Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Caramel Apple Tea, reviewed

I love the smell of fresh tea and coffee – and, of course, it can also be a good indicator of flavor – but it’s difficult to get a good whiff when the package you’re looking at is wrapped up tightly. It doesn’t stop me from trying, however, and sometimes the effort pays off. The tiniest hint of scent of the Caramel Apple Tea from Zhena’s Gypsy Tea sold me immediately. The tea, which is sold in stores like Whole Foods and Cost Plus, as well as online, is a blend of rooibos and honeybush, flavored with apples, licorice, cloves and cinnamon. The apples, cinnamon and honey-caramel flavor are the three most dominant elements of this tea, but they’re not aggressive. It smells and tastes like a mild, sweet glass of hot apple cider – perfect for any cold winter night.