If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that in December last year I was drowning in the delight of a Kusmi Tea Advent Calendar! It was absolutely divine and one of the best tea gifts I’ve ever gifted to myself. Within the tea calendar was this cute mini tea tin of Kusmi Anastasia.
Don’t confuse this tea with White Anastasia, which uses a white tea base. Original Anastasia is a unique take on the classic Earl Grey with black tea, bergamot and citrus fruits.
I’m reviewing the loose leaf version, but you can buy it in teabag format if that’s easier for you – the actual tea within the teabag is the same as what I’m reviewing here.
Kusmi Tea Anastasia at a Glance
- Blend: Black tea with citrus essential oils and flavouring
- Flavour: Brisk black tea with delicate notes of bergamot
Like a good afternoon tea, it is light and brisk with a floral flavour that reminds me of Darjeeling. Light hints of lemony bergamot and orange blossom are subtle yet balanced.
Full Review – Black Anastasia Tea
- Type: Loose leaf mini tin
- Tea: Black tea
- Additives: Bergamot essential oils, lemon essential oils, lime essential oils, flavouring
- Flavour Notes: Slightly bitter, brisk, light bergamot, Darjeeling, floral
- Aroma: Fresh black tea, light orange blossom, lemon hints
- Milk or Lemon: Neither
- Where to Buy: Amazon
I love recyclable and eco-friendly tea packaging, so finding this cute metal tea tin from Kusmi was great! I also discovered that they sell refill packets for loose leaf, which is awesome too.
Now, back to the tea.
Anastasia loose leaf has a very fresh aroma. It’s light, gentle and very obviously real. You can tell the difference between flavouring and natural essential oils. Notes of orange blossom and lemon are fresh as if you just zested them!
It brews into a light, slightly dirty brown colour that appears to be desperate for a drop of milk. But I urge you to fight the temptation. This tea tastes best black, where the sweet Earl Grey type notes can shine through.
The black tea has a slightly bitter note but it’s also brisk and bright. I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if it was indeed from Darjeeling or is a blend of black teas containing Darjeeling. It works wonderfully with the light hints of bergamot, lime and orange zest.
It’s extremely pleasant and much brighter than the standard Earl Grey teas I’ve been drinking.
How to Brew Anastasia Kusmi Tea
The instructions that Kusmi Tea give for their Anastasia blend is spot on. Brew a generous teaspoon of loose leaf tea in 90°C water for approximately 3 minutes.
It’s unbelievably well-balanced, as if a master tea connoisseur had spent years perfecting it. That’s why I ask that you don’t mask it by adding extra lemon, milk or sweetener.
I didn’t find the caffeine level to be any higher than standard for most black teas, so you could drink this happily at any time of day but avoid it late in the evenings.
Kusmi Anastasia makes a fantastic afternoon tea.
Why Kusmi Tea International?
I’d first heard of Kusmi tea from the tea platform Steepster and added their brand to my watchlist. I admired their range of tea blends and the quality of their products… but what held me back was the price!
Nonetheless, I am glad I pushed the boat out and bought the Kusmi tea advent calendar, thus discovering Kusmi Anastasia Tea. As you can see, this loose leaf is of a good quality, very consistent, and the ingredients are all-natural essential oils rather than flavouring. So, at least the price is justified!
I don’t hesitate to recommend them as a brand. My order was shipped from France and had no trouble at customs, arriving perfectly in one piece. They ship orders internationally, but you can also find their tea on Amazon which could save you some delivery money.
Summary
Overall, I highly recommend this tea as an introduction to Kusmi or for anyone fond of a delicate Earl Grey tea. The cost is totally justified with the essential oils and the flavour is just. So. Damn. Good. If you’re looking for a new tea to try, this one should be on your list.
Tea Recommendation
If you love the idea of lemony black tea but aren’t ready to part with your hard-earned cash for a small tin of Kusmi tea, don’t worry. There are teas for all budgets and tastes on my blog! Start by reading my review of Lipton Lemon Black Tea.
I would be interested to read a review of the breakfast teas from Kusmi: their Thé du Matin (known internationally as “Russian Morning”), which I love, and their English Breakfast, which I’ve never tried. Incidentally, I buy Kusmi products from an independent shop based in Cambridge; not sure whether they are available from other shops in the UK.