Smells earthy, like a pu-erh, or one of the less sweet Yunnan blacks.

Numi's website says that this tea contains Keemun and that's the first impression I get from the flavor; it's full of dark molasses and prunes or raisins with a bit of cocoa. The finish is dryer, and the earthiness I noticed in the aroma lingers. There's a nice astringency and bitterness, presumably from the Assam, but they're not overpowering or distracting. The flavor is complex, having characteristics that are identifiable from the list of teas in the blend ("malty Assam, robust Ceylon, brisk Chinese Keemun and hints of floral Darjeeling"), but some that aren't and seem to emerge from the blend.

I was initially skeptical that the list of teas would blend well, but the blending is masterful. This tea is definitely greater than the sum of its parts.

I was put off at first by how expensive this tea is ($6.99 for 18 tea bags). I'm still not ready to call it a bargain, but it's definitely worth twice as much as a box of Bigelow. With the tea bags this good, I'm considering ordering some of the loose tea.

Add your own review

Login or Sign Up to comment on this review.