This Loose Leaf Dry Leaf Smell is CLEAN and Crisp! The color is a reddish dark brown. It’s strong and bold and malty and I like it. It’s true black tea but with a black sweetness I can’t seem to shake. Yet another good stand-bye from Teatulia but there is just something about this one that I like a tad better. I have a feeling I will be going thru this pouch quickly!