The third of the four rather old Assam samples that I'm reviewing, thanks to one of my friends who gave them to me as she doesn't like Assam.

The dry leaf of this sample is beautiful (the picture Upton provided doesn't do it justice), mostly made of curled golden tips, with little darker leaf. Surprisingly aromatic for a tea that isn't terribly fresh--aroma is very fruity, and also of rye.

Brews up a potent cup with a very pleasant, creamy aroma. Aroma suggests vanilla, fruit, and sweet malt. Very full-bodied, with a slightly tannic finish but a smoother initial sensation on the palate. I sense the "wine-like hint" that Upton alludes to in their description.

There's a peppery quality that I usually associate with Yunnan teas.

I loved this tea and I wish I could have sampled it at its prime. Even as old as it was, it was excellent. It didn't retain its strength all that well through resteeping, but it did retain the fruity and creamy qualities of aroma, which surprised me as it's usually the other way around with strong Assams. I suspect this is due to the high portion of tips in this one, and the mostly-intact nature of the tips in the leaf.

Add your own review

Login or Sign Up to comment on this review.