So this is the first tea I choose to have out of order #2 from Butiki. Yes, 2nd order within the last 3 weeks… Evil Temptress Stacy is to blame for making her teas so incredibly irresistible!
Just as I was thinking that instead of reasoning myself on order #1, I should have gone for the 75$ purchase at once in order to save on shipping, I got an email from Stacy advising me that a free shipping promo was coming for labor day week on the following Monday. Since I was missing on that promo cause I had ordered too soon, she offered me to choose another tea free of charge, that equaled the shipping price.
Now, that’s how you keep clients around for a long, long, time! I chose Exotic pear which does smell fantastic, but this morning, I just had a too strong attraction to Assam…
I love Assam, I do like my tea bold and robust, after all I am a Canadian woman! ( comment directed at tunes&tea for his Canadian Breakfast review, lol).
I know this type of black tea is not loved by so many, it is often very strong and can be astringent, but that’s something I seek in the morning as a breakfast tea…
I went 1 minute over the recommended steep of 4min 30sec, and still, the astringency is close to inexistent. What a nice mellow Assam! It makes me wonder if this is a first or second flush, I’ve read that second flush Assams are sweeter and less bitter.
Don’t get me wrong, it might be softer than most Assam I’ve tried, but it’s still very bold with lots of character!
It is full bodied, nice big dark amber color, rich cocoa feel, malty and sweet with no bitterness. I have mine straight, but I have no doubt it would sustain milk and sugar and not get lost in them.
I’d say that if this type of tea normally scares you, this is the one to try.
Conclusion: Although I can handle a strong black tea, I love that this one will satisfy that need but will also offer a tender, softer side in addition.
At a special price of $2.80 for one once, I only wish I had ordered more!
In my order, I also got a sample of Taiwanese Assam, can’t wait to compare the 2, the description is mouthwatering!
