Malawi Black Treasure

From Cameron B!  THANKS SO MUCH On the first sip: “oh wow, I love this tea.”  To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much, as not many people are clambering for tea from Malawi.  My experience with the few Malawi teas I have had have been unmemorable.  But when I poured the water over the leaves, and the brew got quite deep very quickly, I knew it would be closer to my cup of tea than I thought.  The leaves are all different shapes and sizes somehow, though all the same color.  The scent of the dry leaf is very rich and unique.  Maybe hints of deep red fruit.  It distinguishes itself to red plum later on as the cup cools. The flavor, so so good — like a richer, bolder Premium Taiwanese Assam, with hints of honey, rich bread, and also a bit of the fruit that was hinted at in the scent of the leaves.  But it’s also very unique.  I am ALL FOR a richer PTA though!   Lingering flavors like I had just sipped a cup of coffee.  Note to self: that first steep was probably brewed perfectly.  The second and third steeps DID seem like a different tea, were both the same, and a little too harsh and astringent while not being quite as deep of a cup as the first steep.  So, a couple points from the rating for not being a great resteeper… But that first steep!  Golden!  Sadly, I immediately ran to Harney’s site, and it already looks like they don’t offer it anymore.  Of course. :/  This tin, will indeed, be a “treasure” to this particular tea drinker! 
Steep #1 //  1 1/2 teaspsoons for a full mug // 16 minutes after boiling // 2 minute steep
Steep #2 // 10 minutes after boiling // 3 minute steep
Steep #3 // just boiled // 4-5 minute steep

What beautiful leaves! They are long and twisted, cocoa brown, with a stem or two, but not as many as you might find in a Taiwanese tea. Gorgeous leaves and worth displaying before steeping if you are serving tea to guests.

The flavor is lovely with fruity notes like raisin and apricot, and a bare hint of sweet potato aroma. It is very nice on its own or with food.

Lost Malawi from Rare Tea Company is cut much finer and is a beloved breakfast blend for me. You steep it at a lower temp and for a shorter time, but it has more smoky flavor and a bit more heft. I don’t add milk or sugar but you could get away with it.

This tea is flavorful but has a different profile than Lost Malawi to me. It is an afternoon delight that is not delicate but is clearly not for breakfast, if that makes sense. It has a suit to wear to your tea party.

I have had a number of Satemwa Estate teas and they have all been excellent..

Random impulse purchase! I was restocking on some fruit tisanes from Harney and was intrigued by this new tea. It’s reasonably priced and the leaves are big and twisty, plus I haven’t had many Malawian teas.

It definitely reminds me of an Assam, it has those raisin and molasses/brown sugar notes to it and a touch of astringency. Apricot or plum fruit leather and tobacco are present as well, and a hint of floral on the back end. I don’t know if I would order more, since I’m not really an Assam drinker, but it’s enjoyable and I’ll happily sip through the tin. Plus it’s fun to try new things! :)