I actually tried this yesterday, but I had to confirm who put it out with the person who gave it to me. This is the first single estate Nilgiri I’ve ever tried, and it singlehandedly proved to me that the region gets a bum rap. This is not a low quality tea. In fact, in terms of malt, astringence and body, it could give even the heartiest of Assams a run for their money. Of course, that might be due to the way I brewed it. I wasn’t really paying attention. It was strong, port wine-like on first bite, had a dry character in the middle, but settled nicely. A wonderful surprise.
Organic Thiashola FTGFOP1
Black Tea by American Tea Room
Assam and Darjeeling are better known for their tea than the “blue hills” of Southern India’s Nilgiri region, but this is a spectacular tea nonetheless. The small, dark leaves of Thiashola Finest Organic have a remarkably perfumey fragrance of firewood, spices and stonefruit. The clear, deep amber brew has exotic undertones of leather, fine incense, carved hardwoods and Chianti-poached stonefruits. Its bold flavor is rare for a Nilgiri, as Nilgiri teas are usually more fragrant than they are flavorful. Woody, spiced, floral and fruity flavors abound. Medium tannins, full notes of cardamom, clove and red plum, and a woody, lightly astringent aftertaste leave a lasting impression. Like many Nilgiris, Thiashola is exceptionally crisp, clean and floral when served iced. This tea is certified USDA organic.
