The Ashen Shield Herbal Tea

Description:

Earthy passionflower, cooling peppermint & steadying skullcap brew a ritual of composure. 

Taste Profile

Below is a pure sensory taste profile, assuming hot, unsweetened, and carefully brewed to avoid over extraction.

Aroma

Cool and herbal-forward. Peppermint rises first, clean and menthol fresh, followed by a softer, earthy green undertone from skullcap. Passionflower sits quietly in the background, adding a faint hay like, meadow dryness rather than a floral perfume.

First Sip

Immediately cooling and clean. Peppermint defines the opening with a refreshing, crisp lift that clears the palate. Unlike candy mint, this is leafy and herbal, not sweet. The first impression is clarity and calm rather than warmth.

Mid Palate

As the mint settles, the blend deepens:

Skullcap introduces a muted, earthy bitterness, reminiscent of fresh stems and green bark.

Passionflower adds a soft, dry herbal body, slightly grassy and grounding. The profile shifts from cooling to stabilizing, with the mint now supporting rather than leading.

Aromatic Layer

The aromatic presence is restrained and herbal rather than floral. Peppermint contributes a cool nasal freshness, while skullcap adds a low, earthy aromatic tone. Passionflower provides a subtle dried field note that rounds the upper aromatics without lifting them.

Body

Light to medium body. The mouthfeel is clean and slightly drying rather than round or coating. There’s a firm, grounded texture that feels steady and composed.

Sweetness

Very low natural sweetness. Any perceived sweetness comes briefly from peppermint’s cooling illusion rather than actual sugar like notes. Overall, the cup leans savory herbal.

Bitterness

Low to moderate, herbal bitterness. Skullcap provides most of it with gentle, green, and grounding rather than sharp. If over steeped, this bitterness becomes more noticeable but remains herbal, not harsh.

Finish

Dry, cool, and lingering. Peppermint leaves a clean, mentholated afterfeel, while skullcap’s earthy bitterness fades slowly. The finish feels steady and protective rather than comforting or lush.

Overall Impression

A cool, grounding, and resolute herbal infusion. The flavor character is restrained, herbal, and slightly austereless about softness, more about stability and composure.

Herbs & Traditional Associations:

Passionflower- Historically brewed to quiet racing thoughts, support rest & soften emotional spikes.

Peppermint- In folklore, valued for cooling tension & uplifting the spirit. 

Skullcap- Traditionally linked with calming nerves & bringing gentle stillness.