Another Murchie's mix marches out of the box and firmly into fond appreciation, this one in a traditional but growing group that honors assorted British royalty. The dry-bag aroma is mild but pleasant, offering an honest hint at the smooth and bold flavor to come. This blend tastes, has in-cup aroma and smells in the wet bag, remarkably similar to Golden Jubilee and Murchie's Afternoon blends, two of my favorites from their mostly excellent line of black-tea mixes.

The origins list—Ceylon, Darjeeling, Assam, and Yunnan—differs from Golden Jubilee by swapping out the Himalayan and Keemun of Golden and substituting in Yunnan. Which of the Jubilees you'd prefer probably depends on the subtle influences of Yunnan here vs. Keemun and Himalayan there. I recommend trying both. Not naturally blessed with the delicately sensitive taste-bud array of those with more discerning and exquisitely nuanced tea-tasting abilities, I can't tell much difference between them. What I can say is that it's at least as good overall as Golden, which I also rated fairly highly. Diamond's flavor and aroma are smooth and rich, with solid body, just strong enough to satisfy me, but probably not so intense as to be overpowering to those with more delicate palates. I can pick up on the rich Assam component, having chugged a lot of that by now. It seems naturally sweet and takes to sweetener very well.

Diamond Jubilee probably would make a fine iced tea, given how well it holds or even slightly enhances flavor upon cooldown. The aftertaste lingers a long time, but in a pleasant way (doesn't get bitter nor musty). I also had some with a bar of dark chocolate, and that worked out well.

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