Java – Pasir Nangka OP Black Tea from Upton Tea Imports

Pasir Nangka OPTea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Upton Tea Imports

Tea Description:

The dark, bold, and wiry leaves of this selection yield a red coppery liquor with full flavor and smooth character. Notes of spice in the aroma add to the overall appeal. A great value to be enjoyed at any time of day. 

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

I don’t know if it’s just coincidence that I’ve been encountering more and more Indonesian teas lately or maybe it has something to do with the fact that I’ve been concerned about the volcano and maybe I’m unconsciously looking for teas from Indonesia.  However, I do want to say that my thoughts go out to those in Indonesia in the aftermath of the volcano.

This Pasir Nangka OP (Orange Pekoe) from Upton Tea Imports and produced in the Java region of Indonesia is a very pleasing full-flavored black tea.  It is robust and energizing!

It has a very hearty flavor – this tastes like something that I’d want in my teacup first thing in the morning on those mornings when I don’t really want to get up, but I have to.  This will help me feel that sense of alertness that I’ll need on a day like that.

It has a strongly “roasted” sort of flavor.  I don’t know if this is how black teas are usually processed in Indonesia … but, this definitely has a rich, roasty flavor to it.  I can taste hints of smoke and earth to it, as well as a background of spice notes that meld especially well with the aforementioned roasted notes.  There is a fair amount of astringency to this cup as well – my palate feels a little dry after each sip.

This is a tea that I’d recommend keeping your eye on the timer for, because while my cup was not what I’d call bitter, I could taste a subtle bitter tone that tells me that had I oversteeped this tea, it would have been bitter.  I brewed it for 2 1/2 minutes in boiling water, and that seems to be just the right amount of time for my palate.

Overall, an enjoyable cup of tea, but not my favorite black Indonesian tea.  It’s good though, and I’m glad I had this opportunity to try it.