I find it a bit strange that Novus offers both a caffeinated and decaffeinated Ceylon tea from Kenilworth estate. Usually, companies do not wish to draw attention to the difference between a caffeinated tea and its decaffeinated counterpart, as the decaf tea usually pales in comparison. But, in this case, Novus boldly stocks both teas. Perhaps Novus wants to draw attention to the fact that they've managed to carry a decaf tea that is quite pleasing to drink.

I obviously think this tea tastes a lot better than its decaf version, but the difference is not as big as I'd expect. The decaf tea (which I have not yet posted a review of) is pretty good, one of the best I've ever had from a tea bag.

Both teas are full-bodied, dark, but mellow-tasting black teas with a strong fruitiness, more reminiscent of a Keemun than a typical Ceylon. Both are smoother and fruitier than other loose-leaf teas I've sampled from Kenilworth estate.

The decaf tea is markedly milder, but this is still a fairly mild tea. This tea has slightly more bitterness, and a slightly more complex flavor, with a sort of musky quality. Stronger flavor overall.

Good. But honestly, I'd prefer Novus to carry something else instead of this tea. I really like the Novus brand; I think it is on par with other, higher-priced brands of whole-leaf tea sachets, including Two Leaves and a Bud, and Mighty Leaf, and it has slightly lower prices too. There are some noticeable absences from Novus' offerings, however, like rooibos and oolong, yet they offer three caffeinated pure black teas (this, the South Indian Select, and the Darjeeling) and one Earl Grey. If I were running Novus, I'd probably drop this one and replace it with a rooibos or oolong.

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