In appearance this tea consists of: small, dark and curly leaves with some stems and golden tips present.
It smells sweet and woody with elements of cocoa, malt and smoke.
Once steeped this tea is garnet in colour and has a light malt scent with a hint of fresh wood.
Flavour is medium/strong in strength with rich malt tones that are slightly astringent and smoky. Also has a dark fruit flavour which goes into the after taste, prunes and dates in particular. Some dryness is present throughout.
As it cools it becomes more dry and seems thicker, especially the malt tones. Also getting fresh tobacco and wood shavings.
Overall: This was pretty much as I predicted: it was rich, it was dark and very full of flavour. The fruit flavours made me think of a few Taiwanese blacks that I have tried recently, so while this had Assam qualities it also kept my tasting fresh and interesting. That being said I prefer a more classic Assam. Also the quality was again very good.
For pictures and more information please view my blog.
http://www.kittylovestea.co.uk/2015/01/22/discover-indian-tea-with-golden-tips/