Ube Vanille Review: Is This Purple Tea Worth the Hype?

Purple tea is having a moment, and Kusmi Tea’s Ube Vanille is one of the most visually striking blends in recent memory. With its deep violet hue and the promise of creamy vanilla, it sounds like a dream for adventurous tea drinkers. But does the flavor live up to the color? I brewed several cups over a week to find out.

This review covers the tea’s appearance, aroma, taste profile, and ideal brewing methods. I’ll also compare it to some beloved Kusmi classics like Label Imperial and share pairing suggestions that make this tea shine.

First Impressions: A Feast for the Eyes

When you open the pouch of Ube Vanille, you’re greeted with a striking purple-black mix of loose leaves and petals. The dry aroma is a gentle blend of floral sweetness and vanilla – more subtle than expected, but very inviting. The tea itself is a blend of black tea, ube (purple yam) flavoring, cornflower petals, and natural vanilla. It’s caffeine-rich thanks to the black tea base, making it suitable for morning or early afternoon sipping.

After steeping, the liquor transforms into a vivid lavender-purple – almost magical. Kusmi is known for visually stunning teas, and this one certainly delivers. For serving, a clear glass carafe like the Carafe verre à thé glacé 1,10L would show off the color beautifully. Even the dry leaves are photogenic enough to make any tea lover reach for their phone camera.

• Tip: Use a transparent teapot or glass carafe to fully appreciate the purple hue.

Taste Profile: Creamy, Floral, and Surprisingly Balanced

The first sip of Ube Vanille is a delight. The vanilla is prominent but not cloying, blending smoothly with a light floral undertone from the cornflower. The ube flavor is there but more as a creamy, slightly earthy backdrop – it doesn’t taste like a sugary purple yam dessert; instead, it provides a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the black tea’s maltiness. The finish is clean with a hint of vanilla bean.

I found that a 3-minute steep at 95°C gives the best balance. Over-steeping can bring out astringency, but within reason this tea is forgiving. If you enjoy black teas like Label Imperial, you’ll appreciate the familiar base note, but Ube Vanille is far more playful. For a completely caffeine-free option, you might also explore the Coffret Les Infusions bio which offers a selection of herbal tisanes – a nice alternative for evening relaxation.

Brewing Suggestions and Pairings

Ube Vanille is versatile. It works wonderfully hot, but I especially love it iced. To make iced tea, brew double-strength (2 teaspoons per cup) and pour over ice. The purple color remains stunning, and the vanilla becomes even more refreshing. For a sweet treat, add a dash of Sirop Monin 25Cl – a vanilla or caramel syrup would complement the flavors perfectly, though the tea is already mildly sweet on its own.

As for food pairings, this tea pairs beautifully with light pastries, shortbread cookies, or a simple vanilla cake. The creaminess of the tea makes it a natural match for dairy-based desserts. If you’re serving it at a brunch gathering, the Carafe verre à thé glacé 1,10L would make a beautiful centerpiece while keeping the tea chilled.

• Brewing parameters: 1 tsp per cup, 95°C water, 3-4 minutes. For iced: double leaf, then pour over ice.

How Does Ube Vanille Compare to Other Kusmi Teas?

Kusmi offers a wide range, from classic black teas like the robust Label Imperial to herbal blends without caffeine. Ube Vanille sits in a unique spot – it’s a black tea base with dessert-like flavor, similar in spirit to Kusmi’s flavored blacks but with a distinct purple twist. It’s not as bold as a straight Ceylon, but it has more character than many herbal tisanes.

If you enjoy this tea, you might also appreciate other specialty blends in the Kusmi lineup. However, for those who prefer a no-caffeine option, the Coffret Les Infusions bio is a wonderful gift set that includes several floral and fruity infusions. And if you’re looking for a complete tea moment, consider pairing Ube Vanille with the elegant Théière / bouilloire 1L for precise temperature control – perfect for bringing out its best flavor.

Ube Vanille is more than just a pretty purple tea – it’s a well-balanced, creamy vanilla blend that works for both hot and iced preparations. Whether you’re a seasoned Kusmi fan or new to specialty teas, this one is worth adding to your collection. For a complete tea experience, pair it with the Carafe verre à thé glacé 1,10L for iced serving and elevate your tea moments.