Chocolate Mint from Harney & Son’s

Scent in package: like an Andes mint, from the minute I tore off the top. Heavenly.
Brewed in: Unbleached filter bag
Steeped: 5 min. @ 212 degrees
Cup: Café mug

I could live on the scent of this tea alone. Seriously. Who doesn’t like chocolate and mint together (don’t answer that, I’m sure there’s someone, but not many, I bet)? The dried mix (which is quite lovely with the black leaves and green mint mixed together with little chocolate pieces) smells like an after dinner mint, while the brewed liquor smells mainly of mint and tea, with chocolate being more of an “after-scent”. Very appealing, on the whole.

The first sip was wonderful, and since I was focusing a lot on trying to find the flavors, it amused me that I really couldn’t. The sensation of mint is strong, the taste of the actual tea is right there, and the chocolate is more of a background flavor rather than a main attraction on the tongue. This tea interests me because normally, I can make a guess as to what the base tea is for most flavored teas. This one I can’t though – it’s blended so spectacularly that everything melds together and the individual flavors give way to the whole.

This might irritate some tea drinkers, but I consider cooking, and thus blending of anything (including drinks) an art form. Once again this company has shown it’s prowess in melding tea and flavors to make something completely different, but completely enjoyable. This tea would be an excellent dessert tea along with those after dinner mints, a raspberry torte, or plain vanilla ice cream. I actually find myself wondering what would happen if I reduced it down and used it as a sauce…because unlike a normal chocolate and mint pairing, it has that lovely and unique tea element in the flavor profile that adds another dimension.

This was another $2 sample, and I have to say, I really am enjoying my cup (even more so when I get done analyzing it, and just sip it while I’m typing). Another great tea from Harney & Sons…when my tea budget is replenished next month, I look forward to adding this tea to my “dessert and company” stock. If you like chocolate and mint, along with just good black tea, this one’s for you.