“So what does Assam taste like?” If a tea rookie asks you that question, serve this. It’s exactly what I think of: mahogany in color, malty and nutty and strong. I left this unattended (so what else is new??) for about a minute longer than I should have so there’s a little bitterness, but that can be toned down with a little dairy.
Somebody asked me once when I became a tea junkie; I think it dates back to college when I needed caffeine for a 7 a.m. class but chose not to do coffee. My favorite teapot is a medium-sized Brown Betty given to me by my Mema; the painted flowers are chipping off, but the size and feel is perfect. I rejoice when I get a morning to brew a pot of loose tea starting with a kettle; not a bag and a hot pot.
Southwest Missouri
