A long time ago, and I can't remember from where, but I've heard of this stuff called Gunpowder Tea, which just sounds like some drink you'd find in a back alley made of substances nobody should ever even think to consume. It always remained in the back of my mind (like, on the back of the bottom shelf where no one ever looks), and until today I never encountered it. Alas, among one of the new items in my local grocer is Pure Leaf's very own Gunpowder green tea.
The tea leaves are rolled up, rather than ground to dust as most teas are, and the coloration and fragrance are a little interesting. I naturally made some as soon as I got home, and it was a bit of a mistake for me to do that so late in the day because this stuff seems to have quite a bit of caffeine in it since I was wired until the dawn's light. Upon heating up some water and pouring it onto the leaves in my French press, the tea became quickly rather aromatic, letting me know that I was really in for a treat. After a few minutes have passed, the tea water has taken a nice dark coloration, especially for green tea, and got a nice bit of foam on top. I pressed down the leaves and poured myself around a cup or so into my giant bubba and sat down to drinking it straight. It was REALLY bitter, which I like. This is by far one of the most flavorful teas I've ever had the pleasure of drinking.
Of course, I had to save this for the iced tea test as well. The very next morning, I poured the remainder, trying it straight again, and then with a bit of milk and sugar. Drinking it straight is still about what you'd think: it's bitter green tea but cold. And with milk n' sugar, it's pretty dandy. The bitter edge is taken off a bit by the creaminess and balances out well with the sweetness of a spoon o' sugar.
Finally, the leaves themselves are alright to eat after use; they have a toothsome quality to them that reminds me of grape leaves, having me wonder if they'd be good for making stuffed leaves with, but that'll be an experiment I'll try another day. Wrapping things up, I can recommend this tea if you enjoy bitter drinks, or if you're needing some serious caffeine. Just be careful not to drink it after mid-morning or you'll have no choice but to see the sun rise.
