Teas 5 - 10
Anastasia by Kusmi teas: Predominantly bergamot flavoured light black tea. Leaf.
As I mentioned in the last tea post I'm not hugely keen on Bergamot scented teas and this is n example of why I don't like them. The Bergamot leaves very little space for the flavour of the tea to come out so you get a lightly sweet, bergamotty flavour with the tiniest undertone of tea then you're left with an aftertaste that is both floral and slightly metallic. This was disappointing as it's aroma has a definite sharper leafy edge to it than just the cloying bergamot. Probably the thinnest body to date as well. Not a winner.
Apple and Mango by Whittard: Caffeine Free. Teabags.
Tart and tasty this is a fruit teas that actually tastes of the fruit it's made of, though the apple flavour is much more noticeable than the mango. The tartness is probably due in part to the hibiscus base but as it compliments the flavour (which isn't always the case when it's used with fruit) and gives it it's rich pinky purple colour. When this is accompanied by the natural sweetness of the fruit it ends up feeling a bit like you're drinking an apple pie! Yummy!
Apple Crumble by Whittard: Flavoured Light Black Tea. Leaf.
I have no idea how long I've had this tea, I also have no idea when anyone last drank this so we brewed it up expecting it to have little or no flavour as it's been hanging around since time immemorial. We were pleasantly surprised to find that it still had a sweet, creamy aroma with a pleasing hint of sinnamon to it, it's body was still full and comfotingly syrupy and that the flavour was creamy, biscuity and sweet with a delicate apple flavour that definitely made you think of Apple Crumble. The only things that time seemed to have done to it was to make the cinnamon disappear when tasting (which David was fine with as he doesn't like cinnamon much anyways) and to rob it of it's colour so it was a rather flat, dull rust colour. We were both pleased with it and will try not to forget that it's worth drinking from now on.
Assam by Whittard (house blend): Strong black tea. Teabag.
Definitely the strongest tea we've tried so far. It's aroma had tones of tobacco to it, full bodied to the point of heaviness with a flavour that was at once both astringent and comforting. Rich and strong with a dark brown almost coffee like colour this is proper morning brew. Bordering on the edge of being harsh - possibly because we're still not very skilled when it comes to brewing with teabags! - it's flavour is full and round enough to take being this strong without becoming too tanniny (which should be a word if it isn't). Not sure I'd buy it again as there are so many fab Assam's out there (and in my tea cupboard) but definitely worth drinking, especially if you dance on the stronger side of tea.
Assam Harmutty Gold Tips by Whittard. Single Estate. Medium Black Tea. Leaf.
This tea is utterly delicious. A beautifully warm earthy brown colour which is clear to the bottom with a rusty red richness to it. It smells divine, bright, creamy and sweet and feels silky in the mouth. All of which lead you to expect a fantastic flavour, and you definitely get it. Sweet and creamy with overtones of something like brown sugar or molasses this is a rich, deeply satisfying tea that I would definitely urge anyone to try if they get the chance.
Assam Royal by Gilles: Black Tea. Leaf.
The aroma and colour of this flavour are both on the gentle side, golden brown in colour and with a lightly sweet and creamy aroma it leads you to expect a delicate flavour. The flavour you do get is as wonderfully sweet and creamy as the aroma but build in your mouth to add a rounded richness to it that is truly wonderful. It's body may be a little thin but it's still silky enough and is fantastically refreshing. If you happen to be in Germany and see a Gilles tea shop pop in and grab some, I promise you won't regret it!
And because there's no such thing as too much tea if you head to the Clipper Teas website and sign up to their club as a taster then they'll send you some free tea samples. Which is always a good thing!
Apologies for any horrific typos, it's taken many hours to cobble this together as my brain isn't on form today!