Steenbergs Fairtrade Mulling Spices Gift Set Review
DISCLOSURE -THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.
Reviewed by Derrie Evans
I was very excited to receive the STEENBERGS Fairtrade Mulling Spices Gift Set. It arrived in a sturdy outer box and was wrapped in some protective packaging. The clear plastic casing that the pouches arrived in was flimsy and the ends had come away. Despite the plastic casing not being in tack the presentation of the three fabric sacks was appealing to the eye.
I invited my daughter in law to share the experience of reviewing this product and give the perspective of someone who drinks alcohol whilst I was able to give a non-alcoholic opinion.
Each pouch showed an inviting product that entices you to try it. The front of each pouch shows that the item is a fairtrade product which appeals to many. The labelling is also very attractive and gives off a British vibe which compliments the fact that company is UK based. The rear of the pouches contains clear readable instructions. Some of the instructions can be left to interpretation, such as how long to simmer the drink or what constitutes the size a “glass”.
The documentation of ingredients and the nutritional value was very well presented and is useful if there are concerns around dietary requirements.
It was good to see that the best before date had a long shelf life of over two years which is helpful as it can then be used anytime and over more than one festive period.
Two of the three pouches had guidance for both an alcoholic option and a non-alcoholic option. This has ensured that the gift is inclusive to all. The Whisky Toddy would have been difficult to provide an alcohol free version.
The three pouches contained four sachets in each which meant that there was ample product for either multiple use or a large gathering.
SPICED CIDER OR APPLE JUICE: The alcoholic drink was made with a medium cider and the non-alcoholic was made with shop brand apple juice. The drink was able to be prepared quickly, the spices smelt festive and appealing. The aroma of the prepared drink enhanced the desire to taste this beverage. The spices gave the cider a warm homely flavour. My daughter in-law said it reminded her of a delicious warm apple pie.
The apple juice version was very sweet but still delightful. If someone has a sweet tooth the non-alcoholic version is a must.
Both drinks felt smooth to drink and settled comfortably in the stomach.
MULLED WINE: The alcoholic drink was made with a red fruity wine, and the non-alcoholic version was an alcoholic free version. The drink did not take long to make. There was not much of an aroma and the alcoholic wine looked cloudy. The non-alcoholic wine was not as cloudy. Although the drinks tasted pleasant, but it did have a bitter after taste which could appeal to some but possibly not those that have a sweet tooth. This was not a favourite.
WHISKY TODDY: There was not a non-alcoholic version of this drink. This was the favourite by far. It took a little longer to prepare and was well worth the wait. It was prepared with Scotch whisky. The ratio of water, spice and whisky was inviting and not overbearing. This drink felt full bodied and warming. My daughter in-law said she could easily have drunk more of this. It would be nice as a digestif after an evening meal due to the sweetness of the beverage.
After trying all three pouches we agreed that there are favourites and clearly appeals to all pallets. If you are sensitive to texture, it is worth straining contents as the sediment can be off putting.
This is an ideal festive gift for those who enjoy mulled spices regardless of alcohol content. All present at a gathering can participate in the experience.
The experience of making these drinks was fun could enhance an evening with friends.
As someone who doesn’t take alcohol, I am pleasantly surprised to have enjoyed the drinks and would certainly entertain drinking mulled spices again.
https://steenbergs.co.uk/fairtrade-mulling-spices-set-of-3-in-calico-box-oh-gs1
Cost: £15
Rating: 4/5 due to the bitter mulled wine