I prepared this tea in the Western style. I steeped 3 grams of loose tea leaves in approximately 8 ounces of 203 F water for 5 minutes. No subsequent infusions were attempted.
Prior to infusion, the dry tea leaves emitted malty, woody aromas. After infusion, I found scents of malt, smoke, wood, roasted nuts, cocoa, molasses, and caramel. In the mouth, the liquor was fairly astringent and tannic. I noticed heavy notes of oak wood and smoked pine accompanied by notes of spruce, cedar, wildflower honey, hazelnut, roasted chestnut, and black walnut that eventually gave way to softer, subtler impressions of cream, malt, cocoa, caramel, molasses, nutmeg, and black pepper. The finish was woody, malty, smoky, and nutty, though I could still detect impressions of molasses and wildflower honey.
This was a heavy, punchy tea that had a ton to offer in the flavor department, but it was also not the most drinkable Assamica out there. I found the mouthfeel to be a bit harsh, and at times, it was a little too astringent for my liking. As much as I enjoyed getting to a try an exotic New World tea, I cannot see myself ever reaching for this over a good Indian or Yunnan Assamica. I’m still willing to bet, however, that Assamica fans would enjoy this tea on one level or another.
Flavors: Black Pepper, Caramel, Cedar, Chestnut, Cocoa, Cream, Hazelnut, Honey, Malt, Molasses, Nutmeg, Oak, Pine, Walnut
