Tea Information:

Leaf Type: Black

Where to Buy: Upton Tea Imports 

Tea Description:

We created this selection specifically for use in samovars but it also works exceptionally well in traditional teapots. The tea has a dark cup, well-balanced character, and can be infused for a long period without becoming bitter. The flavor is of a classic medium-grown Ceylon with a smooth profile and hints of ripe apple.

Origin:

Sri Lanka

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

Samovar Op-A Blend from Upton Tea Imports has a nicely sweet yet malty flavor that rests gently on the palate.

My immediate reaction is that the aroma was far more inciting them the flavor, at first I thought it rather bland, but as soon as that thought had left my mind I got those intensely sweet honeyed notes and a lovely blanket of malty goodness on my tongue!

As I spent more time with the tea shaking away that first impression I realized that the apple notes begin to sparkle and there is something of a sparkly sensation on the tongue.

I am not normally a big fan of Ceylon teas but this one has some elements that remind me of Darjeeling, and I like that a lot!

There is a very slight chocolate note to the tea, but very slight, it just has this backdrop which makes the taste more robust, thick even, and quite rich.

Then a raisin flavor comes forward as well.

I am glad I did not listen to that knee jerk reaction, as I would have been a jerk indeed had I dumped this cup!

This is one of the smoothes teas with absolutely not one bit of astringency or bitterness I have ever had!

I am glad now that I have enough for another steeping session for a later time, I expect to get many more steeps out of this leaf!