Tree-Herder

The aesthetics, smell, and taste of this tea all suit the concept perfectly. I love the way the lichen makes it look really special.

As a devoted Lord of the Rings enthusiast and tea connoisseur, I was utterly captivated by Friday Afternoon's "Tree-Herder" blend. This Ent-inspired tea is nothing short of a masterpiece, offering a sensory experience that transports you directly to the heart of Middle-earth's most ancient and revered forests.

From the moment you open the package, you're greeted with an awe-inspiring visual display. The blend features an impressive array of large, high-quality ingredients, including generous chunks of Old Man's Beard lichen and Western Red Cedar tips. The sheer uniqueness of these components sets this tea apart, making it a true conversation piece when stored in a clear container.

The aroma that wafts from the cup is an intoxicating blend of earthy, woody notes with a hint of sweet resin. It's as if the very essence of Fangorn Forest has been distilled into this remarkable infusion. The flavor profile is equally impressive, offering a harmonious balance of light, bright notes reminiscent of a gentle rain, intertwined with deeper, more complex undertones of bark and lichen.

What truly sets "Tree-Herder" apart is its ability to capture the slow, deliberate nature of the Ents themselves. As you sip, you can almost hear Treebeard's cautionary "Don't be hasty" echoing in your mind. The tea unfolds slowly on the palate, revealing new layers of flavor with each sip. The juniper berry provides a subtle, crisp note, while the wild cherry bark and raspberry leaf add a touch of natural sweetness that complements the more robust, earthy elements.

While purists might prefer this blend unsweetened to fully appreciate its complex flavor profile, I found that a small amount of sugar enhanced the experience, bringing out some of the subtler notes. For those seeking a more natural sweetener, a touch of honey would pair beautifully with the forest-inspired ingredients.

The low caffeine content (approximately 5mg per cup) makes this an excellent choice for evening sipping or for those sensitive to caffeine. It's a tea that invites contemplation and slow appreciation, much like the ancient Ents themselves.

Friday Afternoon has truly outdone themselves with this blend. The attention to detail, from the carefully selected ingredients to the steeping instructions (195°F for 3-5 minutes), demonstrates a deep respect for both the tea-making process and the source material.

In conclusion, "Tree-Herder" is more than just a tea; it's an experience that any Lord of the Rings fan or adventurous tea drinker should not miss. It's a five-star blend that perfectly captures the essence of Tolkien's beloved Ents and the magical forests they inhabit. Whether you're looking to enhance your next Lord of the Rings marathon or simply seeking a unique and flavorful tea, "Tree-Herder" is sure to delight and inspire. It's a testament to Friday Afternoon's creativity and commitment to crafting truly exceptional, fandom-inspired teas.

I, too, expected loaminess and herbs from a Ent-theed tea blend.
What I got instead, was.. Well, remember running in a Spring rainstorm, as a child?
The scent/taste of petrichor in the air, mingling with the clean, airy sweetness of the cool rain blown onto your tongue by the gusts?
This is like that, as it cools down.
Recommended.

The list of earthy, astringent, herbaceous, and green herbs and tea in Tree-Herder made me think I was going to be sipping on something very green and herby tasting. NOT AT ALL. This tea was almost Fruity! So clean tasting even if you add sugar or honey. Love it.

The Ent sang to his Entwife:

"When Summer lies upon the world, and in a noon of gold
Beneath the roof of sleeping leaves the dreams of trees unfold,
When woodland halls are green and cool, and wind is in the West,
Come back to me! Come back to me, and say my land is best!"

Tree-Herder tastes like this verse, distilled. Lichen and cedar are such unique ingredients, and the slight sweetness of the juniper berries just makes me think of a lazy day spent relaxing and picking fruit in a mossy, shady forest in the Shire—or my beloved Pacific Northwest. Plus, it's essentially decaf, so I stay grounded in the calmness of the woods and can drink it any time of day, no jitters involved.

The Entwife, in reply to her Ent, summarizes the feelings I have when I see Tree-Herder has gone out of stock:

"I'll look for thee, and wait for thee, until we meet again."