This black tea is one of a number of unique African teas What-Cha sources from the Satemwa Tea & Coffee Estate in the Shire Highlands of Malawi. This particular tea is produced exclusively from leaves Satemwa buys from Yamba, one of the local tea farmers. I found it to be a smooth, malty black tea ideal for early morning or afternoon consumption.
I brewed this tea Western style. I steeped 3 grams of loose tea leaves in approximately 8 ounces of 203 F water for 4 minutes. I did not attempt additional infusions.
Prior to infusion, the dry tea leaves emitted a leafy, malty aroma. After infusion, I easily detected aromas of malt, toast, cream, caramel, sorghum molasses, and orange. In the mouth, I picked up distinct notes of orange, toast, caramel, cream, malt, and sorghum molasses balanced by traces of leather, black cherry, and wood. What-Cha advertised this tea as possessing a distinct impression of honey, but I failed to get that out of it.
Many of the African black teas I have tried have been very hit or miss for me, but this one I greatly enjoyed. I found it to be a smooth, rich, malty tea with considerably more depth and complexity than expected. I think fans of maltier black teas like Assam would find quite a bit to like about this one.
Flavors: Caramel, Cherry, Cream, Leather, Malt, Molasses, Orange, Toast, Wood
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This one is very very tempting. (But the last few months have been killers on my tea budget. Killers.)
Oh yes! I’m about to place a What-Cha order and I ’m very tempted to add this one as well.
Teatotaler, I think one’s enjoyment of this tea will depend largely on how one feels about black teas on the maltier end of the spectrum. I think that if you enjoy orthodox Assams or African black teas, then you will likely enjoy this one.
I adore malty orthodox Assams and African black teas. Thank you, eastkyteaguy. I always enjoy your reviews!
Thank you, Teatotaler. I appreciate the kind words. If you end up trying this one, please let me know what you think.
I will most gladly do that, eastkyteaguy.
I adore malty orthodox Assams and African black teas. Thank you, eastkyteaguy. I always enjoy your reviews!
Yes, exactly that. On all counts. I like to settle into your reviews with a nice cup of tea, not the one you are writing about though, to luxuriate in the tea you are on about.
This one is very very tempting. (But the last few months have been killers on my tea budget. Killers.)
Oh yes! I’m about to place a What-Cha order and I ’m very tempted to add this one as well.
Teatotaler, I think one’s enjoyment of this tea will depend largely on how one feels about black teas on the maltier end of the spectrum. I think that if you enjoy orthodox Assams or African black teas, then you will likely enjoy this one.
I adore malty orthodox Assams and African black teas. Thank you, eastkyteaguy. I always enjoy your reviews!
Thank you, Teatotaler. I appreciate the kind words. If you end up trying this one, please let me know what you think.
I will most gladly do that, eastkyteaguy.
I adore malty orthodox Assams and African black teas. Thank you, eastkyteaguy. I always enjoy your reviews!
Yes, exactly that. On all counts. I like to settle into your reviews with a nice cup of tea, not the one you are writing about though, to luxuriate in the tea you are on about.