Somehow, with the "organic" promotional pump and the higher cost, I expected this tea to improve upon the non-organic Bigelow version that doesn't have the "Steep" name attached. Instead, I rated it 20 points lower, with the "value" as overpriced. It costs more than the "normal" pomegranate-flavored green tea from Bigelow, but has a weaker aroma and weaker hot taste. Though likely unintended by its makers, "Steep" in this case describes the relative cost as much as how to prepare the beverage.

The aromas of the dry bag and in-cup liquid were practically undetectable. If I pressed the dry bag to my nose, some fruity elements came out. Flavor-wise, the hot tea reminded me a lot of the Llano Estacado region of west Texas, above the Caprock Escarpment: flat and dry. It was disappointing, but shouldn't have been too surprising, given the lack of smell.

This tea would have earned one of my worst ratings here, except for a surprising twist: the flavor came alive when I let it cool down to room temperature. It almost tasted like a blend of green tea with one of Celestial's "Zinger" line, but less tart. Given the hibiscus, rose hips, and pomegranate peels listed in the ingredients, this was how I expected the aroma and hot-brew taste to be, but somehow those were almost completely MIA (missing in action, not Miami International Airport).

If one buys this only to brew hot and drink cold, or perhaps make into iced tea using a lot of bags, that's the only way I can see this blend being worthwhile.

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