Assam Mangalam Second Flush FTGFOP1 from Zen Tea

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Zen Tea

Tea Description:

Golden tips evoke the hot sun of the early June Second Flush Harvest. One of finest producers in region delivers a beautiful example of what is possible under the right conditions. Slightly heartier and creamier than some whole leaf Assams, this selection picks up deep malty notes of cocoa and subtle fruit.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

It’s been a little while since I’ve had a really good, pure Assam tea … so when this tea arrived I was quick to brew up a pot of it, forsaking some of the other teas that I’ve had waiting for me for some time now.  (Don’t worry, my pretties, I’ll get to you soon!)

And I am so glad that I decided to brew this … it’s just exactly what I needed!  I’ve been feeling a bit off lately … not exactly sick, although I’ve had symptoms, but really, the cause is lack of sleep.  My youngest daughter just started up school again not too long ago and I am one of those people that if they don’t get enough sleep, I start feeling sick with the aches, cold sweats, and nausea.  But, I go back to bed for a couple of hours and presto, I’m feeling much more like myself now.  Hopefully, I’ll get used to the new sleeping schedule soon!

Until then, thank goodness for Assam tea which has the delicious flavor and strength to help me shake what little residual feelings I might have after my short nap.

And this Assam is one of the very best that I’ve tried in a very long time.  The aroma of the dry leaf is earthy and sweet and it brought a smile to my face like I had just met up with an old friend that I hadn’t seen in a while.  The brewed tea maintains that sweet fragrance, although the scent is softer than when the tea is dry.

As for the taste:  Oh wow… this tastes amazing.  It is bold and earthy, with a delectable caramel-y sweetness.  The caramel is further emphasized by the malt tones, and I even just noticed a hint of freshly roasted coffee in there too.  It has a creaminess to it (and this could be enhanced with a splash of cream if you want to go latte, I did not, and still find it quite creamy without) Very rich, very complex, and very much a joy to drink.

And oh yes… it definitely has the gusto to get one motivated, too!   If you like Assam, you’ve really got to try this one … it’s AMAZING!