This Extra Special FTGFOP1 grade black tea is from the revered Mangalam estate in Assam region. This loose leaf tea is a perfect example of the beautifully made authentic Assam black tea with large leaves and an abundance of golden tips. The flavour is deliciously malty, rich and spicy and gives a dark amber infusion. A great breakfast tea, the brew can be enjoyed with milk and sugar per your personal preference. Assam tea , most of which is grown at or near sea level, is known for its body, briskness, malty flavor, and strong, bright color. Assam teas, or blends containing Assam, makes a great "breakfast" tea.
Assam
The state of Assam is the largest tea-growing region in the world. This part of India experiences high precipitation during the monsoon period, with as much as 10 to 12 inches (250-300 mm) of rain per day. The daytime temperature rises to about 103F (40°C), creating greenhouse-like conditions of extreme humidity and heat. This tropical climate contributes to Assam's unique malty taste, a feature for which its teas are well known.
Brewing Guidance: Use ca. 200ml of water per 3-4g of tea | Boil water to 100℃ | Steep for 4-5 minutes.
Aroma: Caramel.
Colour: Deep amber.
Flavour: The tea imparts a malty, deep, rich and spicy flavour.
Ingredients: Pure Assam FTGFOP1 Black Tea.
Tea region: Assam, India.
Region & Time of Harvest
This tea is harvested in summer in the revered Mangalam estate in Assam region in India.
This is a great tea but needs to be prepared carefully to get the best from it, important especially given the price. It took me longer than usual to find the right strength, and I ultimately found myself using more tea leaves per cup and a long steep time (at least 5 minutes in a pre-heated pot). At the right strength, there is sufficient body and a lovely amber colour. The tipping point between this and having a cup that it too weak or lack the full body and flavour is quite fine, so be prepared to experiment a little to find the balance that works for you. If adding milk, do so carefully as it can over-dilute the flavour quite quickly. This is a very fine tea but it's more about finesse than strength.
This current shipment is so far below previous standards it is hard to believe it's from the same garden. This is now a distinctly average tea being sold at a premium price.
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