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Scheherazade drank Hattialli Golden Paw Assam by Butiki Teas

2238 tasting notes

I’ve been drinking this one most of the weekend, which I spent at work hosting Nursing interviews. I went straight from my pouch of Hattialli Golden Lion to this one, and I have to say that I’m not noticing a huge difference, flavour-wise. If anything, this one is a little stronger in flavour, a little darker and more grain-like. I used 2 tsp of leaf for this cup, and gave it 3.5 minutes in boiling water. I added a splash of milk.

The initial flavour is primarily smooth dark chocolate. It’s rich and cocoa-like, and somehow almost thick tasting. Underneath that there’s a sweet maltiness, which helps to take the edge off the almost-bitterness of the initial flavour. I can detect a fleeting sweet potato note towards the end of the sip, but it doesn’t linger long.

It’s a hard call to make between Golden Lion and Golden Paw. They’re both excellent Assams, with bags of flavour; two of the best I’ve tried. I think on balance I’m leaning slightly towards the Golden Lion as my favourite, due to its creaminess and slightly sweeter flavour profile, but Golden Paw is a very close contender. Certainly a pair of teas I’ll never forget!

Preparation

Boiling 3 min, 30 sec 2 tsp

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Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.