Tiger Assam

This is a big, bold Assam that doesn’t waste time trying to be subtle – very tiger-like. It has that characteristic malt flavour that leaves an aftertaste on my tongue that makes me think of burnt sugar. It’s a bit on the astringent for me to be really wild about this one and oddly enough it doesn’t seem to go well with milk, which is unusual for this type of tea.

I’ve tried other Assams that I liked more, if I’m honest. I might be alone in my opinion given other people’s ratings, but I’d consider this to be a good, but not fantastic tea.

Smooth, hefty assam that is not very malty. Maintains nice flavor with milk and sugar, but not so bold that it needs those things to take the edge off. Not super complex, but smooth and refined. Good wake up tea!

I bought the 3 tin pack of this, Mount gray and Double Knit, and at first I was worried it seems like a lot of tea… But I’ve slowly been going through it and am actually almost out of this one. I’ve found it to be a good tea to brew in the morning and carry along iced for throughout the day. It’s pretty strong but has nice flavor and is a nice pick me up in the afternoon. I have been having it everyday and I think it’s really grown on me.

Last night, the hubs and I went out for curry at a Thai restaurant we frequent. I had some of my veggie Massaman curry left over, so I brought it home and am having it for lunch today, along with this tea.

I had thought about chai with my curry, but decided I needed a plain tea that wouldn’t compete with the spices in the curry. Frothed some splenda and almond-coconut milk while the Assam brewed, and then combined for a nice malty latte. Perfect with my lunch.

This is good. Really good. Makes a smooth, bold cuppa. I usually don’t drink black tea’s without adding a splash of milk, but this one I like without adding anything.

The fellas at Andrews & Dunham seemed so damn sure of their product at the 2013 NY Coffee & Tea Festival that I felt compelled to purchase a canister of their Tiger Assam. When I brew a pot at home, this sassy cuppa can’t be contained to a single serving. Bold as the stripes of its namesake, it’s the “Kick-Ass” in “Assam”. Enjoy it straight, without creamer or sweetener. The only thing that would enhance its awesomeness is if you play “Eye of the Tiger” while you’re steeping it.

Sample from the last TTB. This turned out a little bitter and not special, unfortunately. I don’t taste any maltiness or any of the things that usually make Assam my favorite black base. Maybe this was somehow a brewing error because it seems like people really love this one.

Had a bit of dragonwell this morning but need a kick in the pants. Picked this one at random. The dry smell has been ruined a bit but the wet leaf aroma represents all that is good about Assam teas. slightly malty, woodsy, bread pudding, old oak chest. The flavor is a good kick in the pants. The perfect amount of astringency to wake you up but not to make you go “whoa too much”. A bit of resin and varnish but overall very woodsy and glorious. Malty and smooth mouth feel.

Another swap from Cameron and I loved this one! Cameron, if you’re reading this you have amazing taste! I normally go for ctc assams but this was delightful, I’d love to add it to my collection when it’s back in stock.

TTB

I’m actually pretty underwhelmed by this. I’m getting raisins, and a lot of metallic tang. Otherwise very forgettable.