Surprisingly, this was one of the smoothest and most pleasant flavor experiences I've had with bagged black Ceylon tea, and perhaps Bigelow's best in that category. How much of that resulted from a baseline of lower expectations? Admittedly, most of the "Steep" line hasn't impressed me much, especially considering the negligible difference in taste relative to price for similar non-Steep teas in their portfolio. Regardless, Bigelow should keep the supply line wide open to whatever estate(s) produce this.

Dry aroma was mild but pleasant, which also can describe the flavor if steeped the recommended 4 minutes. However, leaving this in for 6–7 minutes seems to yield no bitterness penalty, and greatly strengthens the base flavor, resulting in a potent little package of dark tea with a great balance between tolerable astringency, faint bitterness and even some savory character, with unmistakable vanilla vibes. I don't think it's overtly vanilla flavored (which seemingly would have to be disclosed), but could pass for such. That imparts a creamy character to the sip from start to finish, and in the aftertaste too, nicely balancing an otherwise sharp-edged Ceylon.

One nit to pick: I don't know what qualifies as English Breakfast in a customary sense, or if there's an industry standard, but most of them I've seen involve at least two sources; whereas, this is entirely Ceylon.

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