Ok, I’m starting my tea review series with one called “Spiced Honey” from “Green Leaf Tea Company” in Lincoln Nebraska. From now on I’m gonna shorten, “‘Green Leaf Tea Company’ in Lincoln Nebraska” to just, “GLTco”. I’m doing that because this is only my third time ever tasting real Tea, the kind of Tea actually worth reviewing. I don’t want to sound Hoity-Toity by saying that, it’s just that those were the cheap boxes off the grocery store shelf that I can’t remember anything about. Also, basically every single tea I try for a while are gonna be from there and I don’t wanna type that much.
So, “Spiced Honey” from GLTco.
Wait, sorry. I have to hedge again. I remind you that this is only my third Tea tasted. Even the two before this were brewed hesitantly, and therefore I can hold no real confidence in my recalled memory of their flavors. I have only just now dipped my toes into the Tea Experience to a depth greater than Snapple and Sleepy Time Chamomile.
Spiced Honey is relatively subdued. Well, I can’t really say that, I think. So far, none of these Teas have been particularly strong. My Father and Brother are huge into Craft Beer and, by proxy, my tongue has become used to the insane amount of sensation that happens when that stuff hits the tongue. Craft Beer, however, only exacerbates the greater cause of my Tongue’s expectations. I’m an American.
There is a stereotype I’ve heard from multiple sources. Basically, Americans eat so much bland food that their tongues can’t handle the crazy spices and true flavors of “Ethnic” foods, especially Indian food. I think this stereotype is extremely true BUT, only in the context of actual Meals of Respectable Substance.
Here is a list of things that are NOT Meals of Respectable Substance:
- Coffee
- French Fries
- Cereal
- Buttered Noodles
- Ice Cream
- McDonalds
- Potato Chips
- Yogurt
Here’s a list of some actual Ms of RS
- Homemade Lasagna
- Thanksgiving Dinner
- Curry
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Chicken n’ Broccoli Casserole
For Ms of RS American food is very low on powerful flavors, aside from Sweet that is. We are disgustingly sweet. Unfortunately for our children, that heavy addiction to sugar is placed on our shoulders starting around age 2. The important thing to note, however, is that American drinks are the Indian food of Drinks. The main difference is that Indian food is actually good in its power. American drinks are just extreme, usually on sugar.
All of this is to explain why I am uncertain about this Tea’s subtlety, especially in comparison to other Teas. So far, in just 3 real Teas, I have gotten a lot of evidence in favor of the notion that Tea is simply a subtle drink. I don’t think it’s significantly subtle but, compared to my more common drinks; such as 100% Cranberry Juice, Tea is much less overbearing. I think I will enjoy that about Tea but for now, it is something I need to learn.
Anyway, enough hedging. Let’s get to the review.
“Spiced Honey” was not as sweet as I was expecting when I saw the word “Honey”.
EDIT:
Ok. So, I posted this a few hours ago. In those few hours since, I have gained a perfect little anecdote to explain to you, exactly, how much of an idiot I am.
These Teas have measurement recommendations on them. Most of them say to use “1 Tsp” for 6-8 oz of water. For the last week, my first week of Tea, I’ve been using a “1/2 Tsp” litte measuring spoon, thinking the whole time that it was a “1 Tsp”. This explains things even more.
God, I’m adorable…
…and dumb.
The Mind of Joshypoo 