I wonder if it could be the variety of the thyme that made a difference?
Or the age of the herb?
I subscribe to an herb CSA and have been making/learning about herbal teas and found that different varieties can taste quite different. Brewing methods can change the taste too (cold brew, short brew time, overnight infusions).
Have you tried making tea from fresh thyme? I’ve purchased herb plants from the local Whole Foods (often on sale for $1.50 a plant) and keep them on my window sill, sometimes I just snip some of the herbs and make some tea from them. Tends to give a milder tea flavor than dried.
