These berries produce an almost transparent infusion: I can hardly tell that I have infused anything at all by looking at it. But the cup is strongly aromatic and the flavor is intense.

Rishi describes these berries as producing a "very tart" infusion. It is tart, and I want to point out that I often find drinks like this too sour for my taste. However, this one is significantly less sour than straight hibiscus tea. I found this to be slightly (although not overwhelmingly) too sour, but I found that by using slightly fewer berries than recommended, and by discarding a first 15 second infusion, I was able to achieve a more balanced cup.

The aroma of the cup is very strongly suggestive of hibiscus, which is interesting, as that is made from the sepals of a flower, and this is from an unrelated fruit. However, upon drinking the cup, the aroma becomes more complex: I find it still suggests hibiscus, but that element is now one among many, and there are tones of black pepper, rose hips, orange, celery, allspice, mace, and many other qualities. The aroma is so complex that if you imagine a fruit or spice, you are likely to find a hint of it in here.

Although this is described as the "fruit of five flavors", I definitely notice predominantly sour and pungent qualities, with perhaps a suggestion of saltiness.

Odd. Definitely worth trying...this is one of those beverages or foods that you may not like, but that definitely expands the palate.

These berries are extraordinarily pricey, however!

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