off the freshly boiled water was familiar: the rose, which you don’t readily taste comes across in the smell. The infusion was smooth and comforting. The floral forward taste was a great comfort on a cold day, even if there was no caffeine. The predominate flavor is the strawberry. I think the elderflower and rose were put in as an olfactory balance to the strawberry: you get the whiff of the flowers, and the taste of the strawberry, which is a sensory puzzle for your brain to unravel. But it is a pleasant conundrum.

F&M markets this as a tea to enjoy “al fresco” and is reminiscent of “the scents and tastes of an English summer garden.” It almost makes you think that this should be enjoyed iced. But I would never waste money icing a Fortnum & Mason tea. So, do not fall prey to the advertising.

It isn’t the 10 out of 10 of the rose and violet infusion, but it is a solid 8.5 out of ten.