Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Tea People
Tea Description:
This tea is from the premium tea gardens of Assam. Historically China had a monopoly on the tea trade but the British wanted to be able to control it. China was fiercely protective of her tea, so many adventures and an industrial espionage later, the British were able to finally get some tea to plant in Assam in British India.
Taste the adventure and romance in this smooth and dark Assam. Malty and well rounded enough to go with milk and sugar if desired. It would certainly be the one to wake you up in the mornings! And to make it easier for you, we’ve even had this luxury whole leaf tea packed into special handcrafted pyramid teabags which have been individually foil wrapped at source to maintain its freshness.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
It’s a happy moment when I come across a new Assam tea for me to try. I enjoy many different types of black tea, however, Assam is one of my favorites. I love that rich, malty flavor of an Assam. And this Assam from Tea People is called Malty Assam! You know I’m going to love it, right?
This is a wonderful Assam. Rich and malty? Yes! Of course it is. It has a very smooth and well rounded taste. It’s a full-flavored, energizing Assam.
The steeping parameters from Tea People recommend 3 – 4 minutes in near boiling to boiling water. Instead, I brewed this in boiling water for just 2 1/2 minutes. Based on my own personal experience with Assam, I find that longer than 2 1/2 minutes results in a slightly bitter tasting tea. This doesn’t happen with all Assam teas, but, it’s happened enough in the past so I’m cautious with this often temperamental tea. But because Assam tastes so good, it’s worth the little bit of extra work, you know? And I’m not tasting any bitterness to this cup.
This is one of those Assam teas that balances between “malty” and “wine-y” flavors. I get lots of the sweet, malty notes, but I’m also tasting a black currant note toward the finish. There is a dry astringency at the finish which accentuates the “wine-like” quality of this tea.
I enjoyed this served hot, straight with no additions. But, it is one of those teas that turns into a latte really well, so if you like a morning latte, don’t be afraid to add a little bit of milk and honey to this if you like it that way! An excellent choice for your morning cuppa!
