85

I’ve tried a fair few Assam teas in my time – it used to be one of my favourite varieties. Some were good, some not so good. This one is fabulous — it’s everything I want from an Assam. I don’t actually think I’ve knowingly tried a second flush assam before, though, so this is both a new and a familiar experience for me.

The dry leaves are medium in size, and very tippy. The lighter colour is highly noticeable among the predominantly darker leaves. It smells just like a good Assam ought to smell – robust, malty, quintessentially tea-like.

I’m drinking this at the start of my work day, so I used two small teaspoons and brewed for about three and a half to four minutes. The brewed liquor, again, is classic Assam – a deep red-brown. It smells much like it does dry, which, in my experience, is usually a good sign. The taste is what I like most about this tea, though. It has a wonderful, strong undertone that I can only describe as malty even though I’ve already used that description once in this note. That’s what it is. Malty. On the surface, if I may describe it like that, it’s smoother and sweeter. Together, these two tastes make for a really good, solid, Assam taste. I love this. It’s the perfect wake up drink for me!

Preparation
Boiling 3 min, 45 sec

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Bio

Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.

Location

Norfolk, UK

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