Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Upton Tea Imports

Tea Description:

This versatile tea from Mozambique is a fantastic value for a smooth and flavorful everyday tea, and can be enjoyed both hot and iced. Flavor notes of vanilla, rose and nutmeg enhance the experience.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

I ordered this tea on the fly. I was making an order for a trade partner but tossed in a few samples for myself from Upton just for something new. I do love that you can grab samplers of every tea Upton Tea Imports carries for a buck or two, sometimes more, depending on the tea of course. Its a great company with a ton of excellent teas to sample.

I will admit I am not a big fan of their website. Its a little cumbersome and clunky but I manage to work it out when I want to make an order. Their physical catalogue is a sight to behold and has an honorary place in my magazine basket.

When I opened this tea and poured some leaf into my hand I was taken aback. It looked like coffee grounds, or fannings from a snipped open tea bag from the grocery store. I was confused for a moment and very skeptical that this tea would produce anything I wanted to sip. Regardless I steeped it up.

Pleasantly, I was surprised. There is a nice light malty base, with a sweet fruity flavor. It is lightly floral as well but you really have to pay attention to pick up that note, except there is this interesting after taste of fresh spring water that rose petals have been resting on. It is a cleansing quality of this tea that I highly appreciate! The rose essence in the spring water flavor is so subtle, actually the spring water flavor is more prominent than the rose.

There is a slight astringency typical of a black tea, but not to be confused with bitterness.

As the cup cools the vanilla note is more obvious and a creaminess to the mouthfeel comes out.

I just want to say this is not what I expected from these tiny tea particles! Granted its not difficult to rise to one’s expectations when those expectations are set so low, but this tea really has pulled through and made me step back and appreciate it.

I could see this becoming a morning staple. Granted maybe not my very first choice but absolutely one of those dependable, good quality morning teas for when I don’t want to try something new, and just need a tea that I know is going to satisfy! I always like to have several of those on hand!

I also think this tea would be absolutely perfect as an iced tea served to friends and family. It has enough depth and boldness to hold up to ice, and it also sports a lovely deep color.