Aroma mostly of licorice, but more complex, herbaceous, and spicy. Very summery aroma; this smells much more like familiar sweet basil and less like holy basil, which makes sense, as Vana tulsi is the same species as sweet basil, and a different one from the Rama and Krishna Holy basil, which I have tried (and drink regularly) both from Upton and other sources.

I recommend using much less leaf than one would use for other types of tulsi; the finely-broken leaf infuses quickly and thoroughly, and takes up less space, so it's easy to overbrew and make an overly strong cup.

Brews a very dark color, almost like black tea.

Flavor is initially smooth, there is a strong but muted bitter aftertaste.

Very pleasing, and very different from the other two tulsi offerings of Upton.

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