75 Tasting Notes
The maltiness of Assam pairs well with the spice of cinnamon in this delicious tea. The flavour is smooth, with a lovely cinnamon flavour accented by clove and fennel to give it a little depth of spice. I drank this as a milk tea, and love the taste. I agree with Cofftea in that this bag is not exactly what I consider a Chai. Perhaps I can try a milk-brew next time.
Funny thing: I was heating the kettle when the UPS man delivered my parcel of Lupicia tea. How’s that for serendipitous timing? :)
On a recent cruise on Celebrity’s Constellation, I enjoyed Mhai Diva teas – Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Darjeeling. These teas are meant for cruise lines, hotels, and similar food-service outlets, but some limited retail outlets exist in Europe. I found this Earl Grey to be very smooth and creamy, with very low astringency. The quality is great for a foil-sealed tea bag.
Preparation
I’m still in love with this tea. I sometimes feel guilty smothering the cardamom “bite” with milk, but it’s great either way. It feels like a bold black tea with that extra kick of cardamom, and it’s deeply satisfying with or without milk. This has become my current dinner tea!
Received from a friend in Italy. A perfectly serviceable vanilla tea, but the flavour of the vanilla is not quite potent enough to stand up to milk, which I always use for black tea. Perhaps it would be better without milk… I sweetened my cup with agave nectar and enjoyed this as a morning tea. It’s not as bracing as Earl Grey, so I would suggest as a mild, smooth afternoon tea. Good, but not as creamy as I had hoped.
Received from a friend in Italy. I enjoyed this tea sweetened with agave nectar and no milk, and it was very good. A good balance of fruity sweetness and nice Ceylon black tea. I am unfamiliar with the brand, but I would put Mlesna on the same level as Bigelow or Stash tea for quality.
Quite astringent for an Earl Grey, but mellowed a bit with milk. Peppery and bright from the bergamot oil, which doesn’t get a lot of backup from the Ceylon tea – there’s no strong black tea feel to back up the bergamot. I like mine strong and hearty, but this one doesn’t quite get to that level (and I won’t risk oversteeping an Earl Grey).
Just received an assortment of tea from Timeless Teas, from a friend – this Assam is robust and has a malty flavor without being overly strong. I sweeten mine and add milk, which results in an earthy, satisfying breakfast tea. I look forward to trying the other Timeless Teas!
