Cliff by the Sea from Friday Afternoon Tea was such a pleasant surprise! I truly had no idea what to expect when I ordered it, but the inclusion of both wakame (a type of seaweed) and sea buckthorn berries was so intriguing that I simply couldn’t pass it up—especially when I spotted it in the Clearance section. I’ll admit, I felt a bit hesitant after reading some of the other reviews, and the dry aroma certainly had a briny quality to it. It wasn’t overpowering or unpleasant, but it was mysterious, not revealing much about what was to come.
The real surprise arrived with the brewed liquor. One reviewer mentioned they didn’t expect the tea to “literally smell like the beach,” and while I don't think the aroma of the cup fully lends itself to a beach, the flavor certainly does. I was completely taken aback by how much the overall experience was truly that of a seaside (without any heavily salty, briny, or fishy flavors, thank goodness!). The experience on the palate is truly remarkable. The first sip brings an earthy, woody flavor that instantly evokes memories of a sandy, driftwood-strewn shoreline—but in a delicious, grounding way. This is followed by a very subtle hint of brine, delicate and never overwhelming. Then comes the most astonishing note: water. Not the thick brininess of seawater or the sometimes pond-like quality of some green teas, but a sensation of fresh, crisp, bright blue water. Of course, tea is always made with water, but I’ve never encountered another blend that so perfectly evokes the feeling of the ocean, and then finishes with such a refreshing, clean note. It’s an amazing trick of the senses, and the ingredients work together to create not just a tea, but a true experience.
Cliff by the Sea is definitely a lighter-flavored tea, with earthy and watery notes taking center stage. The green teas used here are earthy and oceanic, and none of the fruit elements—orange peel, sea buckthorn berry, or Asian pear—stand out distinctly on their own. Instead, they meld together, presenting a unique, oceanic, and almost ozone-like flavor that, along with the wakame, conjures vivid thoughts of standing on a cliff by the sea. It’s a beautifully balanced blend, and I really appreciate the creativity and quality of the ingredients. That said, it may not be for everyone—my wife, for instance, didn’t enjoy it as much as I did—so your enjoyment may depend on your flavor preferences. If you love matcha or other earthy green teas, lighter flavors, and unique combinations, I think you’ll find Cliff by the Sea to be a standout. It’s not especially bold, nor is it a tea that pairs easily with food, but for those who appreciate nuance and a sense of place in their cup, it’s sure to become a favorite for introspective moments. I drank this one with a very slight amount of sugar, which worked really well. It would also be good without any sweetener, but I really think a hint of sweetener brings out the more oceanic notes from the fruits. Very well done—I truly love the uniqueness and thoughtful blending in this tea!
