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Cameron B. drank Assam Exotic Second Flush Black Tea by Vahdam

4310 tasting notes

Vahdam Advent Calendar – Day 9

Yay, it’s nice to have a straight tea to break up all of the various spiced blends! Although the name of this is weird, it’s just a second flush Assam so I’m not sure what “exotic” is supposed to mean…? Anyway, the dry leaf has a few lovely golden tips.

This is super mellow for an Assam! Not sure if the second flush has anything to do with that, I confess I don’t know if any of the other Assams I’ve had were first or second flush. Anyway, this is very smooth and malty with thick bready notes. I taste a touch of raisin, which is generally something I taste more strongly in this type of tea. There is a little hint of briskness and tannic intensity around the edges I think. I get whispers of something akin to creamy vanilla at the end of the sip? And overall this has a much woodier profile than expected as well. Little hit of astringency in the aftertaste.

It’s very easy-drinking and perfect for a work tea that doesn’t require too much attention. I do wish it had a little bit of a fuller body to it, as that would help the bread notes have a bit more chewiness to them. Am I even making any sense at this point…? XD

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIlmto_ALiT/

(today’s advent teas: https://www.instagram.com/p/CIlVZ7VAeAO/)

Flavors: Astringent, Bread, Malt, Milk, Raisins, Smooth, Tannic, Vanilla, Wood

Preparation

2 tsp 12 OZ / 354 ML

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Bio

Hi, I’m Cameron!

I’m a 30-something software engineer currently living in Austin, Texas with my husband and our two pugs, Gobo and Ume. I tend to cycle between my different hobbies, and they include piano, knitting, video games, board games, miniature painting, planners, bento, Korean skincare, and – of course – TEA! But really, what I’m best at is “collecting” hobby-related things… ;)

~ 2025 SIPDOWN CHALLENGE! ~
- January sipdowns: 27
- Total 2025 sipdowns: 27

I prefer my tea lukewarm or at room temperature and without milk or sugar. I steep Western style, and fluctuate between using big mugs or small teapots depending on the season.

I am always up for a swap! Just let me know if you’d like to try something in my cupboard.

Tea Preferences:
I enjoy both flavored and unflavored teas in many forms. These days, I drink mostly flavored teas, and I tend to gravitate most toward black, green, oolong, and herbal varieties. I do have a special fondness for straight Japanese green teas, however.

I do not sweeten my teas, and pre-sweetened teas are usually too sweet for me. I also do not enjoy stevia (or monkfruit, etc.).

I tend to reach for fruitier flavors rather than desserty ones these days, but I do have favorites from both categories. Willing to try anything once! There are a few ingredients/flavors that aren’t generally my jam, such as coconut, rose, lavender, and chocolate flavoring. But I also have teas that I love with some of those things, too! :)

Favorite Companies:
3 Leaf
Bird & Blend
Dammann Frères
Harney & Sons
Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms
Lupicia
Old Barrel Tea Co
Simpson & Vail
Taiwan Tea Crafts
TeaVivre

Tea Rating Scale:
90-100: Outstanding! Permanent cupboard resident
80-89: Great – a possible staple
70-79: Good, but I wouldn’t buy it
60-69: It’s decent
50-59: Meh… I may or may not have finished the cup
40-49: Ick. Couldn’t finish it.
00-39: Repulsive, I spat it out

I will sometimes refrain from rating a tea if I feel I’m too biased due to my personal dislikes, or if I suspect the sample has been compromised by age or scent contamination.

Cupboard Spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZEuKf1-ppR-VXajO4vV39zU1N3zjFJteEPAynqD2yl0/edit?usp=sharing