This tea tastes exactly as expected and definitely lived up to my expectations. Malt, sweetness, and a bit of pleasant bitterness from the tannins were my first tastes. The color is bright and coppery. I added a bit of soy milk, lightly sweetened, and the flavor blossomed and became fuller. I really enjoyed this tea for breakfast and had the rebrew, with no additives, for lunch. A very drinkable Assam, smooth, not astringent, and full of interesting layers of flavor.