Tiger Assam

I needed a good tea this morning, and A&D delivered. The last time I had this, well the only other time besides today, I was admittedly a bit disappointed. I had such high expectations and it fell flat. Today it has redeemed itself!

This one is really good. Lots of depth and hints of maltiness and syrup. There’s also no astringency. Thrilled to have had the opportunity to try this one. Thanks Cameron!

Thanks, Cameron B. :D Only a couple more of yours to go. What a beautiful sample box you sent me. I got to try all kinds of goodies from all kinds of vendors I’ve never experienced.

It’s almost midnight here so I skipped the gongfu and put 3.3g in 10 oz boiling water, let it steep for 4 minutes. Easy peasy. It was malty, good flavor with notes of caramelized sugar, raisins, brown sugar, dark cocoa notes. No faults in it, it’s a very smooth black tea. I just usually like my black tea bolder, maltier, breadier than this one. On a positive note, of the ones I got to try, A&D does seem to have good tea. :D

Sipdown! Thanks for the sample… Sil? I think I waited a touch too long for this tea (and it was looking a little crushed), but I did get some tasty raisiny notes and am sure this is quite tasty fresh and whole!

I have a number of A&D teas I haven’t tasted yet, and I get to do that as part of my “taste every tea in the cupboard and write a note about it” project. It’s always a pleasure to drink A&D so I’m really excited that I get to do this.

The leaves of this are pretty — very tippy, and they smell earthy and a little minerally. Also a little like something baked. Baked sweet potato, maybe.

The steeped tea definitely has a sweet smell like sweet potatoes. It has a stewed fruity aspect to it as well. Prunes? The color is a clear, dark chestnut.

The tea has a bit of Assam throat grab, a sort of a bite (well, they did name it after a tiger, right)? But it isn’t as harsh as a lot of other Assams I’ve had. It’s strong, but more smooth than harsh, and the tea itself has a pleasant malty mildness which is a little surprising. It’s not at all bitter, not what I’d call “stout” (which is basically my way of saying heavy on the stomach). None of that here.

The aftertaste has a sweet, mocha note.

It’s a truly lovely Assam.

I’m not sure which of the two assams by this company is the one that I’m sampling from a traveling tea box, so I’m taking a guess that it is this one based on description. It’s an assam. It makes for an ok cup with some cream, but really isn’t seeming that fantastic. I’m keeping in mind that I have no idea the age of this tea… it could be quite old for all I know, but my impression is “eh”.

hmm, I’m not sure what all the hype is about. I liked the smooth and malty flavours/mouthfeel here, but it isn’t the best Assam I’ve had. It was good, but lacked the
undertones of baked bread and overwhelming creaminess that I associate with a really good Assam.

Group buy with Tea Tiff.

This is a very smooth black tea. It mostly tastes like wood with a hint of sweet potato to me. It’s good, but not as good as Red-Tailed Hawk.

I usually go for Assams that are extremely malty, and this one doesn’t have much maltiness at all. That being said, this is such a good, solid, robust tea, the lack of malt doesn’t affect my enjoyment of it. Don’t overleaf, unless you want a VERY strong tea with a very small amount of bitterness. It’s pretty forgiving about oversteeping, but I wouldn’t push it too much. Otherwise, a pleasant, flavorful, smooth tea with a hint of sweetness. One of my go-to teas to start my day.

I forgot to log that I finally ordered this tea after wanting to try it for so long! And boy, I am glad I ordered it because I just finished off my favourite Assam. This isn’t quite as delicious as my favourite but it’s pretty darn close. The tin is awesome with great graphics, but it is a little hard to pry open. It’s worth it I guess for the tea to stay fresh!

Anyway, I really enjoy this smooth, malty cuppa breakfast deliciousness. It will likely become a cupboard staple from now on!