Assam #8

Took this one in a tumbler to church with me this morning. Was a rough morning to be out and about, but this tea made it a bit more enjoyable. Still trying to decide if I should purchase more of this when I finally run out. Today it tasted really fruity and almost like grapes. Which I usually don’t like in teas, but in this one it worked for me. But I only used those leaves once, and couldn’t re-steep them later. Maybe by the time I’ve finished the two ounces I have, I’ll know if I want to make this one a keeper.
But today It was nice! (:

Funny thing, I started writing a tasting note for Butiki’s Premium Taiwanese Assam before remembering that this was what I chose after momentarily grabbing the PTA and changing my mind. I thought it smelled different. And…dare I say it? Better. Don’t get me wrong, I drink PTA almost every day and I love it.

I opened samples of two different Tealux Assams last night to compare, and was immediately reminded all over again why I love Assam so much. There’s so much variation between different varieties that it would be almost impossible to get bored of it, and the flavour is always so, so good.

This one reminded me strongly of Butiki’s Premium Taiwanese Assam, both in appearance and scent. That would make sense, I suppose, as they’re both Taiwanese in origin. This one has the same long, thick, twisty black leaves, and it’s insanely fruity to smell.

I gave this about 4 minutes in boiling water, and the resulting liquor was a golden brown with hints of almost ruby. It smells sweet and malty, and these notes carry through into the flavour. To taste, there’s a strong element of dried fruit — raisin particularly. There’s also hints of sweet potato, and the tiniest smidge of grain.

I’d have to compare this side by side with PTA to be more certain of their similarities, and to know which, if any, I prefer overall. This was a delcious cup, though. Black beauty indeed!