Advent Day #24

Tea #24 - "Christmas Black Tea"

And to all a good night…

 

Oh, wait. There is one more: The Christmas Black Tea. Fortnum & Mason have capped their advent calendar off with their signature Christmas tea: Black Tea (75%), Cocoa Nibs (15%), Cloves (5%), Safflower Petals, Flavouring (2.5%) (Orange, Ginger, Clementine, Chocolate).

 

I am always a little wary of the “flavouring” ingredient, as it feels more than vague and almost a little deceptive. But I can only think that the “flavouring” in this tea is the proprietary spice mix beyond the named cloves. When bringing the cup to my nose before sipping, I do get a very pronounced spice note that is more than reminiscent of Christmas. It is only that when tasting, the Christmas notes feel diluted. I get nothing of the orange or cocoa. I do get the safflower petals. It feels a bit like it falls short of the promise.

 

This is not Christmas in a cup, nor is it really a good cup of tea. If you are looking for something special on Christmas morning while the kids are unwrapping their gifts, or even if you are just wanting a quiet cuppa in front of the tree before the madness commences, skip this one. 2/10