
VCC Brands, leading manufacturer and distributor of a range of cannabis-infused products out of California, launched Subtle Tea in 2010, and with it a line of full-spectrum beverages intended to refresh the senses while balancing the body via the endocannabinoid system. Their CBD-only line is cold brewed with 25mg of broad spectrum CBD per bottle, all natural ingredients, and just a hint of sweetness from plant-based, keto-friendly stevia. Subtle Tea is crafted to appeal to health-conscious consumers with a predilection for creative thirst-quenching.
I recently sampled Subtle Tea’s Jasmine Green Tea with Lychee (CBD only), though it was a hard choice between that and the White Peach Tea with Cardamom and Ginger White Tea with Fuji Apple. I immediately loved the look of the bottle, with its appropriately subtle label graphics and simple design, choosing to drink it over ice on an especially steamy mid-Atlantic summer day.
As for the beverage itself, I’ll start by saying that I am fairly particular when it comes to bottled teas and tend to avoid them, as it is difficult to find one that is not heavily sweetened, and those that are can be too bitter for my taste. Green tea in particular requires precise steeping in order to avoid a level of bitterness that must then be offset by excessive sweeteners, not to mention what happens to all of those fragile antioxidants. Jasmine green tea can be especially hard to do well, as the jasmine overtones are delicate and easily overwhelmed by over-steeping.
The light color of the tea was immediately reassuring, suggesting that the green tea had not been left to brew too long. An initial sip proved this to be the case. The green tea was mild and smooth and the jasmine and lychee played well together for a flavor that was bright and floral without being overly fruity. The hint of sweetness was pleasant and not at all overpowering, and the caffeine/CBD combination put me in a calm but alert state that kept me on task throughout my day without sabotaging a good night’s sleep. If the other flavors in Subtle Tea’s THC and THC/CBD blends yield similar results, craft beverage drinkers looking for a healthy pick-me-up will be well-pleased.