I bought this in the summer — I forgot I had rewards points and I will usually want to try any Hattialli. My favorite tea ever, by far, after trying thousands of teas, was hands down, no hesitation, Butiki’s Hattialli Golden Lion Assam! So I splurged for a tin. I have tried it a couple times, but sadly, the Harney in no way can compare to Butiki. The Butiki leaf had such a depth to it! The Harney leaf is very thin tasting — like a very mild tomato soup. Only a hint of tomato soup…. and really no other flavors. Hopefully that isn’t because I had just had tomato soup in the mug before that! Maybe a bit of nuttiness on the last gulp. The second steep, I might have overdid it. A bit astringent but also not really an increase in flavor complexity. The brew color is quite dark and yet the flavor still seems watered down, even losing the tomato soup quality. The Butiki was so complex, it’s just amazing this tea can even be sourced from the same area. What a shame. Very disappointing, wouldn’t buy it again. Not for that price!
Steep #1 // 1 1/2 teaspoons for a full mug // 20 minutes after boiling // 2 minute steep
Steep #2 // 2 minutes after boiling // 3-4 min
Bummer, this didn’t turn out to be a good Awesome tea. Ah, Butiki we miss you!
Yep! Imagine Butiki coming back… Yet maybe a sample of this one will find its way into the tea package I have not forgotten I owe you which will happen at some point!
Nice, I’m always up for an Assam!