I picked up this sample tea to try with my latest Upton order. The description of it sounded nice and relatively mild for an Assam. It was steeped for 4 minutes this morning in a glass teapot.
The tea liquor is a very dark orangish-brown. I was worried a bit that I had steeped this for too long, but it is very good. A strong cup to be sure; dark, sweet, traces of honey, a smattering of cocoa, and a tiny bit of pungency at the end. I’m not sure I am getting red apple but there is a natural fruitiness of some kind here. Not much bitterness or briskness to be found in the cup at all. You can drink this plain, but it also accommodates a splash of soymilk very well. Does not need sugar at all, in my opinion.
A very smooth and gentle Assam, and a great selection by Upton. Sometimes Assams can be too assertive and rough, especially for people with sensitive tummies. In my experience, finding a milder one is the key to success and since Upton has so many Assams, there is certainly one for everyone. I will certainly consider buying a full size of this and the price is certainly right: 125g for $7.80 at the time I am writing this.
On the [ever expanding] shopping list it goes!
