Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Element Tea
Product Description:
Estate-grown Assams grow at a higher altitude, giving them a depth of flavor suitable for drinking anytime of day. Maltier than other types of tea, the Assam’s strong and weighty flavor goes well with the addition of lemon, milk, or sugar. (FTGFOP1 stands for “Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe – Grade 1”)
Taster’s Review:
This is one of the “heftiest” Assam teas I’ve come across! It has a biscuit-y taste to it, like freshly baked bread and a texture to match. This one would definitely make a great breakfast tea … even if you don’t eat breakfast! (Note: I’m not advising anyone to skip breakfast! I am just acknowledging that some of us do!)
There is a remarkable caramel-like sweetness to this tea and it isn’t just an undertone. It is a sweetness that makes its presence known throughout the sip. It is very malty – one of the maltiest Assam teas I’ve tasted.
It also has a mere hint of savory bitterness that hits just at mid-sip and seems to disappear just as quickly as it appears, making this taster question whether its really there or just my imagination! This is a bold, hefty Assam that is just right for that “first cup of the morning.”
While the brewing parameters from Element Tea suggested a four minute brew time, I only steeped it for three minutes. It is almost like an automatic mindset: Assam Tea? Three minutes. I have found that when I venture into the “beyond three minutes” realm with Assam tea there is bitterness to the cup. I sipped it without any addition and found it to be quite lovely: bold and daring, with a sharp edge that is just right for the first cup of the day. I have also tasted this tea with a drizzle of honey, and it’s quite nice with sweetener. I find it softens some of that sharp edge I mentioned previously. Milk would also be a nice addition.
This is one of those “practically perfect” Assam teas that makes a practically perfect breakfast tea! It’s amazing!
