I’ll start by saying that this note will be somewhat limited in that,so far,I’ve only had a few black teas and am not well versed in them. I liked the roasted smell of the dry leaves, though I have nothing to compare it to. The leaves didn’t quite double in size after unfurling. the wet leaves smelled alot sweeter than I expected. Color was a more red than brown with a hint of gold.
With the first drink I noticed a bold woodsy/leathery flavor, heading towards, but not entirely to, malty. Smooth with a pronounced smoke establishing itself within a few sips. The other thing that emerged was sweetness that I didn’t detect initially, and yet a hint of sour as well.
There was alot going on in this drink, it seemed to be pulling me in two different directions, if that makes sense. I don’t feel I’ve done this tea justice and would like to log it again after I’ve gained more experience with black teas, but it was a sample that has retired from my cupboard so it will have to wait until I come across it again (as I’m sure there is a fair possibility).
In general, a good cuppa that I would suggest to anyone, especially those who are partial toward black teas.
Preparation
Boiling
2 min, 30 sec
