Assam Rani

Got my TeaFrog samples today! I knew mine shipped out late (yes, this is from the Select a couple of weeks back) because I got the Earl Grey Special, so I wasn’t too worried, but it was very exciting to find in the mailbox today.

This is a very tasty plain black tea – the citrus is the description is right on. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought this was an orange scented tea from the aroma. Pretty similar to an Earl Grey, actually, but milder and sweeter. This was a little harsh for me plain, but it’s great with milk (the spicy citrus flavor is still there).

Second steep (5 minutes) is a little milder and sweeter, enough to drink plain, but plenty strong enough to drink. Spice/citrus notes are still present.

1 heaping tsp (2g) in 8oz water

Probably the closest to perfect I’ve ever seen an Assam come. Not sure if I agree with the “soft citrus notes”, but it did have a fruit/floral lean that was uncharacteristic of Assams of yesterbrew. There was a tad bit of malt to the middle but not much, and the astringency was thankfully understated. It’s a shame that this stuff is such a rarity now, though.

Full Review: http://www.itsallabouttheleaf.com/2139/tea-review-teafrog-assam-rani-sftgfop-2/

I was trying to determine which of the teas I have at the office that I wanted to carry in my thermos to enjoy tonight. That was when I noticed this tea. I am glad I found it. The most surprising thing to me is that the tea has an almost cherry aroma. I don’t remember this from the last time I made it, but it is pleasant. There is no bitterness and it is a very soothing tea after the spice from the masala chai I was drinking earlier. I can’t quite place the flavors I am tasting in this tea, but will have to look into getting some more.

I just got my TeaFrog order today (which Canada Post managed to screw up, but ANYWAY) and had quite a bit of trouble deciding which tea to try first, which is always a lovely problem to have. There were six samples as well as three of my favourite teas from the previous sample pack.

I’m glad I went with the Assam sample, because… wow! It’s bold, but smooth, with just a hint of citrus. A four-minute steep makes it strong enough to stand up to milk and sugar, but it would be great on its own as well. Yet another to reorder.

How will I ever go back to mass-market teabags?!