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We’re a funny bunch on Steepster…..we love strange and unusual teas with unusual flavors…complicated teas with secret histories….there is such mystery in the flavors that are unlocked in our cup that we go on mental journeys with our palate…sometimes quiet contemplative journeys, sometimes raucous wild rides. But we travel…. These days
I love to “cup” travel to Assam. I love the subtle simplicity of the notes in a cup of Assam loveliness. Not many on Steepster travel to this region to fill their cup, but I’m a frequent flyer these days….and this 2nd flush Assam sourced from Heritage Tea Plantation is exactly the reason why I fill my cup with Assams so often.

The dry leaves are long and dark with just a few light golden tips interspersed. The smell of these dry leaves is vibrantly malty with a touch of cooked stone fruit. Wet, the leaves are whole and broken, but much larger than those found in many Assams. The coppery infusion is deliciously and straightforwardly malty and incredibly smooth. There is little astringency here when steeped at 3 minutes, just a lovely round mouthfeel and medium body that leave the taste of wonderful malt in your mouth. the stone fruit note is still present, but what is most noticeable is the smooooooooth……

The differences between Assams isn’t as pronounced as the differences between, say, Keemuns or Darjeelings….but it is there. What-Cha has offered a wonderful assam for any tea drinker who would like a wonderful example of what a tea from this region can be….and IS. Recommended.

Flavors: Malt, Stonefruit

Preparation
Boiling 3 min, 0 sec 2 tsp 12 OZ / 354 ML
Nicole

Nice review! :)

TeaTiff

Nicole got me to explore Assam a bit more. donkeytiara what is your favorite assam so far?

donkeyteaarrrraugh

Sorry TeaTiff, I just saw this! I think this is a good Assam…there are other well thought of estates that produce nice assams like Mangalam and Halmari. The flavor profiles are pretty similar, but there are subtle differences. There is an assam from NE India that adds a nice floral aspect to the mix (from tea box) but it’s cheating because it’s not actually from assam. :)

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Comments

Nicole

Nice review! :)

TeaTiff

Nicole got me to explore Assam a bit more. donkeytiara what is your favorite assam so far?

donkeyteaarrrraugh

Sorry TeaTiff, I just saw this! I think this is a good Assam…there are other well thought of estates that produce nice assams like Mangalam and Halmari. The flavor profiles are pretty similar, but there are subtle differences. There is an assam from NE India that adds a nice floral aspect to the mix (from tea box) but it’s cheating because it’s not actually from assam. :)

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Bio

Spot or pot, I love a cup!

I learned to drink tea while living in Dublin in the early 80’s, so as you can imagine, I am a hearty brew lover, and take tea with milk and honey. I am trying to expand my horizons with tea….that is why I’m now on Steepster! Joined in January 2014.

Currently loving strong black teas that hold up to milk and honey well. I have a curiosity about keemuns and yunnans, but smoky ones are out. Green and white teas are off my radar, but making little forays into oolong and darjeeling tea. Herbal? So far only cacao tea has gone into regular rotation in my tea routine.

I do like some naturally flavoured teas…almond, vanilla, cardamom, ginger. This seems to be mostly in the cooler months…but mostly I’m an unflavoured tea drinker.

Life is too short for bad tea and bad bread.

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San diego

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