Cranberry Autumn (Harney & Sons)

As one of the most established loose leaf American tea companies, Harney & Sons has produced some spectacular blends over the years. I’ll spend some time highlighting a few of my favorites coming up, but we’ll start with this Cranberry Autumn black tea, a very popular member of their infusions.

I was first introduced to this blend maybe four years ago by a friend and coworker at a previous job. I enjoyed it so much, I ordered some. FYI, I’ve continued ordering it.

The leaves of this tea are broken grade and very dark. I don’t visually note the presence of actual cranberry pieces but they’re there, along with orange peel which I can pick out scattered throughout. The aroma is pungent and wonderful, eluding to a deeper level of subtlety not seen.

Once brewed the leaves produce a deep, dark colored brew Harney & Sons notes as mahogany. The aroma is lighter once brewed with notes of citrus tart and a light sweetness you feel begging you to consume it.

When drinking I noted this brew’s relatively smooth liquor where I’d anticipated something a bit brisker. A pleasant surprise. The sweet and tart flavors seem to swap places in the mouth as they battle for prominence. It’s at once energizing and calming.

I recommend this brew as an every-other day beverage for fans of breakfast teas, Earl Grey teas and Keemun teas. Fans of fruity blends may find this tea less powerful than they’re used to, but could find it a welcome change.