Pause and ponder

Something was brewing and stewing in the tea house, the Panellists taking turns to inhale the aromas of jasmine dragon pearl, stinging nettle herbal and chai latte loose leaf. Tasting neat brought a real spicy prickle right on the tip of the tongue, before a warmth developed from sweet brioche and toasted vanilla, as well as a cosy ginger and cinnamon hot chocolate. The addition of water changed the setting completely as we found ourselves walking through a pine forest and over sand dunes to the beach while eating pistachio nuts. The palate had a sweet oily texture, like a slice of Mediterranean-style lemon olive oil cake served with a sip of refreshing and slightly herbal sea buckthorn tea.