Golden Monkey

Slightly bitter but not at all unpleasant. A low-impact blend ideal for afternoons. I actually like it better by itself than with milk. All in all, probably not a staple for me.

I’ve been drinking Teavana’s Golden Monkey for years, so I recently decided to try some other brands. This was the first on the list.

The color is a medium brown. “Nutty” best describes the scent and flavor. There’s a little bit of “malty” in there, too. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any chocolate or honey, which I was expecting. This tea is neither light nor bold, it’s right down the middle.

This tea is not nearly as bold as Teavana’s, and frankly I enjoy a nice, bold black tea. I tried steeping more tea, hotter, and longer, but couldn’t match the bold flavorfulness of Teavana’s. I still recommend this tea, but I will personally be sticking with Teavana’s version.

Sooo the first time I tried this tea I hadn’t really tried many unflavored black teas so just tasted really creamy and buttery to me. Didn’t like it much so I just gave the sample away. Since then I’ve tried a crap load of black teas and my tastes have changed so much, so I needed to try this again!
This was definitely better than I remember!
It does have that creamy factor that I remembered, but it’s not overpowering.
There’s quite a lot of cocoa and malt notes in this one. Along with the creamy flavors. I really really like the combo of all these. It really is a delicious tea!
This might have to be the Golden Monkey I am always going to keep on hand. It’s a pretty good price too! :D

I haven’t been drinking any new unflavored black teas for awhile, but what a nice way to get back into trying them! Dry leaf aroma was sweet and enticing. Brewed, the taste was smooth, light, sweet, with a definite fruitiness. I didn’t get the cocoa or caramel notes I read about in other reviews, but that’s OK. I really enjoyed this tea! Really drinkable, versatile, all around great black. I’ll be ordering more in the future, for sure.

I’m using my new mug my aunt sent me from Teavana for Christmas. (Okura Ume Blossom Infuser Tea Mug – their website picture does not do this mug justice AT ALL) I love this infuser mug – ceramic steeper is surprisingly fun, it’s so easy to clean when I’m used to metal meshes, and the design is just upping the experience for me. I’m eating two of my mother’s chocolate chip cookies she baked today for the occasion.

I have had this sample of Golden Monkey for awhile. A few years back I tried Adagio teas Golden Monkey and remember enjoying it quite a bit.

This tea really does have a comforting, golden glow about it. It just puts me in a good mood to drink it. I add a small smidge of sugar but it already has a nice sweetness that radiates from it. Very smooth and delicious to gulp up. It’s just as yummy while it cools down!

This was a sample from Harney & Sons and I brewed it with high hopes based on Steepster ratings. I noticed some chocolate malty type flavors, and a nice after taste. But not extraordinary.

Golden Monkey is one of my favorite Chinese black teas, and this one does not disappoint. Besides creating a beautiful golden-brown liquor in the cup, it has a really smooth taste with notes of dark honey or caramelized fruit. Truly exceptional!

This tea it was such a discover to me, this week. I am so glad I have a pack of it at home.
I don’t really like to put things as ‘the best I’ve ever had’, but this one is for sure one of the best black tea I’ve ever had, indeed!
Golden Monkey has body, smooth taste, could notice some cocoa in it. Package label said to steep for 5 minutes, but you could even steep for a bit longer, once it does not get bitter that easily

I am definitely getting some serious sweet potato and bread notes out of this tea – its quite earthy tasting and is going down a treat on this lazy saturday afternoon.

This sample i got from ifjuly loong time ago.

Today I decided to run side by side with Golden Monkey Paw by California Tea House
http://steepster.com/teas/california-tea-house/3166-golden-monkey-paw

H&S version is heartier, maltier and earthier. its very rich cup but today I think it was too rich for me. And earth flavor distracted me for some reason. some peppery notes emerged as it cooled at the end of the sip.

i resteeped both teas at@5min. Meh. Didnt care for either. Kinda flat and boring.

Im glad i finally tasted both, long overdue.
Thank you ifjuly for the awesome samples you sent me. Still havent finished your endless box ;-)