The Republic of Tea Blackberry Sage Black Tea

The flavor is beautifully balanced—the blackberry comes through sweet and fruity without being overpowering, while the sage adds an earthy, herbal note that complements rather than competes. Reviewers consistently mention that 'nothing is overpowering, just right' and the sage is 'subtle' enough to enhance the blackberry rather than dominate it. You'll also find actual whole blackberries in the blend, which adds to the authentic fruit flavor.

Absolutely. This is actually a great starter tea because the flavor profile is approachable and not intimidating—familiar blackberry sweetness balanced with gentle herbal notes. It's versatile enough to enjoy hot or iced, and the pronounced flavor means you'll get a satisfying cup without needing to be an expert at steeping. The balanced nature means you're unlikely to brew something unpleasantly strong or weak.

The aroma is one of the standout features. Reviewers specifically call out the 'amazing aroma,' and when you open that tin, you'll get a lovely burst of blackberry and sage fragrance. The tin itself helps keep the tea fresh, which means that delightful smell stays vibrant throughout the 50 cups.

Here's something to know: at least one reviewer mentioned the tinned version tastes different from what they experienced at a restaurant with the same brand and flavor name. This could be due to differences in how it's prepared, water quality, or even batch variations. The tinned version is still delicious with that signature blackberry-sage profile, but don't expect it to be identical to a restaurant experience.

Yes, it's actually quite refreshing iced. The blackberry provides a naturally sweet, fruity base that's perfect for cold brewing or cooling down hot-brewed tea. The 'lite fruity taste' and balanced flavor profile translate really well to iced preparation, making it a versatile choice for year-round enjoyment.

The blend contains whole blackberries and real ingredients, which is a plus. However, the ingredient list does include 'natural flavors,' which is somewhat ambiguous and has been noted by at least one reviewer as a concern. If you're looking for completely transparent ingredients, you might want to reach out to the brand for clarification on what those natural flavors include.