Assam Golden Tips

This is my first cup of real tea in a few days, and boy, does it feel good to be back! I’ve been really busy and out of my house, and haven’t even had a second to attempt to drink some tea. And I’ve been coming home too late to have anything other than decaf, so I’ve just been skipping out.

This is actually my first, pure Assam. I’ve had Assam blended into other teas (like Irish Breakfast), and I was pretty sure that I could pick it out in the sea of other flavors, so I was pretty excited to see if I got it right.

Can I rhapsodize a bit on the beauty of the dry leaves? Downy and silky and pure autumn gold, most of which were unbroken in my sample packet. So. Gorgeous. And the smell coming off them… black tea roasty mixed with something sweet! A bit fruity, somewhat akin to a Darjeeling smell, but a bit lighter and less assertive.

So I steeped this one up, and the tea scattered and swirled like a tea-snow-globe. And almost immediately, as the hot water hit the leaves, the water turned a brilliant copper. The copper darkened as the tea steeped, and when it was time for the pour…

The wet leaves smell very, very fruity with a hint of a signature black tea robustness. And the infusion? Very black tea-esque, with some fruit added in. This was interesting. I couldn’t smell the signature malty smell that usually screams “ASSAM” at me.

My first sip was a surprise, because this one is damned complicated! There’s almost a muscatel, Darjeeling grape taste, followed by – there it was – a rush of malt. When I talk about malt from an Assam, I’m not really referring to malted chocolate balls like Whoppers. I’m talking more about the malty characteristics of beer. This malt was nice and robust and brisk, but mellowed out at the end. The flavors left at the end were somewhat sweet and smooth.

As the tea cooled, the fruity notes spiked a bit, and the malt smoothed out. There was definitely more of a honey-like sweetness after every sip. An almost burnt sugar taste, even. And then there was this elusive bake-y taste that would pop up in the aftertaste after every couple of sips! It was so intriguing that I kept pausing and drinking to try and draw it out. A fresh baked bread taste, which you can sometimes get at the end of a good beer, if you’re paying attention.

There were downy bits floating around in my cup, so I think I might do a rinse of these leaves next time. Or maybe those downy bits add flavor? I have no idea. Anyway, this was a great tea to come home to. Very intriguing, indeed.

I’m actually wondering if the tea I have received is off or old. I smelled the dry leaves and…nothing. No scent. My nose is extremely sensitive too. I’ve never had a tea that hasn’t smelled like something before. I ground a few of the curls up and there was a little scent, but barely.

I steeped this tea for just under 5 minutes. It tasted a bit odd. Slightly malty, but mostly just something I couldn’t put my finger on and it wasn’t very pleasant. Surprisingly weak for such a long steep.

Overall, I think I may have got a bad batch – at least, I hope so! Very disappointing. Not leaving a rating.

Sipping on this golden tea while I wait for dry garlic ribs in the oven. First off, the leaves are beautiful. Like a light, caramel honey brown. The dry leaf smells lighter, yet roastier than the others I’ve tried. Like when brioche has that perfectly golden brown crust.

This is much thinner for an Assam. I’m used to that thick, full mouthfeel and deep malty richness. It’s even lighter in taste. Not as brisk as their organic Assam either. Slightly sweeter than the other Assams I have tried.

It’s quite enjoyable. A daintier, prettier Assam, but whenever I’m in the mood for Assam, I like that ultra maltiness.

While the namesake bears the iconic Assam, the tea itself stands apart in body and flavor from traditional Assam teas. The flavor is mild in comparison but savory and elegant at the same time. The dominant note is honey, and without doubt even the most indiscriminate tea sipper would notice this unmistakeable sweetness on the tongue. The leaves are robust and have a pleasant appearance typical of many tippy tea and an aroma that strongly suggests a comforting sweetness. The brew is less intense than most assam offerings so don’t expect a jolt from this cup. Instead it is a smooth and more subtle experience and I find myself coming back to this cup almost as much as my go to Top Chingwo Congou. As with other high quality teas this is an expensive delicacy, and that facet may not appeal to the bulk of consumers. Nonetheless this is a stellar tippy tea.

Lovely and smooth. A good idea for those who shy away from ham-fisted Assams.

Natural sweetness comes from the tips or the buds of the tea being harvested. Assam Golden Tips consists of only the tips, hence the name. With a malty, fruity mango-like and underlying honey notes, this is a tea to be desired. Limited in production and pricey, this tea will be that much more special.

I love drinking Assam teas- especially when “Tippy” is in the name. When I saw the golden tin, I was excited to discover the tea inside. The color of the leaves was just as the name describes: Golden. The tea itself definitely tasted like an Assam, but with a different undertone; It is hard to describe. It was lighter than most Assams, and not as earthy. The brewed tea was a nice amber-gold color which is new to me for most black teas. Over all, the tea was excellent, and I will be getting this again.

What can I say to describe this tea? The leaves are beautiful, like lightly toasted, spun gold. The liquor is a deep, rich red. I am a bit sock, and can’t describe the smell too well, though I recall the dry leaves smelling malty and earthy.
I normally take my Indian black teas with milk and sugar, and although this tea is no exception, I needed less sugar. It is naturally light and sweet, and almost airy for an Assam (somehow it is both airy and earthy…). This tea is a real treat, and I am happy to have had the chance to taste it. Thanks Harney and Sons!
I would say that this is a tea that even novices could appreciate, but that only experienced tea lovers could really understand. Maybe don’t go buy a ¼ pound, but I’d recommend that everyone try at least a sample pack of it.

partied hard last night.
rebooting today with some Assam and vegan endurance athlete videos and sherlock fanfiction.
happy thanksgiving!
http://instagram.com/p/SVvg2mIc3h/

Very good tea. No astringency or bitterness. That being said, I prefer a tea with more oomph. If you like a mild tea, you will love this.

Very light and mild Assam tea. Still has some of the maltiness of Assam without much astringency. I prefer Yunnan golden buds though.

I was so surprised how sweet the flavor of this tea is. This was my first Assam tea, and I believe I am spoiled. I have learned that great tea isn’t cheap, but this one is worth every penny.

A hearty tea to get the day going! Pretty golden tips with a honeyed aroma to the tea itself. Substantial body with a lightness, if that makes sense. Malty with fleeting sweetness. Takes milk and sugar well but the flavor is somewhat muted.