Assam Jungle Cabernet

O.M.G. This smells AWESOME!!!!!!
50 points just for that! :)
If you are a Cabernet fan I don’t think there would be any guessing that this is EXACTLY what this tea smells like prior to infusion! Grapey-Cabernet sweetness – beautiful!

The infused tea you can smell more of the black tea AND the Cabernet smell with undertones of cinnamon…but not a fireball cinnamon…more like an Indian Spice type like in a traditional Indian Dish or chai. I’m thinking the licorice tones down the fruitiness of the Cabernet a little bit…but not a lot.

This ‘brews up’ VERY dark brown.

The taste is MUCH different that I expected based on the outstanding aroma. The black tea – Assam – pulls thru and is flavorful BUT bold and the Cabernet taste seems to be just as bold.

As it cools a bit the taste is becoming more astringent but in a good way…a way like some Cabernet can be.

Ahhh…CHEERS to Friday, eh!?
AWESOME.

I drink my teas from a glass Bodum yo-yo tea cup, which shows the liquid off to fine effect. Through the glass this tea actually looks like a glass of red wine. There are notes of grape, cherry, some light spice and a slight cabernet fragrance. The assam tea used has a strong bitterness and astringency that I would normally dislike, but in this case it seems to go well with the red wine taste which is stronger in the taste than in the fragrance. It is a very slow sipper, partially because of the dryness and bitterness. On the whole, I like their champagne infused white tea better, but this has a nice pungency that I also enjoy.

I got some of this tea from a buddy awhile back ago. I can taste the black tea with grapeness and abit of cinnamon. I was hoping to try this because I really enjoyed the champagne white tea from compass teas. But to be honest I believe that either because of the cinnamon or perhaps something else this tea just does not work for me. Although I will say it’s interesting and unique. If anyone want’s the rest of what I have please let me know.

I had this from Chado Tea at the SF Tea Festival and it was pretty good. It was super hot, and I didn’t have much of it, but I did buy it, so there will be further reviews.

Normally Assam is not a favorite tea of mine as it comes off as way too malty in a bitter way but this one is actually very good. The tea comes off as lighter for an Assam with a wonderful Cabernet aroma and taste that goes with it. Even if you don’t think you like Assam tea, if you enjoy Cabernet red wine then this is a tea that is really worth trying.