Soluna Garden Farm's Berry Berry

Soluna Garden Farm is a small farm in Winchester, MA, which has a storefront where it sells its various products.  +Cheryl Kent brought me a selection of their teas when she came to visit for 12th Night.

Today's review is for their Berry Berry herbal, a tisane of elderberries, hibiscus and raisins.  It makes a beautiful deep ruby purple brew that lacks a strong aroma.  The tin recommends brewing for 5-10 minutes.  At 10 minutes, it's a dense, strong cup of tea.  Fortunately, even brewed at its strongest, the hibiscus isn't overpowering - it gets mellowed out by the other berry flavors.

Brewing for 6 minutes seems to produce the best flavor, balanced without being overly strong.  The elderflowers and raisins predominate, but the hibiscus adds a hint of tartness.  I like it, but I come away wanting something more -- more berry, more fruity somehow.  I think raspberries would be an excellent addition.

I may try combining this tea with Republic of Tea's Downtown Abbey English Rose Tea and see what happens.

Republic of Tea Education E-mail Series?

Republic of Tea is promoting its newsletter about tea:  http://www.republicoftea.com/newslettersignup.aspx?v=4&c=CK-ES-D2-GG-IMG-RM-RM1-R01-v7&gclid=CJ_z2fePycMCFW4V7Aod6ycADA

I'm tempted to try it.  Has anyone else signed up?