Alpine Punch - David's Tea

Where to buy:  David’s Tea

Description:  HIGH ALTITUDE TASTE

Have you heard of the barbegazi? According to Swiss lore, they are a group of furry little men that live high in the Alps. They are known for their long, icy beards and enormous feet, which they use to ski down hills and surf on avalanches. But how do they stay warm up in the frozen mountains all year round? We like to think it’s with a fortifying brew like this almond-scented rooibos, with apple, cinnamon, and ginger. If you see some very big footprints next time you’re out hiking, follow them to the barbegazi’s cave and see if they offer you a cup. Limited edition.

Ingredients:  Rooibos, coconut chips and rasps, apple pieces, cinnamon pieces, ginger bits, cardamom, black pepper, rose blossoms, almond flakes, artificial flavouring.

Allergens: Tree nuts and coconut

My Review:

Alpine Punch is part of the Winter Collection at David’s Tea so obviously I had to try it before it disappeared from the stores!

I think this tea smells great! When you open the bag you are hit with a sweet, sugary scent that has notes of almonds, coconut and vanilla. Alpine Punch looks very earthy. It has shades of red (from the rooibos) mixed with golden flecks from the apples pieces and ginger bits. The coconut chips and almond flakes add a warm vanilla colour to the mix.

The recommended brewing is 1.5 tsp. of Alpine Punch, water heated to 98 degrees Celsius (or 208 degrees Fahrenheit), steeped for 4-7 minutes. I brewed a standard cup for 7 minutes and added a little bit of sugar (it just wasn’t quite sweet enough for me without the sugar).

Once brewed the flavours come together really nicely. The apple pieces and the cinnamon really come to the forefront with a wonderful fruity flavour and the tea brews to a lovely medium berry red colour (think Forever Nuts but much darker and stronger).  The almonds really makes this tea delicious and there’s a nice creaminess that comes out. The ginger adds a very slight spiciness, but is not overpowering in the slightest.  Once this tea cools the coconut flavour becomes very prominent.

This has to be one of my favourite teas. If I were stuck on an alpine mountain, I’d wish that the Saint Bernard that found me was carrying Alpine Punch and not brandy! It really is a wonderful blend.