Leaf Type: Green
Produced By PT Harendong Green Farm
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Taster’s Review:
At first glance, I wouldn’t guess that this tea was a green tea. The dry leaves look very much like a green Oolong, possibly a Tie Guan Yin. The leaves are rolled into tight pellets, just like a green Oolong would be.
However, upon closer examination, I began to recognize significant differences between this and an Oolong. The aroma is more like a green tea, with a fresh, distinctive grassy tone.
The tea infuses to a lovely pale green color, and the flavor is rich and the texture is broth-like. I wouldn’t call the flavor “grassy” exactly, at least, not in a bitter/grassy context. Instead, this has a sweet flavor with a savory vegetative note, like the flavor of a mild steamed vegetable. There are delicious nutty notes in the background.
This is very smooth and a pleasure to sip. As I continue to sip, I notice that the savory tones of this tea develop, enhancing the vegetative notes but not overwhelming the sweet flavors. A remarkable green tea from Indonesia, I am so glad I had this opportunity to taste it.
Java Santosa from McNulty’s
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: McNulty’s
Company Description:
I was not able to locate a description of this tea on McNulty’s website.
Taster’s Review:
This black tea is a single estate tea from the Santosa estate in Java (an island in Indonesia). Having tried only a few teas from Indonesia but quite enjoying those that I have tried, I always welcome the opportunity to try more.
The flavor of this tea is rich and robust. It definitely has GUSTO to it to get you going! A perfect morning tea, this tea would also make a nice pick-me-up for the afternoon.
There is a hint of underlying sweetness to this tea, but mostly what I am getting is a straightforward, STRONG, bright tasting black tea. It has a toothsome quality to it, but not quite as much as a stout Assam. A bit of astringency, but no bitterness.
A very pleasant black tea that would make an excellent alternative to the typical breakfast blend or morning Assam. It takes the addition of milk and honey quite well, although I found it to be rather lovely without addition.