Another chilly morning here… somehow I really wanted to try this assam today!
This was steeped for 4 minutes via regular teapot method. The dry leaves are slightly broken up and fine (although not as fine as a CTC assam). The leaves after steeping smell malty and slightly biscuity.
Often times I will take an assam with soymilk but I wanted to try this plain to see what it was like. The tea liquor is a reddish brown and is very full bodied. The tea itself is brisk and slightly pungent but without a lot of astringency in the finish. I fear I may have oversteeped it a tad but I like it all the same. It’s not difficult for me to sip on plain, but when I added some soymilk to it, it helped cut the briskness a bit. I am picking up on the honey notes a bit.
I generally prefer an assam that is a bit mellower and smoother than this one, but I have enjoyed trying it. Probably not going to go on my list of things to re-order though. :)
I was considering buying this one…….now I’m not sure. Funny thing is, after drinking my Nahorhabi Assam from H & S (which I thought was really good), it’s hard to find cheaper Assams I’d like. I’m not snobbish, or even tea snobbish-but it’s tough sometimes finding that assam that makes me say, "OOHH YYEEAAHHH! :))
Scott, I remember you sent me the Nahorhabi and I liked it better than this one…
I might need to try this… :)
@The PC – it wasn’t bad!
Thanks, I tend to like/love the malty flavors.
Amy, how does it compare to the Nahorhabi?…….in 10,000 words or less. :))
The 2011 Mangalam Assam is truly outstanding. I’m tasting it now!
@H & S-Your 2011 Nahorhabi Assam is really special.