Advent Day #9

DISCLAIMER: As you may have noticed, we have reviewed a number of these teas ahead of schedule because we both knew we would have a busy December, as we know many of you will have too. Wishing you all the happiest of holidays!

Tea # 9 - "Rooibos Infusion"

Here we are on day 9. I drew another infusion today. Since, as you know, I can’t do an infusion in the morning, I saved it for an afternoon pick-me-up. At 3:30, I put the kettle on at my desk at work and settled in for a Rooibos Infusion.  Rooibos, or as it is known in Latin, Aspalathus linearis, is native to South Africa, grown in the Cederberg on the Western Cape. In Afrikaans, the words ‘rooi bos’ means “red bush.” This is particularly appropriate given the red hue of the tea, both in its leaf form and after being brewed.

Interestingly, unlike many of the other infusions I have run across, this tisane can be prepared with or without milk, which I didn’t realize until after the fact. This infusion is a popular choice in South Africa for lattes and cappuccinos.  I wish I had known this, because I prefer a splash (or glug) of milk with my tea. I wonder if I’d have enjoyed this more had I had milk.

 

After steeping for the requisite 3 minutes, as recommended by F&M, I added a packet of Splenda. Now, I usually have raw brown sugar with my tea. But I was looking for something that dissolved quite quickly. I think I did not make a mistake with that choice; although, were I to do it again, I might opt for honey.  I think the flavor profile of the rooibos would pair well with a nice raw honey.

 

As for the taste of the tisane: it was described as being “earthy” and having overtones of tobacco. Neither of those descriptions were particularly enticing.  I am glad to report that the nose you get upon putting the cup to your mouth is more tobacco than earth, and I mean that not in a yucky kind of way. It is more like the pipe tobacco from your imagination. As the tisane mellowed in my cup and cooled down, it was inherently more drinkable.  I found myself enjoying it, or at the very least, not dreading finishing the cup.

If you like an infusion, this is a solid choice. It is not on the level of my very favorite infusion, which defies all of my sensibilities and boundaries to rate itself one of my top 5 favorite warm beverages: the Fortnum & Mason Rose and Violet infusion. I would give this a 7 out of 10 on the infusion scale.