Tea: Kandy OP
A Ceylon Black Tea from Upton Tea Imports
Brand: | Upton Tea Imports |
Style: | Ceylon Black Tea |
Region: | Kandy, Sri Lanka |
Caffeine: | Caffeinated |
Loose? | Loose |
# Ratings: | 3 View All |
Product page: | Kandy OP |
Reviewer: Alex Zorach
✓ 1453 teas reviewed
✓ 45 of Ceylon Black Tea
✓ 501 of Black Tea
✓ 173 of Upton Tea Imports
✓ 9 from Kandy, Sri Lanka
✓ 68 from Sri Lanka / Ceylon
Review of Kandy OP
April 29th, 2015
Aroma | Flavor | Value | Total |
8 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 87 of 100 |
Excellent | Excellent | Outstanding |
The aroma is mild, and very typical for a British-style black tea, on the malty side for a Ceylon, and much more complex than most other Ceylons. I found it is easy to overlook if brewed weakly, but really comes alive if brewed more strongly.
This tea is quite slow to infuse; I like steeping 5 minutes or more, and I also recommend using a bit more leaf than normal.
The aroma is deep and fruity, with some subtle vegetal notes that become a bit spicy too. Slightly peppery finish. Less malty when brewed than the leaf suggests. There are a hint of smoky notes.
Flavor is balanced: very full-bodied and rich, but only a moderate bitterness even if brewed strongly. The bitterness is evenly distributed throughout, from start to finish. Tastes better hot.
A very good Ceylon tea, definitely among the best examples I've tried from any company. Excellent price. Also resteeps quite well; I was always able to brew two satisfying cups; the second takes a very long steeping though to bring out the fullest flavor.