Tea Review: Blackberry Sage

Thirsty Thursday #21

The Republic of Tea: Blackberry Sage

Lanie on the Lanai

Hi! It's a bright, sunny, spring morning. Almost feels like summer. We're having a short heat wave, so I thought I'd do a tea review outside.

Do you remember the tea cakes Grace showed you on Mother's Day? Well, they were from the latest Tea Time Magazine. We made ours teapot shaped. Here's our plate of four with the magazine. 

They were AWESOME! Totally suggest this recipe. Anyway, the tea sommelier suggested black current tea for the sweet course. We don't have black current tea right now, but I found blackberry sage.

It's The Republic of Tea brand. You can see it steeping right next to me. Do you notice something different about the cups waiting?

The blend is "fine black tea, natural blackberry flavor, and sage." It says "this tea is also nice cooled and served over a tall glass of ice." Have to try that today!

We followed the instructions using just under boiling water and are letting it steep for 4 minutes. They suggest 3 - 5 minutes.

[timer beeping in the distance]

Ooo, done! Check out the great color.  

I can smell the berry...(inhales again)...and a faint bit of sage.

The cup on the right is plain.On the left has sugar in the raw. The third has ice. (giggles)

Let's see how plain tastes.

Nice. A bit rough around the edges. You know, strong. Not bitter, just strong. Mostly tea and blackberry. Now with the sugar in the raw.

Okay, this is better. Smooths the edges of the flavors and brings out the berry. Bring on the iced! The iced is unsweetened.

Oh. Very nice. Refreshing. Mellow. Very tasty. Perfect for a hot day.

If you follow us regularly, you know we like many fruit teas. Not all, but many. Sometimes the fruit can be too strong or artificial. 

The Republic of Tea Blackberry Sage tea is not like that. The flavors are mild and blend well together for a soothing hot and a refreshing iced tea.

What's your favorite go to beverage on a hot day?

Xyra aside: Just before posting I tried the iced version sweetened with sugar in the raw. Not too much. The iced tea is good sweetened as well as unsweetened. Also in the magazine, the sommelier inset on the tea article mentions black currant tea for the sweet course. The online article pairs the lemon buttercream cake stacks with a darjeeling. We will be reviewing a darjeeling in the near future.

See you again soon! Stay cool!

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl, The Republic of Tea, or Tea Time Magazine. The tea reviewed was a sample from a past Republic of Tea catalog. The review is unsolicited and comprised of our own honest opinions, thoughts, and words. All links are provided for educational and informative purposes. No purchase is required to enjoy the post. Should you be interested in trying the tea, the links will help point you in the right direction.