Let me prefix this buy saying that this is among my top 3 favourite infusions from F&M, and that took me by surprise. I mean – lavender and honey combined with liquorish root…. Surely I am not that old yet, am I!??
Making the tea:
Using 1 bag per cup, and a 250ml cup, brewing for the recommended 5 minutes.
Colour:
Hazy amber.
Ingredients:
Rosehip, Apple, Liquorice Root (12%), Sweet Blackberry Leaves, Lemon Balm, Lemon Peel, Apricot (5%), Lavender Flowers (3%), Honey Granules (3%), Apricot Flavouring (3%)
Taste profile: herbal fruity.
Different. Delicate. Lovely. Comforting.
Apricot adds a delicate, almost tropical hint. Apple comes through in a soft and round way. Lavender is in the smell more than flavour. Honey granules add a sweet aftertaste. And liquorice root: had I not known, I would never have been able to put my finger on it, let alone assume the high percentage point. If you, like me, are a bit wary of anything overly ‘aniseedy’, worry not: it adds to the complexity without overpowering. How they achieved that, with liquorice root making up over one tenth of the volume, I do not know. Rosehip acts more as a carrier than a star here and I am very grateful they resisted the temptation to chuck some hibiscus into the mix.
All and all – a taste that has seriously grown on me, to a point where I now have a backup to my backup stock, as F&M seems to be plotting something – why else the redesigns and remakes.
In conclusion:
- Is it good? Yes.
- Better hot or cold? Works both ways, but better hot.
- How often do I reach for it? Very often.
- Worth the money? Sad to say: YES
- Would I buy again? Of course.
- Would I recommend it? Yes. Including to infusion-novices.
IT IS for you – if you prefer your tea slightly sweetened, and you like soft fruity flavours.
It is NOT for you – if you expect it to pack a punch.
It is also one of the prettiest F&M tins, and – I am extra happy they sell refill pouches!
Disclaimer: I am a tea drinker or, to be fully transparent – a hot drink addict. This series is a review for some of the teas and infusions in my collection from Fortnum & Mason. Their products are eye wateringly expensive compared to any normal supermarket, and having had mixed success with my purchases, I’ve missed the support fellow consumers could have given me. And don’t ask me how many different teas I own. Too many, babe, toooo many!
Is this a relaxing tea? Looking for a relaxing lavender tea as a gift for someone who just lost her young daughter.
Yes, very – this really is sweet and comforting. Not sponsored or affiliated – I just absolutely happen to adore this particular tea from F&M.
I believe it may have been discontinued because no longer on F & M’s website; however, I found Williams Sonoma has some listed as a final sale. Been trying to reach someone at the Nashville store to see if they have it in stock so I don’t have to pay shipping but no answer today. I’ll try again. Thank you!