Rose Congou
Most flavoured teas are scented after the fact, blended with flavourings long after the tea is made. Rose Congou is one of the rare exceptions: it is scented at origin, in the traditional Chinese way, and you can taste the difference. In Fujian, a good black tea is layered with freshly cut roses for five nights running, so the leaves slowly drink in the real perfume of the flower, and it is finished with rose petals. The result is the genuine article, not an artificial imitation.
And it is lovely. "Congou" simply means a well-made Chinese black tea, and this is a refreshing, bright one, smooth and never heavy, carrying a true, delicate rose aroma the whole way through. It is floral without being soapy or perfumed, which is the trap most rose teas fall into; this one tastes of actual roses on a summer afternoon.
It is a proper, loose-leaf black tea, so there is caffeine in it, and it is best without milk, which lets the rose come through. It also makes a rather romantic gift.
Brew at 100°C for 3 to 4 minutes.
Ingredients || Luxury Black Tea, Rose petals, Natural flavours
Warning, packed in an environment that contains nuts
Caffeine || Yes
Tasting Notes || Refreshing and smooth, with a true, delicate rose aroma
Brewing Notes || 1 teaspoon per cup, 100ºC, brew for 3 minutes.