Except for Margaret’s Hope second flush Darjeeling , Chamraj Estate Nilgiri and Kenilworth Ceylon, I have long considered myself a dyed in the wool drinker of Chinese tea. I had relegated Assam teas to use for medicinal purposes. You know, like when you’ve only had a couple of hours sleep and need a good jolt of caffeine to re establish your vital signs.
My new found curiosity for Assam tea was awakened recently after reading an article online about the central role of Assam in East Frisian tea culture. So, brimming with anticipation, I trotted myself over to Carytown Teas, a true jewel in the crown of Richmond’s tea scene, and purchased their Organic Assam. And today – Holy low barometric pressure, Batman! What a day to reacquaint myself with this tea. Lots of storms – heavy rain, wind, roaring thunder and lightning. Ideal weather for a brilliant Assam such as this! I’d almost swear that the stormy North Sea was right around the corner from my house today!
This tea is rich. Malty, of course, along with smooth caramel notes and pastry. Quite a bit of yummy pastry actually. There was a mild fruitiness in the aroma and flavor that for the world reminded me of cherry Danish. There was some very mild bitterness, but it actually complimented the unexpected fruitiness of this tea. With the addition of milk and a little sugar, I believe that I had a perfect Assam experience. Oh, and it definitely obliterated my fatigue!
Now, my next project is to attempt to drink it in true East Frisian fashion, or at least as close as this Virginia boy can reproduce it, by blending it with a little bit of Darjeeling and/or Ceylon. I’ll need some rock sugar candy and some heavy cream too. That’s for another day though, but I do believe that this beautiful Assam will be perfect for it.
Bottom line – Carytown Tea’s Organic Assam is a beautiful, richly flavored and sturdy Assam that is a joy to drink!
Now, another cup to enjoy the stormy day.
Flavors: Caramel, Malt, Pastries, Stonefruits
