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Captain Assam from Andrews & Dunham Damn Fine Tea

Steepster Score 34 Ratings Rate This Tea

82/100

Captain Assam

Black Tea by Andrews & Dunham Damn Fine Tea

Who knows the limit of the sea? Who has spied its edge and not glimpsed more beyond? Our lonely Captain has stared into the watery depths more than most. Far removed from the overcast shores of his boyhood, long the ward of the ocean’s swells and spray, he does not want for company. The course is of his choosing; the treasure is all that eludes his grasp. And he is not alone.

Who has been staring back? And who would return to fix their gaze so softly upon this worn and craggy face? Love is mystery enough that it needs no magic from the deep to capture our imagination. But like a warm fire, a good salty yarn is hard to resist.

The Captain is a hearty Assam tea from India. For an invigorating brew, steep these leaves for 4 minutes in boiling water. Try 3 if you are of a gentler nature and seek only warm comfort. Beware the urge to brew this tea in salt water.

51 Tasting Notes

tiffanypicard
100

I’m a sucker for good packaging and creative marketing, so I’m prefacing this by saying that I’m already majorly biased. I mean, how can you NOT love tea that’s called Captain Assam’s High Seas Elixir? And comes in a shipper box from which the usps label can be peeled off, and the box can literally be turned inside out to become a very decent gift box? And comes with temporary tatoos that say “Brewed ’n Tattooed”?

However, with that preface, I’m also a fanatical tea drinker who appreciates a good cuppa. So that being said, I’m happy to report that the tea itself is very good as well! I prefer my Assams light and sweet (no milk or sugar please), and this hits the spot.

Brew it with 180 degree water (yes, you heard me correctly), 1-2 tsp. in a 8oz gaiwan, for 5-10 mins, and it yields a honey-sweet cup with floral notes and a wonderful, clean flavor.

I’ve also used this tea to make excellent Tea Eggs. Boil eggs for 10 mins, then crack them all over and put them back in the hot water. Add 2 tablespoons assam tea, plus 1 tablespoon Davids Tea Coco Chai Rooibos, and simmer for another hour. Eat along with a cup of this Assam, and it’s the perfect mid-morning snack.

I would score this tea a 92, but it gets +10 bonus points for the packaging!

Alicia
64

Love this! This tea has been a recent companion to my watch standing and post watch breakfasts! It has a wonderful flavor and goes delightfully with milk. i honestly had to order a second set, not just for the cool tattoos, but because there just wasn’t enough of this sea going mate in one can for an ol’ salt like me!
This is a must try and re-try for anybody and everybody who simply wants a good cup of tea. :)

oOTeaOo
78
oOTeaOo 4 tasting notes

Backlogging.

I drink this tea more often than I record it. This is a sturdy, dependable black tea. It isn’t bitter or astringent. I like to add this to my own homemade chai.

This is a great basic Assam tea. It is malty and light. You can brew it dark if you wish or you can brew it light. Great tea! I’m going to miss it.

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bkyleb
80
bkyleb 2 tasting notes

I must agree with several other notes that I’ve read regarding this tea, as I was expecting a little bit more of a punch. Don’t get me wrong, I like this tea. It is, however, a milder Assam than I was expecting. I think the only basis for my assumption, however, is that the only other Assams I’ve ever had have been a little stronger. That said, the tea was pleasantly mellow but stout and solid. I may try a bit more leaf next time, but regardless this tea is pretty good.

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Matt
81

Captain Assam! I seem to be drowning in A&D’s Damn Fine Tea these days (not that that could possibly be a bad thing). A very lovely gift from a secret santa, and I brewed it straight away.

I went ahead and tried the full 4-minute recommended steep, and boy, it was lovely. Brisk as can be, with a very even flavor, reminiscent of raisin and wet branches. (Sorry, that sounds strange, but it’s pleasant, I swear!) I gave the leaves a second steep, but I’m afraid the resteep was rather weak. Maybe I’ll try a 3 minute first steep and the second cup will come out alright?

Anyway, A solid cup. It’s certainly worth your time.

joshuasbones
83

Much milder and sweeter than Thomas Samson.

Skulleigh
83
Skulleigh 4 tasting notes

So this is my first time trying a loose tea from a higher end company. I’ve had Twinings, and Mighty Leaf, and Adagio. Now this.

First impressions – man, I love their sense of design. Just opening the box was a treat. Then to open the tins (I got the set with this and the Mermaid’s tea). An A&D patch, temporary tattoos, and the art on the tins. It’s all so awesome!

This tea itself – the leaves look and smell so good. It reminded me in scent of the Keemun Rhapsody I have, which is my current favorite. I steeped this in my IngenuiTea, for the prescribed 4 minutes, and then immediately added water after decanting it into my little glass teapot for admiration. It’s a beautiful color, a deep golden brown.

Taste – the first sip had a little bitter undertone that worried me, but it doesn’t stick around. I think I’ll try a lower temperature for the next brewing. Still, very enjoyable. I’m drinking this cup straight. I definitely look forward to trying a little milk and cream. I think that will be delicious.

Oh, my poor Captain. I steeped him too long. I am sorry for the abuse!

Brewed him up in my Lock & Lock, waited too long to sip, and then realized it was going to get bitter if I left the tea in the leaves. Poured it out into a disposable coffee cup. The indignity! My hippie heart aches.

Still dang drinkable though! Drinking straight this morning. I am determined to watch what I’m eating and drinking. I’ve lost 10 lbs in the last 2 months, and I don’t want to destroy that work!

Oh
My
Gods.

Captain Assam, where have you been all my life?

I drank the second cup as a latte. It’s way too late for caffeinated beverages, so I’m going to lie awake tonight. But I’ll be fantasizing about the Captain whilst doing so.

Rough seas this morning. I steeped too long, and a sip of it tastes like a shot across my bow instead of the lapping of a calm harbour.

A bit of sweetener helps a bit, but it still shivers me timbers a bit.

Hope everyone else has smoother sailing today.

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Eric
81
chickenofeathers
80

This tea is best with something cinnamon-flavored or maybe orange-flavored, when hot. However, this morning I had some cold, and it was delicious by itself. Remember this in the summer when you’re making iced tea!

blence
72

Mild black tea. Pretty tasty.

torimpls
91
torimpls 2 tasting notes

Oh. Oh… Oh. I have a crush on this Captain like whoa.

Super light brew, great flavor without being overbearing (and I like ’em strong) and a perfect way to wake up with the Captain every morning. I like this with my breakfast of hot sauce with eggs~ The Assam has a bit of sweetness that goes well with a bite.

Probably my favorite A&D thus far.

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