This is a loose herbal tea drink, not a flavoured black tea. The blend contains pine cone, chamomile, oregano, bergenia leaf and blackcurrant leaf. Pine cone gives the infusion its deeper, resinous conifer aroma; chamomile and oregano are the softer, gentler notes; bergenia leaf adds a slightly astringent, tannic edge typical of Altai-style herbal preparations; blackcurrant leaf rounds out the cup with a fresh, green accent.
The flavour is noticeably more robust than a simple chamomile infusion. Expect a woody, pine-scented aroma, an herby middle from oregano and chamomile, and a dry, slightly mouth-drying finish from the tannins. If you are used to delicate fruit teas, this may taste quite earthy and resinous at first.
The character comes from naturally occurring plant compounds: essential oils provide much of the aroma and are associated with a relaxing effect through smell and taste; tannins from bergenia and other plant parts give the astringency; ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and polyphenolic compounds from blackcurrant leaves and other botanicals contribute antioxidant value, which is one reason these plants have long been used in traditional seasonal drinks.
If you prefer a milder cup, steep for a shorter time or use slightly less leaf. If you want a stronger forest-like flavour, gradually increase the amount and steep longer. Because the blend contains whole plant pieces, including firmer pine cone material, the infusion benefits from being kept covered while steeping.